Audi has revealed yet another RS model that will hopefully revitalize the brand. Technically, we actually have two debuts here, as the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback have some cosmetic differences setting them apart.
The reveal of these two is not surprising. However, their output comes as a disappointment. It's just 400 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. That's an improvement on last year's model, which had 367 HP, but we expected around 20 HP more. Still, it's not something a quick software remap can't fix.
The claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds isn't mind-blowing either. On paper at least, the 300-ish horsepower hot hatchbacks can almost keep up, though we suspect Audi seriously underrated the official acceleration time. As per usual, you'll have to pay extra for the privilege of going 280 km/h (174 mph), which is just 30 km/h over the stock speed. We don't even feel the need to mention the type of engine they used or that it has quattor.
But while it might sound like we're not happy, this couldn't be further from the truth. The RS Q3 Sportback is especially sexy-looking in its new Kyalami Green. Though you cal also have it in Nardo Grey, and we suspect many people will do so. The color kind of looks like Lamborghini's paint and the body styling always reminded us of the Urus.
Cosmetically, we have silver accents on the normal RS Q3 and black ones for the green Sportback. Also, there's another big difference. Can you spot it? The rear bumper of the Coupe version is more wildly decorated with trim.
The interior is where we notice the new Audi Sport ideas which connect the RS Q3 to the RS6 Avant and probably the RS Q8 as well. You can have the steering wheel and shifter boot in Alcantara. The RS-specific cockpit menus and drive modes button are practically the same too. You can even have an optional ceramic braking system which features newly developed monoblock aluminum calipers and ceramic brake discs measuring 15 inches.
That's amazing stuff for a compact crossover. But you're not paying compact money, as the RS Q3 starts from €63,500 in Germany while the Sportback is €65,000.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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