Drive

The Audi Q3 Sportback is being launched on the European market with three engine types: a 1.5 TFSI, a 2.0 TFSI and a 2.0 TDI. The entry-level gasoline engine in the Q3 35 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 6.0–5.7 (39.2–41.3 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 137–130 (220.5–209.2 g/mi)) delivers 110 kW (150 metric hp), the top-of-the-range engine in the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 7.7–7.3 (30.5–32.2 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 174–166 (280.0–267.2 g/mi)) 169 kW (230 metric hp). The Q3 Sportback 35 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 4.9–4.7 (48.0–50.0 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 129–123 (207.6–197.9 g/mi)) and Q3 Sportback 35 TDI quattro (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 5.7–5.5 (41.3–42.8 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 151–144 (243.0–231.7 g/mi)) is powered by a diesel engine with 110 kW (150 metric hp). Later a gasoline engine with S tronic and mild hybrid system (MHEV) as well as another diesel engine will be available. All the engines are four-cylinder direct injection engines with turbocharging that are both refined and efficient in the way they operate and are certified according to the Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard.

Light and efficient: the 1.5 TFSI

The entry-level gasoline engine combines a lively temperament with low fuel consumption. It delivers 110 kW (150 metric hp) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the engine accelerates the Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 204 km/h (126.8 mph).

* Information on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as well as efficiency classes in ranges depending on the tires and alloy wheel rims used

The compact gasoline engine is made efficient by sophisticated technologies. At low and medium loads, the cylinder on demand (COD) system temporarily deactivates the second and third cylinders. To do this, it closes the intake and exhaust valves and deactivates the injection and ignition. The engine is very light thanks to its aluminum crankcase. The cylinder linings have an iron coating that is applied via plasma spraying and reduces friction significantly. The cooling module allows efficient thermal management, assisted by the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head. Common rail injection generates up to 350 bar of pressure, which results in homogeneous spray application, an even distribution of the flame front, and low particle emissions.

Top-of-the-range gasoline engine: the 2.0 TFSI

The 2.0 TFSI, the most powerful engine in the lineup, delivers 169 kW (230 metric hp) and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500 to 4,300 rpm. The Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI, which is equipped with a Seven-speed S tronic, delivers a correspondingly sporty performance (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 7.7–7.3 (30.5–32.2 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 174–166 (280.0–267.2 g/mi)). It does the standard sprint in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 233 km/h (144.8 mph).

The Audi valvelift system (AVS) optimizes the gas exchange by switching the stroke of the outlet valves between two levels as needed. A rotary valve module for thermal management and the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head also contribute to efficiency.

* Figures depend on the tires/wheel sets used

Full torque: the 2.0 TDI

The 2.0 TDI impresses with its full torque and extraordinarily smooth running. Its technical highlights include the two balance shafts in the crankcase, the low inner friction, and the powerful thermal management with separate cooling circuits for the cylinder block and cylinder head.

The Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 4.9–4.7 (48.0–50.0 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 129–123 (207.6–197.9 g/mi) is powered by the diesel engine version with 110 kW (150 metric hp) and 340 Nm (250.8 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. With S tronic and front-wheel drive, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h (127.4 mph). The engine is also available with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive. The Q3 Sportback 35 TDI quattro (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 5.7–5.5 (41.3–42.8 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 151–144 (243.0–231.7 g/mi) also does the sprint to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.3 seconds; it reaches a top speed of 203 km/h (126.1 mph).

* Figures depend on the tires/wheel sets used

Lightning speed and comfortable: the seven-speed S tronic

Both, the 35 TFSI and the 35 TDI quattro work with a six-speed manual transmission. In conjunction with front-wheel drive the diesel engine uses a seven-speed S tronic. It is standard on the top-of-the-range gasoline engine. The relatively close-ratio lower gears of the S tronic allow sporty acceleration, while the wide ratio of the highest gear reduces engine speed and thus fuel consumption. The dual-clutch transmission switches gears at lightning speed and offers a freewheeling function that is activated in many situations when the driver takes the foot off the accelerator pedal. It is deactivated in the dynamic and offroad modes of Audi drive select.

The seven-speed S tronic comes in different versions depending on the engine. In the 45 TFSI quattro it is equipped with wet clutches. The shared oil circuit is used both to cool the clutch and to lubricate the wheelset. The heat generated when starting off and changing gears is dissipated via the oil. This allows the high torques of the engine to be transmitted effortlessly. In the 35 TDI the two clutches operate without separate oil supply. Instead, oil is supplied to the gearwheels via a small, mechanically driven gear pump. This is particularly efficient.

The quattro all-wheel drive comes as standard with the top-of-the-range gasoline engine and Audi delivers it upon request for the 35 TDI. Its central component is an electronically regulated hydraulic multi-plate clutch that is installed on the rear axle in the interest of weight distribution. Its management combines outstanding stability and top traction with a high level of driving enjoyment. It can begin sending a portion of the drive torque from the front axle to the rear axle as early as when the driver turns sportily into a corner. As soon as the driver accelerates, the power presses the Audi Q3 Sportback into the curve.

At the limits of dynamic driving performance, the quattro drive works closely together with the wheel-selective torque control. The software function makes handling even more dynamic and stable by gently applying the brake to the inside wheels that are under less load, as this relocates the drive torque to the outside of the curve. On the Q3 Sportback with front-wheel drive, it acts only on the front wheel at the inside of a curve.

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at mild hybrid system.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.