Reviews
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The first-generation Audi RS Q3 was a curious machine.
It had prodigious pace, a playfulness that isn’t always present in Audi Sport products and more character than most of its rivals thanks to that growling 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot.But there were drawbacks: it was small inside, the interior was dated and the model itself felt a bit like an afterthought.
What is the Audi RS Q3?
Still, that’s the past, this is the present and there’s now a new Audi RS Q3 to discuss, which is also available as the more svelte Sportback tested here.
The question is whether this new RS Q3 addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor or simply offers more of the same?
Well, it’s a different shape for starters; the new model has grown by 96mm in length but only 10mm in width and shrunk by 23mm in height.
Prices and specs
The Sportback adds $3000 to the regular RS Q3’s $89,900 ask, robs a little boot space but does look pretty flash, especially in retina-searing Kyalami Green.
Expect comments and plenty of attention.
The interior has also jumped forward two generations with an impressive list of standard gear.
So as an SUV the new RS Q3 has taken impressive steps forward, but what about the ‘performance’ bit? Well, there’s further good news.
Despite the increased dimensions, kerb weight has dropped by 30kg with 26kg of those coming from the nose courtesy of Audi’s latest alloy-crankcase five-pot.
What’s the Audi RS Q3 like to drive?
Loose surfaces show the RS Q3 has the ability to wag its tail under brakes or throttle but there’s too much grip to do so on tarmac; nevertheless, it’s an entertaining drive, with an impressive resistance to understeer and composure in hard driving that you might not expect.Selecting Dynamic mode doesn’t turn it into a hard riding, syrupy mess, either, though it feels more natural to relax the steering and suspension and save the combination into the new RS Mode button.
