• All engines should prove to be economical
• Diesel a low-volume seller, but most frugal
• Mild-hybrid petrol makes its debut

The Sportback range kicks off with the 35 TFSI, with these WLTP-tested models rated at around 40mpg  with CO2 outputs in the 130g/km range, while the 45 TFSI Quattro S Tronic auto is capable of low-30s mpg and CO2 in the low 170s. That’s easily enough to stick it in the top 37% company car tax bracket.

We expect the diesels to be the cheapest conventional engine option, even cheaper than the 35 TFSI with the mild-hybrid system. The 35 TDI in manual form (but with Quattro) returns offers similar economy to the 35 TFSI, but with significantly higher CO2 emissions. The front-wheel drive S Tronic models are much more efficient.

Unsurprisingly, the RS Q3 consumes the most fuel with a claimed 27.7-28.8mpg, and CO2 output of 223-231g/km. We managed to reach 31mpg on the motorway, but this dropped very quickly to 22mpg when using all the performance available. Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres.

A plug-in hybrid badged TFSI e arrived in 2021, offering a 13kWh battery and up to 29 miles of electric range. It has the potential to be the cheapest of all to run assuming you keep the battery topped up, although the sub-30 mile electric only range means it’ll be pricier on BIK company car tax than many rivals.

Other running costs will be similar to SUV versions of the Q3, meaning common sense has to be applied: the larger the alloy wheels, the more expensive the tyres; the more powerful the engine, the greater the fuel consumption and likely insurance costs.

Is it reliable?

• Good reputation for reliability
• Much of the tech already tried and tested
• Solid construction using plush materials

It’s far too early to know for sure how reliable the Q3 Sportback will prove to be, but given that much of the technology appears across the vast Volkswagen Group suite of models – not just the SUV version of the Q3 – chances are that there won’t be significant maladies. All Q3 models come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty to cover you in the first few years of ownership.

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