That trend is in keeping with official consumption figures, where this pair quote the same 8.9L/100km. In Comfort, the suspension can be noisy, but forms a sufficient barrier between the driver and sharp bumps or potholes. In general driving, it sounds the more charismatic engine here. Experience the fascination of not having to compromise. However, at this end of the performance scale – and with AMG and RS badges in play – driver involvement takes on greater emphasis. Not something that anyone would recommend. (On a small note, our test car suffered from a badly creaking dual display, though this is the first time we’ve experienced this issue in one of Mercedes’s compact models.). S3 Saloon . 0. Risk of death becomes a serious issue even in professional motorsports but you can see how MB could use this engine in bigger platforms and quite easily milk it for ~375kW to meet emissions requirements. I wouldn't want to be seen in that. In the last couple of years we’ve seen the Cupra Ateca, VW T-Roc R, BMW X2 M35i, Mercedes-AMG GLB35 and Skoda Kodiaq vRS go on sale. Impressive. The latest A45 is also an improvement on its predecessor. For another perspective in the RS Q3’s case, the $100,800 Porsche Macan S has a quoted 0–100km/h time of 5.3 seconds (or 5.1sec with optional launch control). And if it’s not practical enough… Well, just wait for the GLA45. Options are pleasingly/thankfully limited whether you’re shopping for the Audi or Mercedes. So, the RS Q3 still feels very quick – it just can’t live with the A45’s rapidity either off the line or when on the move. Perhaps AMG will have less difference between their two versions? The Audi RSQ3 Sportback is surely one of the best sporty SUVs. Whether the exterior colour, rim or headlights technology: You can turn your Audi RS Q3 into your personalised dream car using the numerous equipment options. It’s a racy hatch that’s equipped for track days – and almost demands to be driven on a track if an owner is to truly exploit the A45’s dizzying speeds and capability. As for Value for Money, they both seem lousy. : ), (I should add that the sun shade for the RSQ3's sunroof *is* powered, despite what the brochure states). There was a time I'd salivate over the Merc. Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre TFSI engine generates 294 kW (400 hp) for a powerful ride. Few buyers will spend $100,000 on a car and fret about fuel consumption – or putting in the 98RON premium fuel recommended for both engines. Why you'd buy a performance SUV is beyond me. In terms of a performance vehicle that doubles as a regular everyday driver, the Audi is the better all-rounder here. There’s lovely tactility to the cabin’s various buttons and switches, though, and the touchscreen and digital instrument display look undoubtedly sophisticated. It rides well on the freeway, too. The AMG-galore features list also includes A45-specific body styling, AMG Exhaust system, Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive system exclusive to the A45, extra bodyshell stiffening, AMG high-performance braking system, and bespoke front steering knuckles and rear axle subframe. I hate to say it, but the typical, regular four-cylinder choice wins here. While the sports wagon is fun, it offers only a touch more performance than the SUV (yes - including cornering) while it is far more compromised in regards to how useful it is. Yes, really. The brakes are also worthy of special mention. Something of an oddity, but not without charm, Retro review: the wild Toyota Aygo Crazy concept, Alpina XB7 review: a 613bhp modified BMW X7, Jaguar E-Pace PHEV review: baby SUV goes electric, Jaguar F-Pace PHEV review: facelifted SUV plugs in, Retro review: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII FQ-300, Porsche 911 Targa 4S review: Heritage Design Edition tested, The Genesis X Concept is unbelievably gorgeous, Sunny delight: a day in a rather special Talbot Sunbeam, Lamborghini Sián: why this V12 hybrid costs more than a mansion. For those former or existing RS 3 buyers looking to trade up – quite literally – for a compact performance vehicle with more practicality, the RS Q3 should prove sufficiently convincing. Dimensions; High performance in pictures The warble can be amplified via the speakers by putting the RS exhaust system into Dynamic, though it sounds so artificial we much preferred the standard setting. But perhaps I am reading it wrongly. Saloon . And with the A45’s exhaust popping, crackling and blurting away in Sport Plus mode, this is a car that puts a huge grin on the driver’s face. From a guy who owned a performance SUV and a very fast wagon at the same time, I can give you a solid explanation here. Our A45 was fitted with the no-cost-option red and black Lugano leather that is standard on the A35. For the most intensely enthusiast driver, however, the RS Q3 continues the evidence that – purely on physics – SUVs can’t ultimately be as involving as a well-sorted performance hatch, sedan or coupe. So of course they feel exactly the same to drive…. You don’t buy an AMG or RS model for an audio system or some fancy trim, of course. i was contemplating trading in my sq5 for the rsq3 but i was underwhelmed by the rsq3. No, that’s not a misprint in the headline. The standard equipment includes a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster. There’s more head room in the RS Q3, too, though that’s more expected considering its taller body. The RS Q3’s five-cylinder has unfortunately lost most of its theatrical exhaust noises after Audi installed a petrol particulate filter to ensure it complied with new European emissions regulations. It has truly undergone a step-change with this car. There is electric lumbar support and also a heating function. The Mercedes-AMG’s main vice is excessive tyre noise on open roads – somehow even louder than the A35’s boisterous rubber. Alternatively, the driver can change settings via switches on the centre console. So, one has to consider their emotive qualities with fair light. Verwandte Artikel. Electrically adjustable bolstering would have been a bonus for the RS seats, though they offer decent support for cornering while also catering to a broad range of body shapes. Let Zuto search the market - we work with trusted lenders to find the right car finance for you. As for the chassis, things are different. Audi has introduced one such sloping-roofed crossover ‘Sportback’ variant for the new-generation Q3, sitting aside a more conventional SUV body style. Well, you can, but you’ll likely be front-page news. Both highly desirable, both will fit in my garage, but there is only one I really want. The A45 at least ticks off important items such as rear ventilation, seatback storage pouches, centre armrest and dual USB-C ports. The RS Q3 delivers unexpected tranquillity on country roads and freeways, with the limited road and wind noise leaving the owner to enjoy the mellifluous tones of that five-cylinder. There’s quicker steering than found in Audi’s hot crossover, the AMG’s front-end response so sharp it makes the RS Q3’s turn-in feel relatively slow. Combined fuel consumption*: 8.9–8.8 l/100 km Combined CO₂ emissions*: 204–202 g/km A deeply rising shoulder line and a flat sloping roof line lead into the characteristic rear of the Audi RS Q3 Sportback. Audi RS Q3 Sportback. The Ride Quality ratings bear no relationship to the review. Sorry guys $684 and $860 on average per service over 5 years is a lot of money. The Audi feels more relaxed, and thus more malleable, than the Benz. The ultimate cruiser. New Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback arrive with 394bhp Audi Sport’s small performance SUV is back, with the new Audi RS Q3 available in two body styles from early in 2020 25 Sep 2019 ... when new test results are available. Power and torque bump up from 270kW and 465Nm to 294kW and 480Nm. The comparison is quite accurate in terms of the Audi with its balance of extreme touring comfort and delightful 5-pot soundtrack. Beyond drag racing there's little practical application for power beyond about 450-500 kW in a car that weight. You buy them for performance. These are also dual-clutch gearboxes that avoid jerkiness when parking or rolling back when starting on a hill. You make zero sense, Yup I'd rather be closer to the ground for handling than raised on stilts for visibility - it's not like you're going to be able to see over the RAM trucks, Hiluxes and Ford Rangers that litter our roads in a small SUV anyway, I am 6 weeks into the ownership of my RSQ3. Logos © 1996. You could happily spend hours in these seats. Predictable comment. With the Audi RS 7 Sportback, you can have both. The manic-revving 2.0-litre engine almost alone justifies the A45’s steep price tag, while the chassis provides the driver with more adjustability and entertainment than the first A45. Experience the fascination of not having to compromise. And whereas the RS Q3 left our testers nodding at its commendable dynamics, the A45 S at times had us laughing out loud – proving to be a car that just gets better, and more thrilling, the harder you drive it. Oh, and Justin: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating.". The increased height and weight inescapably make for an inferior performance vehicle. Gearshifts are undoubtedly quick from both dual-clutch gearboxes – seven speeds in the Audi and eight speeds in the Mercedes – and the A45 isn’t quite perfect, either. Inside there are some serious seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. What's most disconcerting is its ability to build torque from such low RPM, despite being just a 2.0-litre four. One of those interiors is lovely. Buyers are swarming to them, too. It's hard to describe how incredible that achievement is and it's totally revolutionary for performance ICE engines. Our A45 S test car had just metallic paint ($1190) as an option. Small performance SUVs are, as we know, very much in vogue right now. As a result of the added muscle, the RS Q3 Sportback can hit a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h) after doing 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds. But the Audi 5 pot is a very tuning friendly engine, where as the Merc is already pushing some limits. And higher-quality materials seem more consistent across the A45’s cabin compared with the RS Q3, while its various function buttons and switches match the Audi’s tactility. The Audi Q3 Sportback. Today I am wondering why is CA wasting my time and waiting for their opinion on the upcoming i20N and Toyobaru GR 86. It's appealing to the nouveau riche millennial. Performance is an attitude. Big-ticket items that are standard include Mercedes' advanced Multibeam LED headlights, Burmester surround-sound audio, microfibre AMG steering wheel, 19-inch AMG matt-black alloy wheels, plus more standard driver aids than any other A-Class. Say hello to the new RS Q3 - the fastest small SUV you can buy, with a near-400bhp five-cylinder engine, a top speed of as much as 174mph and the option of ceramic brakes. Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre TFSI engine generates 400 hp of power. With the ability to log various vehicle parameters, drivers can analyse their lap (and even sector) times in detail just like Lewis Hamilton (kind of). The 2020 Audi RS Q3 Sportback sounds like half an R8 V10 supercar, looks like a baby Lamborghini Urus in its new Sportback body style and seems to have banished the front-heavy handling that has plagued five-cylinder quattro models in the past.. Despite having the shorter wheelbase here – 2.68 v 2.73 metres – the Audi crossover is notably more generous with its rear accommodation. RS Q3 Sportback - THE BEST Audi RS on SALE TODAY? Experience the fascination of not having to compromise. We’re talking about performance cars here – desirable ones that double as irrational ones. You can go Alcantara mad (red or blue) in the interior for $2500. This website is made by BBC Studios Distribution. Mercedes has lost the plot on interior design. We couldn’t match either figure with our GPS-based timed performance runs, registering 4.2 seconds for the A45 S and 5.1 seconds for the RS Q3. In the Audi Q3 Sportback, you can experience our latest infotainment generation directly from the luxury class. Please, Genesis, put it into production, The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was the last gasp of the bygone era that gave way to Group B rallying. The most extravagant extra is a set of carbon-ceramic brakes at $10,600. Typical RS-specific elements add to the overall athletic design of the compact SUV-coupé crossover. Apart from the chintzy and ugly ipad dash the circular vents looks terrible, Audi and now even BMW way ahead. Both brands offer multi-year service plans with upfront payments. Yawn. The Audi TTRS 5 pot can be tuned to 1000 HP, for the Merc, is already up to the limit, 8>6>5>4 pot, 5 pot stage 2 u can easily pushed to around 350-370kw, a 4 pot very hard to push to 350kw. The service charges from these high end vehicles is over the top, I think they are taking advantage of people who don't know which end of a screw driver to hold. The RS Q3 matches those while adding a 12-volt socket, handy side storage trays for the outboard seats, plus 60/40 sliding function for the rear bench that allows owners to change priorities between luggage space and rear leg room. It never runs out of puff either, singing right up to the redline with ease. Pricing completes a relatively natural pairing. These times were achieved using launch-control systems and taking the best result from several runs. Coupé-like elegant design lines in tango red meet the brute force of the V8 TFSI engine. The 12.3-inch HD display shows razor-sharp animations and provides you with relevant vehicle information. Das mächtige Fünfzylinder-Triebwerk weiß auf ganzer Linie mitzureißen, während der Performance-SUV darüber hinaus durch ein gutes Platzangebot und Alltagstauglichkeit besticht. BBC Studios is a commercial company that is owned by the BBC (and just the BBC). Der Audi Q3 Sportback ist der schicke Ableger des Kompakt-SUV Q3. Exclusive RS elements contribute to the overall athletic design of the compact SUV with coupé-like styling. The Merc. In sprint times, Mercedes claims 3.9 seconds for the A45 S’s 0–100km/h acceleration and Audi quotes 4.5 seconds for the RS Q3. And if the RS Q3’s design and performance are priorities, the ride is certainly liveable. It felt bumpier around town with a family of four onboard, though, and – if my experience is anything to go by – there’s no guarantee a non-petrolhead partner will share your enthusiasm for purchasing this Audi. Standout standard equipment for the RS Q3 include the company’s fanciest headlights (the multi-beam Matrix LED system), 21-inch alloy wheels, electronically adjustable RS sports suspension, RS sports exhaust system, 680-watt, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, and even metallic or pearl exterior paint. 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) review, Ford Australia to sell all models under Ranger sub-brand, following ute's success, 2019 Mini Countryman S E All4 PHEV review, 2020 Audi RSQ3 pricing and specs: Hot SUV debuts new reservation system, 294kW @ 5800–7000rpm, 480Nm @ 1950–5850rpm, 5 (tested 2018, all Q3 variants excl. In our performance testing, the RS Q3 pulled up nearly two metres shorter than the 140kg-lighter A45 – 34.5 v 36.4 metres. As good as Audi’s displays are, Mercedes’s dual, integrated infotainment and driver screens look another generation ahead with their stunningly sharp and vibrant screens. Audi RS Q3 Sportback: Mercedes-AMG A45 S: Engine: 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo petrol: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol: Power and torque: 294kW @ … As standard the RS Q3 rides 10mm lower than a regular Q3, on RS-tuned suspension. My sports wagon sucks at the above, in fact I have a holiday house I can't even take it too! Maintaining the RS Q3 annually with Audi costs $2320 for three years or $3420 for five years, compared with $3000 and $4300 over the respective periods for the A45 S. Alternatively, A45 owners can opt for capped-price servicing. The A45’s throttle response is terrific regardless of mode, the Mercedes feeling alert even in Comfort without being twitchy. >> Mehr zum Thema Test Foto: Audi Audi RS Q3 Sportback. The original AMG hatch wasn’t fundamentally flawed like the old RS Q3, but its dynamics were certainly somewhat one-dimensional. It’s the same story in the RS 3 and TT RS models. Fuel consumption combined¹: 8.9–8.8 l/100 km CO₂ emissions combined¹: 204–203 g/km Typical RS-specific elements add to the overall athletic design of the compact SUV-coupé crossover. Our test car featured black Audi rings and ‘RS Q3’ badge ($700) and carbon-fibre mirror caps ($1300), which give the design an extra touch of menace along with those huge front air intakes and pronounced wheel arches. You could build 2-3 for the price of replacing a single BMW n63 V8. Auf einem zugefrorenen See in Schweden lässt das scharfe SUV seine 400 PS von der Leine. Us SUV drivers don't buy these as the only performance cars in our lineup, we very often have sports cars too. Not much else comes close in terms of both the theatre and sheer savagery this magical odd-cylinder marvel provides. Is the cars? As with most Audis, the RS Q3 features a Driver Select button on the dash (and again on the ‘wrong’ side for the driver). The new A45 now not only has the phenomenal roadholding, but has the fun element of mid-corner throttle adjustability added in. It’s improved but not completely eradicated if you put the gearbox in Sport. It overrides any love affair for the power plant found in the Audi. merc is nicer inside out, but i would go with audis 5 banger.... in a new RS3. The AMG’s four-cylinder doesn’t sound bad. The Audi RS Q3 Sportback. A4 Saloon . Adaptive dampers, a Bose audio and premium paint were among cost options on the previous RS Q3. Although both these vehicles will take your total spend to six figures with on-road costs, they leave little on the table when it comes to performance, safety and convenience features. Audi Sport - formerly known as Quattro, it’s the bit of Audi responsible for RS-cars such as the RS3 and RS6, as well the R8 and the company’s Formula E, DTM, GT3 and TCR programmes - wants to double sales of its road cars by 2023. And we drove them back-to-back. We’ve driven both, but underneath they’re mechanically identical. think the sq5 is much better. Was kann das SUV-Coupé? There's over 400Nm from 2700 to 7000 RPM when stock. For the record, though, the A45 S and RS Q3’s indicated fuel use was virtually inseparable – identical at 13.7 litres per 100km after the most intensive part of testing, and finishing on 11.3L/100km (Mercedes) and 11.2L/100km (Audi) after an hour of freeway driving. - YouTube The exterior includes gloss-black trim and rear privacy glass as standard. Yes, I agree there is a noticeable delay on boost when accelerating on the highway but a nice rush when it hits. Start configuration; Catalogues; Test drive; Audi Online Showroom; High performance in pictures The same for big power 5 pots. I saw one with the aero kit option, pretty exciting looking hatch I thought... Any older, and would get without and still looks good, so true. $2200 for a 3rd non capped service must be eye watering. Definely i will choose Audi > Merc. Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre TFSI engine generates 294 kW of power. The infotainment, connectivity and extensive standard equipment ensure absolute driving pleasure. Thankfully, the engine retains its signature warble – created by its non-sequential firing order and uneven number of cylinders – which can be enjoyed whether you’re on light, medium or full throttle, if naturally at its best with the latter approach. I regularly tow a trailer, drive on gravel roads which resemble 4WD tracks, hang 4 MTB's off the back, and drive in places where clearance is a huge advantage. Audi’s high-performance crossover takes on Mercedes-AMG’s hyper-hatch in a battle of racy compacts. You can also opt for the Audi virtual cockpit plus. But the RS Q3 has been around for years, having first gone on sale in 2013. And although the A45 has reasonable boot space – quoted at 355L – the RS Q3’s cargo area is noticeably larger (quoted at 530L) with a bigger aperture once the tailgate is opened. As we’ve said in previous A-Class reviews, the MBUX infotainment system – as well as the highly customisable driver display – will just take most owners weeks to learn, such is the multi-layered functionality. If out of the two, I would choose the RSQ3. This is indeed a comparison pitting the 2020 Audi RS Q3 compact SUV against the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hatchback rather than the more obvious GLA45 S. Benz’s hot-rod baby SUV isn’t here until early 2021 – yet bear with us, because this is a more organic comparison than you might initially believe. An aluminium crankcase contributes the most to a 26kg drop in the engine’s weight from the last RS Q3, while there are also aluminium pistons. For one thing, the humble hatchback is under threat from a relentless wave of compact SUVs – especially crossovers that aim to blend five-door looks with the higher ride height and styling cues of a sports utility vehicle. RS3 Saloon . Ähnliches ist wohl auch bei Audi Sport mit dem Q3 Sportback passiert. Audi RS Q3 Sportback - Fazit und Preis: Eine brutale Performance, verpackt in einem praktischen SUV und dazu ein heißes Design: das ist der neue Audi RS Q3 Sportback. They offer terrific bite and modulation, combining with bountiful grip from the 255mm-wide Continental SportContact 6 tyres to further enhance driver confidence. There was nothing quite like it back then, and there still isn’t today. And while the steering doesn’t score high marks for communication, it’s now better weighted while offering the accuracy that completes a picture of predictable handling. Whereas the new $107,035 GLA45 will be priced a fair bit above the $92,900 RS Q3 Sportback, the A45 is just $2000 higher at $94,900 before on-road costs. But there's no point trying to make these things go around corners well. Neither are on the wish list, but a really well written and thorough review. £ 28,950 Finance offer available. What MB have achieved here is more than just peak power. The steering wheel design is also the same, though for a touch of race-car-style embellishment, the A45’s rim is wrapped in microfibre. A panoramic sunroof costs $2700 ($200 cheaper than on the regular RS Q3 as it’s a single pane rather than dual pane, owing to that sloping roof, plus a manual rather than electric shade). Coupé-like elegant design lines in tango red meet the brute force of the V8 TFSI engine. Crucially, the second request happens quickly enough to ensure no momentum is lost – and a case of learning to downshift a fraction later than you might naturally do to get the road speed down just a touch more. There is a surprisingly large performance difference between the RS3 and the RS Q3. Driving the second-generation version, then, is a bit of a ‘hallelujah’ experience, because the RS Q3 is now far more enjoyable to drive – and therefore worthier of the RS badge. Internal combustion is not completely over, it seems. The SUV does it all with ease, handles very well and is ultra comfortable. The Audi RS Q3 Sportback. It’s much more convincing going around corners in terms of steering and chassis balance, and the five-cylinder – while losing some exhaust theatrics and not always as responsive as it should be – remains an enjoyably charismatic engine. They'll always lose to something lower. Logo und Schriftzüge gibt es für 300 Euro in Schwarz. This Audi looks cool. Sport 35 TDI 150 PS S tronic. I also like the Audi interior over the Merc, which is something I would be looking at every day. ... Audi Q3 Sportback. In diesem Audi A1 stecken fünf Zylinder und Allradantrieb Audi RS1 Quattro: Einzelstück mit RS3-Technik Audi mag keine schnellen Kleinwagen mehr bauen. The flagship RS Q3 is available in both forms, though could anyone argue it’s not best suited to Sportback guise? As a car on my shortlist, how do you find the ride comfort and fuel usage? Buyers can add a prominent rear roof spoiler and front aero flicks with an AMG Aerodynamics Package, and AMG High Performance Seats are also available. Have it more akin to a muscle car. Audi expects the Sportback to be more popular than the regular RS Q3 (sales will be 60 per cent Sportback, 40 per cent standard, says Audi), despite the … If we were to be picky, the upper door cards are quite hard to the touch and the hard-plastic centre console is a bit of a letdown at this pricepoint. Usually, I’d throw some leeway the Audi’s way, solely because that engine truly makes the package feel special. The first and second annual services cost $700 and $850, respectively, though a third service costing $2200 makes the three-year service plan cheaper for those planning longer ownership. However, it just can’t compare to the melodic rally-themed tune that emits from both the front and rear of the RS Q3. In most respects it continues Audi’s reputation for interiors with high levels of perceived quality. The times we live in? The A45 S features an engine that undoubtedly makes the Audi five-banger feel old-fashioned. S4 Saloon . Design the exterior of your Audi RS Q3 to your liking. As a commuting vehicle, the RSQ3 ticks all the boxes and never disappoints. And the Audi’s greater suppleness completes a great grand-touring package – and the clear pick here for longer journeys. CLA45 Shooting Brake would be preferable. It will be interesting to read next year's comparison test of the new RS3 against the new GLA 45s. When in their Comfort modes, both cars can be driven at slow speeds without the drivetrains feeling like they’re straining at the leash, the driver able to simply enjoy the flexibility of the engines and the smoothness and decisiveness of the gearboxes. You can build a forged 2.0 closed deck motor good for 500kW for less that it costs to replace some Landrover turbos. And the $107,000 projected price of the GLA 45, the real competitor to the RS Q3, seems ridiculous. Audi expects the Sportback to be more popular than the regular RS Q3 (sales will be 60 per cent Sportback, 40 per cent standard, says Audi), despite the additional cost and compromised interior. Well at the launch of the RS Q3 Audi also brought out almost its entire knife block of other RS models. Even at lower speeds, the Audi still sounds tuneful, enough so to keep you happy, and never second-guessing that there’s a slice of Group B heritage powering your vehicle. I was quite amazed. If you’re after outright pace and performance, no question, take the Benz. And whereas Audi’s infotainment display is controlled via touch only, the Mercedes screen can be manipulated by touchscreen, steering wheel buttons or a touchpad with shortcut buttons (arguably not great for any indecisive owners!). The A45 S is just on 24/7. You can’t even begin to scratch the surface of its ability on public roads. But it's got to be the angry Merc for the great engine. It’s on from pretty much anywhere on the tacho, responding rapidly to input. For the most spirited driving, the RS Q3 needs to be driven via the steering-wheel-mounted paddle levers – and with the drivetrain in its most aggressive setting – to feel truly responsive and effortless. After doing back-to-backs with the pair, you begin to realise how doughy the five-cylinder feels when it’s tasked with 100 per cent throttle. A reliable stage 1 tune on the Audi and it has more power than the Merc. Your local Audi Centre can always provide you with the most up-to-date information available. S stands for sportiness. But in all honesty, in order to truly unlock its performance, you’d need to go to a racetrack. I wonder if anyone will ever do it? Definitely cheaper to go independent servicing but it's not that much cheaper than a dealer. For a performance SUV, the RS Q3’s urban ride is quite acceptable in Comfort mode – almost commendable considering the 21-inch wheels and sporty rubber. Some will like that it's always ready to party, others will not. And this thing is gonna help it get there. With the suspension at its firmest – with our chosen ‘RS 2’ customised setting placing engine, gearbox, suspension and exhaust all into max attack (Dynamic modes) – body roll is well contained in corners and there’s relative agility (for an SUV) through S-bends. Unless otherwise stated, all prices are shown as Manufacturer's Performance is an attitude. Das knackige Fahrwerk, der klangstarke Fünfzylinder-Turbo und das coole Design sind die Highlights des RS Q3. Go buy a formula 1 car if all you care about is outright performance. The Audi RS Q3 Sportback offers a supremely powerful and venerable five-cylinder engine. Mercedes has stepped up its interior quality for its compact models, and the A-Class impresses in this respect even in base A200 form. It looks sportier, too, especially in Sportback guise. One would hope by then that Audi Sport have replaced their drivetrain engineers who managed to nobble this great engine with lousy throttle response even in S mode. Or my own age? With the Audi RS 7 Sportback, you can have both. Paint choices include the strikingly bright Kyalami Green of our test car.