Audi Q3 Sportback: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Audi Q3 Sportback choice depends on whether the priority is lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, AWD, or plug-in power. The first-generation range, produced from August 2019, offers the broadest selection: Gasoline, Diesel, and Plug-in versions with 150–245 hp, FWD or AWD, and Manual or Robotic gearboxes.

The Audi Q3 Sportback choice depends on whether the priority is lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, AWD, or plug-in power. The first-generation range, produced from August 2019, offers the broadest selection: Gasoline, Diesel, and Plug-in versions with 150–245 hp, FWD or AWD, and Manual or Robotic gearboxes. The second generation, produced from August 2025, narrows the catalogue to four versions but raises the maximum output to 272 hp. Its quickest version is the 265 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic, reaching 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, while its most powerful version is the 272 hp 1.5 AT e-hybrid. Buyers seeking the lowest measured combined consumption should consider the first-generation 150 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic, rated at 4.9 l/100 km.

Audi Q3 Sportback generations compared

The first-generation Audi Q3 Sportback is an SUV Coupe produced from August 2019. The catalogue lists 14 modifications, of which 12 are shown in the supplied specifications. Depending on version, output ranges from 150 to 245 hp, kerb weight from 1,460 to 1,740 kg, and drive is either FWD or AWD. Transmission choices include 6-speed Manual and 7-speed Robotic units. This generation provides the widest choice for buyers comparing Gasoline, Diesel, and Plug-in powertrains.

The second-generation Audi Q3 Sportback is also an SUV Coupe and has been produced from August 2025. It has four listed versions: the 150 hp 1.5 AT, the 204 hp and 265 hp variants of 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic, and the 272 hp 1.5 AT e-hybrid. All use Automatic transmissions; the two 2.0 TFSI versions have AWD, while both 1.5 versions have FWD. Compared with the strongest first-generation model, the second generation adds 27 hp at the top of the range, although the available data does not provide prices with which to calculate a monetary premium.

Audi Q3 Sportback engine specs and versions

Every listed engine has 4 Inline cylinders, Turbo boost, and a Front, transverse installation. Versions sharing an identical database name are distinguished below by output.

Generation and exact versionPowerTorqueDisplacementFuelCylinders/layoutBoostGearboxDrive
First: 2.0 S-tronic (180 hp)180 hp320 Nm1,984 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticAWD
First: 1.5 MT150 hp250 Nm1,498 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo6-speed ManualFWD
First: 2.0 S-tronic (190 hp Gasoline)190 hp320 Nm1,984 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticAWD
First: 2.0 S-tronic (230 hp)230 hp350 Nm1,984 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticAWD
First: 2.0 MT150 hp340 Nm1,968 ccDiesel4, InlineTurbo6-speed ManualAWD
First: 2.0 S-tronic (150 hp Diesel)150 hp340 Nm1,968 ccDiesel4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticFWD
First: 2.0 S-tronic (190 hp Diesel)190 hp400 Nm1,968 ccDiesel4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticAWD
First: 1.4 S-tronic150 hp250 Nm1,395 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticFWD
First: Q3 SB 1.5 35 TFSI S-tronic150 hp255 Nm1,498 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticFWD
First: Q3 SB 35 TFSI S-tronic S-Line150 hp255 Nm1,498 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticFWD
First: 45 TFSI quattro S tronic245 hp370 Nm1,984 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticAWD
First: 45 TFSI e S tronic245 hp400 Nm1,395 ccPlug-in4, InlineTurbo7-speed RoboticFWD
Second: 1.5 AT150 hp255 Nm1,498 ccGasoline4, InlineTurboAutomatic, gears not measuredFWD
Second: 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (204 hp)204 hp326 Nm1,984 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed AutomaticAWD
Second: 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (265 hp)265 hp400 Nm1,984 ccGasoline4, InlineTurbo7-speed AutomaticAWD
Second: 1.5 AT e-hybrid272 hp400 Nm1,498 ccPlug-in4, InlineTurbo6-speed AutomaticFWD

Power per litre highlights how differently the engines are tuned. The first-generation 150 hp 1.4 S-tronic develops about 107.5 hp per litre, while 45 TFSI e S tronic reaches about 175.6 hp per litre. In the second generation, the 150 hp 1.5 AT produces about 100.1 hp per litre, the 265 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic about 133.6 hp per litre, and 1.5 AT e-hybrid about 181.6 hp per litre—the highest figure in the supplied range.

Audi Q3 Sportback performance and fuel economy

Generation and exact version0–100 km/hTop speedCityHighwayCombined
First: 2.0 S-tronic (180 hp)7.4 s220 km/h9.2 l/100 km6.0 l/100 km7.2 l/100 km
First: 1.5 MT9.6 s211 km/h7.7 l/100 km5.4 l/100 km6.3 l/100 km
First: 2.0 S-tronic (190 hp Gasoline)7.4 s220 km/h9.4 l/100 km6.3 l/100 km7.5 l/100 km
First: 2.0 S-tronic (230 hp)6.3 s233 km/h9.7 l/100 km6.4 l/100 km7.6 l/100 km
First: 2.0 MT9.3 s211 km/h6.6 l/100 km5.2 l/100 km5.7 l/100 km
First: 2.0 S-tronic (150 hp Diesel)9.2 s207 km/h5.4 l/100 km4.5 l/100 km4.9 l/100 km
First: 2.0 S-tronic (190 hp Diesel)8.0 s221 km/h6.4 l/100 km5.2 l/100 km5.6 l/100 km
First: 1.4 S-tronic9.2 s207 km/h6.9 l/100 km5.4 l/100 km5.9 l/100 km
First: Q3 SB 1.5 35 TFSI S-tronic9.5 s201 km/h6.9 l/100 km5.3 l/100 km5.9 l/100 km
First: Q3 SB 35 TFSI S-tronic S-Line9.5 s201 km/h7.1 l/100 km5.5 l/100 km6.1 l/100 km
First: 45 TFSI quattro S tronic5.8 s235 km/h8.9 l/100 km6.2 l/100 km7.2 l/100 km
First: 45 TFSI e S tronic7.3 s210 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Second: 1.5 ATnot measurednot measurednot measurednot measurednot measured
Second: 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (204 hp)7.1 s229 km/h8.5 l/100 kmnot measurednot measured
Second: 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (265 hp)5.7 s240 km/hnot measurednot measured9.0 l/100 km
Second: 1.5 AT e-hybrid6.8 s215 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured

For measured fuel economy, the first-generation 150 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic is the clear consumption choice. Its 4.9 l/100 km combined figure is 0.8 l/100 km lower than the Diesel 2.0 MT and 0.7 l/100 km lower than the 190 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic. The stronger Diesel adds 40 hp and 60 Nm, cuts the acceleration time by 1.2 seconds, and raises top speed by 14 km/h, while increasing combined consumption by 0.7 l/100 km.

For performance, the second-generation 265 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic is 0.1 second quicker to 100 km/h and 5 km/h faster at maximum speed than the first-generation 45 TFSI quattro S tronic. It also adds 20 hp and 30 Nm. Its measured combined consumption is 1.8 l/100 km higher, though the datasets do not provide matching city and highway figures for a complete like-for-like economy comparison.

Audi Q3 Sportback dimensions, weight, clearance, tank, and wheels

Exterior length and width are not measured in the supplied data for either generation. The available dimensions-related figures are weights, ground clearance, tank capacity, and selected wheel sizes.

Generation and exact versionKerb weightGross weightGround clearanceTankWheel sizes
First: 2.0 S-tronic (180 hp)1,695 kg2,150 kgnot measured58 l215/65 R17; 235/55 R18; 235/50 R19
First: 1.5 MT1,460 kg2,045 kgnot measured58 lnot measured
First: 2.0 S-tronic (190 hp Gasoline)1,620 kg2,200 kgnot measured58 lnot measured
First: 2.0 S-tronic (230 hp)1,620 kg2,200 kgnot measured58 lnot measured
First: 2.0 MT1,625 kg2,220 kgnot measured58 lnot measured
First: 2.0 S-tronic (150 hp Diesel)1,580 kg2,155 kgnot measured58 lnot measured
First: 2.0 S-tronic (190 hp Diesel)1,695 kg2,280 kgnot measured58 lnot measured
First: 1.4 S-tronic1,570 kg2,070 kgnot measured58 l215/65 R17; 235/55 R18; 235/50 R19
First: Q3 SB 1.5 35 TFSI S-tronic1,605 kg2,080 kg170 mm58 lnot measured
First: Q3 SB 35 TFSI S-tronic S-Line1,605 kg2,080 kg170 mm58 lnot measured
First: 45 TFSI quattro S tronic1,620 kg2,210 kgnot measured58 lnot measured
First: 45 TFSI e S tronic1,740 kgnot measurednot measured45 lnot measured
Second: 1.5 ATnot measurednot measurednot measured55 lnot measured
Second: 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (204 hp)1,660 kg2,200 kgnot measured55 lnot measured
Second: 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (265 hp)1,675 kg2,260 kgnot measured55 l235/50 R19; 255/45 R19
Second: 1.5 AT e-hybrid1,825 kg2,405 kgnot measured45 lnot measured

Weight per horsepower favors the higher-output choices. The first-generation 45 TFSI quattro S tronic carries about 6.61 kg per hp, compared with about 11.52 kg per hp for 1.5 MT. In the second generation, the 265 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic has about 6.32 kg per hp, while 1.5 AT e-hybrid has about 6.71 kg per hp. Although the e-hybrid adds 7 hp, it is 150 kg heavier than the 265 hp AWD model.

Which Audi Q3 Sportback version should you buy?

Choose the first-generation 150 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic if measured fuel consumption is the main criterion. It combines the lowest listed city, highway, and combined figures—5.4, 4.5, and 4.9 l/100 km—with a 7-speed Robotic gearbox and FWD. Its 9.2-second acceleration is slower than the performance versions, but it is the strongest economy-led choice supported by complete consumption data.

Choose the first-generation 2.0 MT if you want Diesel torque, AWD, and a Manual gearbox. It has the same 150 hp and 340 Nm as the economy-focused Diesel 2.0 S-tronic, but adds AWD. The trade-off is an extra 0.8 l/100 km combined and a 0.1-second slower acceleration time.

Choose the first-generation 190 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic when torque matters more than minimum consumption. Its 400 Nm equals the highest torque figure in the catalogue, while its 5.6 l/100 km combined consumption is substantially below the measured figures of the faster Gasoline AWD alternatives.

Among first-generation Gasoline models, 45 TFSI quattro S tronic provides the strongest measured performance: 245 hp, 370 Nm, AWD, 5.8 seconds to 100 km/h, and 235 km/h. Compared with the 230 hp 2.0 S-tronic, it adds 15 hp and 20 Nm, accelerates 0.5 second quicker, reaches 2 km/h more, and uses 0.4 l/100 km less on the measured combined cycle.

Choose the second-generation 265 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic for the quickest and fastest Q3 Sportback in this dataset. Compared with the second-generation 204 hp version of the same exact name, it adds 61 hp and 74 Nm, cuts 1.4 seconds from the 0–100 km/h time, and adds 11 km/h to top speed. It is 15 kg heavier and has a gross weight 60 kg higher.

Choose the second-generation 1.5 AT e-hybrid if maximum power is the priority and FWD is acceptable. Its 272 hp is 7 hp above the 265 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic, and both produce 400 Nm. However, the AWD Gasoline model is 1.1 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, reaches 25 km/h more, and weighs 150 kg less. Consumption for the e-hybrid is not measured, so the supplied figures cannot establish an economy advantage.

Prices, used-car availability, reliability, problems, and engine-oil requirements are not measured in the supplied data. Therefore, no version can be recommended on purchase price, resale value, repair history, or maintenance cost. Based strictly on the measured specifications, the first-generation 150 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic is the economy choice, the second-generation 265 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic is the performance choice, and the second-generation 1.5 AT e-hybrid is the maximum-power choice.