The Audi Q3 is a staple on our roads. Surprising? Of course not. In this SUV-crazy day and age, the Q3 is a car that just makes a ton of sense. High-riding, luxurious, comfortable, practical and premium, what’s not to like about it?

Well, maybe it's too common? Well, now Audi has something to check that particular box as well - the first ever Q3 Sportback. 

Wait, isn't Sportback Audi-speak for a hatchback?

Audi nomenclature can be slightly confusing. In Audi-speak, a Sportback is typically the five-door, 'liftback' or 'hatchback' offering of a particular four-door model, such as the A3 Sportback and the A5 Sportback.

Except, of course, you can't really five-door an SUV because it already has five doors. In this particular instance, the 'Sportback' moniker is used to denote the Q3's sleeker, 'sportier' sibling.

In the press materials, you will find the word 'coupe' used often to describe certain qualities about this car. For the less jargon-inclined among us, you could simply think of this as a Q3 with a more raked roof. 

So, it's just a Q3?

However, this isn't simply just a prettier-looking Q3 (although it certainly is that). Audi has also made some attempts to differentiate this model from the run-of-the-mill Q3.

The most obvious difference, of course, is the roof line. The Q3 Sportback has a notably more raked roof, but is also 49mm shorter in height, has a 7mm longer rear overhang and a 42mm higher loading sill compared to the standard Q3. What this manages to achieve is a sleeker and tighter-looking rear end.

There are also other additional exterior design changes to emphasise the car's sportier positioning - triangular styling on the front air intakes, a honeycomb detail on the front grille, a 9mm longer front overhang, and no roof rails (standard on the Q3). This S Line variant also features Matrix LED head lights.

It's a squatter, sleeking-looking SUV that helps set it apart from the boxier Q3, and other SUVs on the road. This is also the pricier S Line variant, which means you get some sportier looking bumpers and more flashy wheels (these particular wheels you see on this test car are an optional extra).

Lower roof means less space? 

The cabin is an undeniably delightful place to be in - sleek, high-tech and premium. There's plenty of modern amenities, including wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, the customisable Virtual Cockpit, and the latest Audi multimedia system. There's also plenty of interior ambient lighting options. The only gripe? Perhaps the gear lever, with its generic plastic knob, looks 'tacky' compared to the rest of the cabin.

Concerns about compromised rear cabin space are largely unfounded. While yes, the roof is lower compared to the standard Q3, unless you ferry around the Singapore Slingers for a living, you're not going to find it a problem at all. 

So, is it sportier to drive? 

On the road, the Q3 Sportback (and the standard Q3, for that matter) definitely tends on the side of comfort and serenity. The Q3 Sportback is offered with a willing 2.0-litre unit delivering 177bhp and 320Nm of torque, with power sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. It's comfortable and easy to drive to potter around town in. 

One notable difference with the S Line model compared to the standard Q3 Sportback (contributing to the $17,000 price difference) is the adaptive suspension on this car. It's fantastically sorted - pliant and cushy in the Comfortable setting and firm enough for sporty driving in the Dynamic setting.

You're not going to find much in the way of driving excitement, though. If you want something that scampers around low to the ground and capable of delivering a touch more playfulness, you're better off looking at the BMW X2.

However, if what you do want is an entirely practical, comfortable, well-executed and refined compact SUV, then the Q3 is right up your alley. And if you want all that, but with a touch more personality and outward style, then this Q3 Sportback will have you stand out from the crowd.

You may want to consider the 1.4-litre variant, though. That's like, 50 grand cheaper.

Want a better look at that raked roof or honeycomb grille of the Q3 Sportback? Why not watch our video review as well?