The Q3 is the only Audi SUV to receive the RS treatment and has been given a revamp including a more powerful version of the five-cylinder TFSI engine. The new RS Q3 also introduces a Sportback body style. Trim levels will include “Standard”, Audi Sport Edition and Vorsprung.
The RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback mean business with their design like the other RS cars, the gloss black honeycomb grille shows its sporty intentions, the RS bumper also has large are inlets at the sides and exclusive to the RS Q3 boomerang-shaped blades in the bumper.
The RS Q3 Sportback features a coupe-style sloping roofline and sits lower than the RS Q3, giving the Sportback a more aggressive-looking stance, with flared wheel arches 10mm more than the standard Q3.
From the rear the RS Q3 shows its performance credentials especially the Sportback with it’s low slung roof and gloss black roof spoiler. The new RS Q3 now features a twin exhaust, with oval pipes sitting in an RS-specific bumper including a diffuser. Either LED headlights or Matrix LED headlights will be equipped (model dependent), LED taillights will also be available.
The much loved five-cylinder engine used in the RS Q3 has won “International Engine of the Year” nine times in a row, having a power output of 400PS, giving an increase of 17% over the previous generation RS Q3. Peak torque of 480 Nm is available between 1,950 and 5,850 rpm, allowing a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph this can be increased to 174mph as an option. The engine is mated to a seven-speed S Tronic transmission and uses the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The RS Q3 sits 10mm lower than a standard Q3 and has progressive steering, giving plenty of feedback to the driver. As standard the RS Q3 20” wheels and six-piston steel brakes, with 375mm discs at the front and 310mm at the rear.
On the interior the driver is at centre stage, with many of the controls being tilted (by 10 degrees) toward the driver, these include; air-conditioning control unit, centre console and MMI touch display. Virtual Cockpit comes as standard in the RS Q3, RS logos are found throughout the cabin; on the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and door sills.
The RS Q3 will be available in late Autumn with deliveries near the end of the year.
