Dreaming of a luxury crossover? Audi's new Q3 Sportback Black Edition will get your motor running

Audi describes its Q3 Sportback as combining the aesthetics and emotional appeal of a coupé with the power and functionality of an SUV.

Now the Black Edition of the Q3 Sportback has arrived in South Africa, and Melinda Ferguson took it for a test drive.

The motoring journo says this new edition has been introduced to reignite interest in the Q3 in a number of products because, while they are 'gorgeous' cars, they're not selling like Toyota here, as she puts it.

Its competition in this subcompact luxury crossover market lies with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the BMW X1 or X2, or even the MINI Countryman, Ferguson says.

She feels the main attraction of the Q3 Sportback Black Edition is the fact that many of the features that were previously paid-for options, are now standard.

"In the Black Edition you get black styling, plus the black mirrors are there. You've got this glass sunroof, door armrests in leatherette... all the front seat heating systems are now standard, you've got sports seats, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel which I really like."

"I drove an almost silver-green model that is a new colour, called Dew Silver Metallic."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

When it comes to the engine, the Black Edition uses the same 1.4 litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine as the standard Q3.

Price? 'They've managed to keep it just under R900 000' Ferguson quips.

Ferguson, who loved the model, gives it an 8.5 rating out of 10.

"I think this will appeal to the brand-conscious."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist