2015 Audi RS Q3 Acceleration Test: 0 to 100 KM/H in 4.8 Seconds

The officially official numbers say that the 2.5-liter TFSI turbo engine is now good for 340 HP and 450 NM (331.9 lb-ft) of torque. Along with the power bump, tweaks have been made to the seven-speed gearbox so that it grabs cogs faster off the line, while the rear Haldex coupling is also improved. As a result, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.8 seconds  of torque, the same as with a Mercedes GLA 45 AMG.

Now, the RS Q3 might have only one exhaust pipe and 20 horsepower less than the Mercedes-AMG model, but we think it's looks very cool, like a real sports SUV, not a glorified hatchback. It also differs from the regular Q3 model though its more aggressive styling, lowered suspension system, tinted windows and single oval exhaust pipe.

The RS Q3 has not only shaved 0.7s off its old time record, it's also more economical. Combined fuel consumption is now as low as 8.4 l/100km (28 mpg US), about 5% better than before.

In case you want one, know that it's not going to be cheap. Prices are going to start at €56,600 in Germany, and that's before you add trim, paint, wheels and whatever other option you may want. The good thing is that the S tronic 7-speed twin-clutch is standard and so are the leather seats.

Ignoring the facelift part, the Q3 is one of Audi's oldest cars, based on the old PQ35 platform shared with Golf 6 and previous A3. Since its launch in early 2013, many have considered the RS Q3 to be unworthy of its badge, since the quattro division didn't give it enough power. But since they haven't taken it out of production, Audi clearly still believe in this crazy idea.