• Three petrols, two diesels and a plug-in hybrid available
• 35 TFSI introduces mild-hybrid technology
• Manual and auto gearboxes; Quattro available

Petrol engines

The top regular petrol engine is the 45 TFSI Quattro S Tronic. This 2.0-litre 230hp petrol engine produces 350Nm of torque for impressive acceleration, confirmed by a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds, topping-out at 144mph. It feels muscular and flexible on the road, progressing with urgency with the lightest of throttle applications – that peak pulling power is developed from just 1,500rpm. It sounds suitably sporty, too, with an appropriately exhaust note encouraging you along. A slightly less powerful 190hp 40 TFSI is also available although we’re yet to try it.

At the bottom of the petrol range is the 35 TFSI. Both manual and S Tronics are available, with the 150hp 1.5-litre petrol engine featuring cylinder-on-demand – during off-throttle driving it will run on two cylinders to save fuel. This is the slowest engine, but not by much – it’ll reach 62mph from a standstill in 9.6 seconds. 

More interestingly, the S Tronic features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. In short, it gives the Q3 a small electrical boost when accelerating to make it a bit smoother, but it also makes the stop-start function a quicker process and less jerky. There’s 250Nm of torque available from 1,500rpm. It feels adequate rather than brisk to drive, though and the brakes have a less natural feel than those of the others, being spongier while the regenerative system harvests electrical energy. You soon get used to it, but it’s not exactly pleasant.

Diesel engines

The 35 TDI is the entry-level diesel. It’s a 2.0-litre motor with 150hp and a manual gearbox, capable of a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 126mph. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on these models. If you want an automatic transmission with this engine, it’s front-wheel drive only and manages the 0-62mph sprint in the same time as the manual.

Arriving slightly later was the 40 TDI Quattro S Tronic, featuring a 190hp version of the 35 TDI’s engine. On paper it’s got a lot to commend it, with 400Nm of torque from 1,900rpm resulting in a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 134mph.

Unfortunately, to drive it lacks lustre, and doesn’t feel remotely as fleet of foot as the numbers suggest it will. There’s no sporty sound to the engine, just a loud diesel clatter as you press on, and the seven-speed twin-clutch autobox seems less convincing than it does in the 45 TFSI, hunting for the right ratio for longer and being indecisive as it goes about its business.

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Plug-in hybrid

The TFSI e combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 245hp and 400Nm of torque. This is good enough for a 7.3-second 0-62mph time.

RS Q3

The flagship performance model in the Q3 Sportback range is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged, five cylinder petrol engine. Producing 400hp and 480Nm of torque, this requires 4.5 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph with a top speed of 155mph.

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Power is sent via the Quattro all-wheel drive system and a seven-speed automatic gearbox coms as standard.

There’s a little lag at low engine speeds, but performance is incredibly strong once above 3,000rpm.

It’s also a wonderful sounding engine as standard, with some of it artificially piped in from behind the dash. You can also opt for a louder sports exhaust for added theatre, and if you do, you’ll have an RS Q3 that sounds as loud as it looks, especially if you opt for the bright Kyalami Green paint.

How does it handle?

• Feels nimble, traction is impressive
• Sensibly judged ride comfort/handling balance
• Sadly lacks real engagement for keen drivers

Here’s this car’s biggest weakness: despite the implication of its name, it’s not that sporty to drive, unfortunately. Let’s be clear: it’s not bad – it corners with an impressive lack of bodyroll and versions fitted with Quattro four-wheel drive corner faithfully thanks to a very solid and planted feel, but there’s little going on to communicate to the driver that suggests fun is being had. For that, head towards a BMW X2 or even a Range Rover Evoque.

Six drive modes are available for the Q3 Sportback: Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Auto (which picks the one that best-suits the road speed and steering inputs), Individual (configurable) and Offroad. We’ve yet to sample the latter one, but it includes hill-descent control for making off-roading less challenging. Dynamic, with a sharper throttle response and heavier steering seems to fit the Audi’s character best, but sadly it doesn’t make it more scintillating to drive.

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If being sated while driving is of less importance, then the Q3 will feel more polished as a comfy cruiser, able to ply motorways with the same level of deftness as being driven gently in urban areas, its steering and pedals all feel light to use, making them less tiring on longer journeys. Keep it in Comfort mode, with its gentler throttle response, and it’s a calm, largely serene driving experience. Is that really want you want from a crossover coupe, though?

RS Q3 is surprisingly entertaining

For an SUV that’s typically well known for long-distance comfort, you’d be forgiven for thinking the RS Q3 is all about straight-line pace.

The steering remains a weak point, with plenty of weight in RS mode, but lacking in feel. There’s plenty of grip available when tackling corners, but there is a playful chassis to enjoy when pushed. The back of the RS Q3 can be encouraged to pivot round a little, and while this is hardly a priority in a practical family car, the fact that it can is a huge bonus for drivers looking for a dose of fun.