Audi RS Q3 Sportback makes its debut

There’s plenty of Audi’s best firepower here to give rivals like the Merc-AMG GLA45 and BMW X4M a fright. Irrespective of body style, both second-gen RS Q3 and its Sportback equivalent get the same drivetrain and running gear, all centred around a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot engine delivering 400PS (395bhp) to the quattro drive.

The first-gen Q3 RS (2013-16) stole a sporty SUV lead with its 335bhp five-pot TFSI engine and 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, but was quickly overhauled. Hence the power jump now to 400PS – which is more than key rivals offer – along with a choice of five-door body styles. Audi says it is again the trendsetter in the class.

That 17 per cent power boost, along with a slightly increased 354 lb ft of torque, brings down the 0-62mph time from 4.8 to 4.5 seconds and, for those who want it, unleashes a top speed of 174mph.

The turbo five-cylinder engine – a format made famous by the first Audi Quattro in 1980 – is lighter by 19kg than its predecessor unit thanks to a new aluminium crankcase. Most important, its characteristic five-pot beat is said to be as distinctive as ever, especially with the RS sport exhaust fitted as standard to the top Edition and Vorsprung variants.

Audi’s familiar assist systems and drive modes are present and correct, offering a comfort or dynamic drive, or your own individually-configured RS Mode accessed by a button the steering wheel. The RS sport suspension lowers the body by 10mm over regular Q3s and the wheels are 20-inch, fitted with an all-new six-piston brake system. The transmission is the seven-speed S-tronic as before. 

All Audi performance cues are here aplenty in the styling, both inside and out. Think giant air intakes, gloss black honeycomb grille, aero blades, bulging wheelarches, matrix LED lights, matt aluminium diffuser and oval tailpipes. The muscular look is heightened by the lowered body and sloping roofline of the Sportback version.

All UK versions get as standard the fully digital, RS-specific Audi “virtual cockpit” in a cabin with a bit more driver focus than normal Q3s, lots of classy details and of course gloss black finishes. 

Talking of finish, what about that green paint? It’s Kyalami Green and one of two RS specific colours available (the other is Nardo Grey) among a total of eight finishes to choose from. There are no prices for the RS Q3 yet but the order books open in the next few weeks for delivery early in the new year.