If your idea of a small premium crossover is something with a sloped roof line and almost looks like an overgrown compact hatchback, then you’re in luck because this segment has hit a growth spurt.

Until recently, it was just the BMW X2 and Lexus UX that offered dynamic-looking alternatives to the likes of the X1, Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40. Now, Audi went and built a Sportback version of the Q3 so as to give younger buyers another option to consider.

Unlike the regular Q3, this new variant is rocking a black Singleframe grille and an upward sweeping beltline to go with the less practical but more visually-appealing roofline. The Sportback also comes with plastic body cladding, a rakish rear window and a new bumper design.

Of course, if it’s sporty you want, you can’t do much better in this segment than a crossover than looks more like a taller 1-Series than a shorter X1. Like this latest Audi model, the BMW X2 also features a sloping roof, prominent shoulders, tailgate-mounted spoiler and body cladding. However, you could argue that it’s less of an SUV Coupe and more of a tweener of sorts.

How do they compare on paper?

For starters, the Audi is a tiny bit bigger, measuring 4,484 mm (176.5 inches) in length, 1,849 mm (72.8 inches) in width and 1,585 mm (62.4 inches) in height. Its wheelbase meanwhile is 2,680 mm (105.5 inches) long. The X2 on the other hand, is 4,360 mm (171.6 inches) long, 1,824 mm (71.8 inches) wide and stands 1,526 mm (60 inches) tall, with a 2,670 mm (105.1 inch) long wheelbase.

The Q3 Sportback also has a bigger trunk, with 530 liters (18.7 cu.ft) available to you with the rear seats upright. Fold everything and you get 1,525 liters (53.8 cu.ft) of space. The BMW has a notably smaller luggage compartment at 470 liters (16.6 cu.ft) with the seats in place and 1,355 liters (47.8 cu.ft) otherwise.

Also read: BMW X2 vs. Volvo XC40 vs. Jaguar E-PACE In Small Premium SUV Combat

In terms of performance, Audi is only unveiling two versions of the Q3 Sportback at launch – a 35 TDI s tronic model and a 45 TFSI quattro s-tronic variant. Here’s how the latter compares to a turbo gasoline X2:

– Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro: 2.0L turbo, 227 HP (230 PS), 258 lb-ft (350 Nm), 0-62 in 6.5 sec

– X2 xDrive28i: 2.0L turbo, 228 HP (231 PS), 258 lb-ft (350 Nm), 0-62 in 6.5 sec

As you can see, you’ll get the same type of performance regardless of which crossover you buy.

What about tech?

The dashboard of the Q3 Sportback is identical to the one in the regular Q3, meaning it features a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster as standard, and a 10.1-inch infotainment display. Pay extra and you can get the 12.3-inch instrument cluster instead, to go with your motion activated tailgate, ambient lighting and so on.

Interestingly enough, you can’t get the X2 with a fully digital gauge cluster, whereas its standard infotainment system only has a 6.5-inch display – the optional one measures 8.8 inches, which is still less than the standard one in the Audi.

In the end, you can definitely argue in favor of the Audi being a slightly more modern car than the BMW as far as their interiors are concerned. Otherwise, we reckon most buyers will simply choose the car that appeals more to them in terms of pricing and styling.

Which one would you go for and why?