Audi Q3 35 TDI Sportback extols diesel virtues

While you do hear the characteristic clatter when outside the vehicle, its timbre is muzzled by extensive sound proofing. From inside, you would hardly be able to tell this was a diesel.

Unless of course you were the person behind the wheel, savouring that extra dollop of torque on offer. The motor facilitates a more effortless cruising experience than the 35 TFSI. Though the dual-clutch exhibits characteristic low-speed clunkiness, it is buttery-smooth on the go.

An open-road economy run beckoned while the diesel Q3 was in my possession, but it was hardly a challenge in the conventional sense. After the first 20km or so the mission to achieve the lowest consumption was forgotten, as the climate control, heated seats and sounds of Jamiroquai were cranked up. Even still, without trying to be super frugal, the trip computer displayed an incredible 4.7l/100km,  and a snip under the 5l/100km mark by the time we had arrived at our destination about 250km away.

The Sportback delivers rakish, head-turning looks, but there are trade-offs. Boot space is 410l instead of 530l. It is also 18mm shorter overall so that means slightly less headroom. My money would go to the conventional, cheaper body style — but from the looks our orange tester received indicate there is clearly a market for the more dazzling aesthetic profile.

Interior build quality is textbook Audi. It still seems to outclass its direct, newer rivals, for overall fit and finish. That the Q3 has remained largely the same since 2019 is a good and bad thing. Good, if you are the kind of buyer who still prefers physical switchgear. Bad, if you have grown accustomed to the slick, screen-intensive layouts of its peers.

Still, the overall substance of the model continues to hold it in good stead. This is a quality product — and with a diesel powertrain, it’s better than ever.