DOUBLE NEGATIVE

The Audi Q3 Sportback is neither a proper SUV nor a real coupe. But, is that a good or bad thing?

- SHIVANK BHATT

There are SUVs. There are fake SUVs. There are coupes.

There are fake coupes. And then, there are coupe SUVs, which, if you think about it, are nothing but double fakes! The brand-new Audi Q3 Sportback seems to match this description to a tee- at least, on paper. You see, even though it has got quattro AWD, it's not the proper quattro, meaning it's not an SUV in the true sense. And then there's the question of it being an actual coupe. Well, it's not that either - it's just a Q3 that's wearing its cap backwards to look cool..

When Audi sent the Q3 Sportback for us to test, I thought it was a foregone conclusion. However, after driving it for a couple of days, it completely changed my mind, to the extent that I now feel it's the best entry-level luxury SUV on the market. How and why? Well, let me explain in five simple points.

1. DRESSED TO THE NINES

I find the regular Q3 to be a handsome-looking car, but it's just that regular. The Sportback addresses this problem by adding not just a curvy derriere but also a lot more flash and jazz. Unlike the SUV, the coupe derivative gets an S-Line styling package, so you get more angular bumpers, a mesh-pattern grille (instead of vertical chrome slats), and, thankfully, an exciting set of 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, which look much, much better than the regular version. Plus, in this exclusive Turbo Blue paint scheme, the Q3 Sportback looks ravishing and stands out from other entry-level luxury SUVs.

2. CLASSY MINIMALISM