Audi has welcomed the new edition of the RS Q3 and an all-new derivative with the RS Q3 Sportback, extending the compact SUV product range with two performance models.
The two sport compacts offer outstanding performance, athletic design and maximum usability. Both models are available in South Africa.
Athletic: the exterior
The Singleframe with no colour-contrasting surround in the compact SUV creates an even sharper impression. The gloss black grill with three-dimensional honeycomb structure is inset directly into the RS bumper with its large side air inlets. The boomerang-shaped blades in the bumper are designed exclusively for the RS Q3.
The RS Q3 Sportback has a height of 1 557mm, 45mm lower than the RS Q3.
With the low rear window and the roof edge spoiler with RS-specific spoiler lip in body colour, the RS Q3 Sportback appears even wider than its sister model.
The low-slung roof line culminates in strong, flat sloping D-pillars. The new generation of the RS Q3 comes for the first time with a standard, dual-branch RS sports exhaust system with large oval tailpipes on both sides.
The high-performance SUVs come standard with Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and RS-specific darkened trims.
The rear lights also feature LED technology.
Outstanding: the drive
Within the Audi Q3 family, the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are the sporty flagships. The performance figures for the compact engines are compelling: five-cylinder, 294kW power output, 480Nm of torque, quattro all-wheel drive. The five-cylinder engine is a modern classic.
The multi-award-winning five-cylinder engine gains a good 17% increase in power at an unchanged displacement of 2 480cc. The engine’s maximum torque is available over the very broad rev range between 1 950 and 5 850rpm. The RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
At less than 50cm in length, the 2.5 TFSI engine is extremely compact and is 26kg lighter than the previous model.
In the short warm-up phase after a cold start, the switchable water pump does not circulate the coolant in the cylinder head – the 2.5 TFSI engine thus reaches its operating temperature more quickly. This lowers the coefficient of friction and reduces fuel consumption.
1-2-4-5-3 – firing alternates between adjacent cylinders and those far apart from one another. The particular firing sequence and the odd number of cylinders make for a very special rhythm and unique engine sound.
The power from the five-cylinder engine flows via a seven-speed S tronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes the power as needed between the axles via a multi-plate clutch. The wheel-selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system influences the quattro drive, steering, suspension, S tronic, engine characteristic and sound. Depending on the selected equipment variant, there is a choice of five or six modes.
Consistently sporty: the suspension
The standard RS sport suspension lowers the body by 10mm compared with the Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback. Its consistently sporty tuning satisfies the basic requirements for the outstanding handling of the two sport compacts. The standard RS-tuned progressive steering conveys close contact with the road even on fast bends.
At the front axle with its MacPherson design featuring lower wishbones, the track width is 1 590mm. In the rear, the four-link design provides a track width of 1 583mm. For the first time on a compact high-performance SUV, Audi offers 21-inch wheels in various rim designs. The all-new six-piston RS steel brake system works with ventilated and perforated disks measuring 375mm (front) and 310mm (rear, not perforated). Their brake calipers are painted red as standard.
As an option the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are available with the RS sport suspension plus with dynamic chassis control (DCC). An electrically actuated proportional valve regulates the flow of oil into the damper pistons.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system also influences the optional RS sport suspension plus with damper control, in which sensors measure movements of the vehicle body. The RS-tuned dampers are then adjusted accordingly to the road surface conditions and driving situation – low for hard bumps; high to brace the body during fast cornering or braking. The upshot is enhanced driving dynamics, stability and agile handling coupled with greater comfort.
Driver-oriented: the interior
The athletic design of the exterior is echoed in the car’s interior. The emphasis on the horizontal lines conveys a generous sense of space. The air-conditioning control unit, the centre console and the MMI touch display are tilted toward the driver by 10° – the entire cockpit is very much designed with the driver in mind.
The architecture of the instrument panel harmonises perfectly with the operating concept. The driver has a larger display with shift light display that prompts the driver to upshift. Displays provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, G-forces and acceleration.
Generous: space concept, equipment
The new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are designed as fully fledged five-seater models and offer maximum usability. The rear seats can be moved fore-aft as standard by 150mm in the RS Q3 or 130mm in the RS Q3 Sportback; their three-way split backrests can be tilted in seven stages.
The luggage compartment holds 530l, with the backrests folded down the figure rises to 1 525l.
Eight paint colours are available, including Kyalami green and Nardo grey.
Local pricing and availability
The new Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback went on sale in South Africa from April 1 and are priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and come with a five-year Audi Freeway Plan:
Audi RS Q3 TFSI quattro – R1 094 000
Audi RS Q3 Sportback TFSI quattro – R1 128 000
