Levelling up

Audi South Africa's expanded portfolio of special-edition models aims to combine the most popular specification requests into individual packages

- Ian McLaren

As showcased in our November 2019 issue, the local introduction of the then-updated Audi Q3 coincided with the international launch of its Sportback derivative. With the Q4 name already earmarked for one of the brand's first all-electric e-tron models, the sloped-roofline Q3 Sportback was Audi's answer to the global popularity of BMW's X2. The Q3 remains the brand's best-selling range in our market, with the Sportback package regularly trumping its SUV sibling in terms of monthly sales.

As the self-imposed deadline for Audi's global switch to an all-electric future looms (it's currently due in 2026), the brand's local branch is understandably keen to highlight how accomplished its portfolio of internal combustion (ICE) products remains.

As part of the 2019 update, the process of purchasing a new Q3 was made that much simpler; it condensed this model's options list (from up to 80 extra-cost items down to just 30). A new Black Edition campaign - set to include many of Audi South Africa's current products - builds on this idea by bundling the most popular recorded optional items per model range into a single package.

The Q3 Sportback Black Edition, with its standard Comfort Pack (R22 580) and Sport Pack (R36 645), introduces S line bumpers with a black styling package, including grille and side mirror housings, a sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels.