The Audi RS Q3 Sportback is a fast SUV with a distinctive five-cylinder petrol engine and a lovely interior. The lower, lighter hatchback RS 3 will be even more fun to drive, mind you.A couple of things help the Audi RS Q3 Sportback stand out amongst performance SUVs – its sharp looks and that characterful five-cylinder engine. It just sounds better than the rest.
This latest addition to Audi Sport’s growing stable of RS models is also one part of a dual-pronged attack on the small performance SUV market. While the RS Q3 should appease those wanting a little extra headroom for rear passengers, the Sportback earns extra style points with its sloping rear end. The Sportback delivers the kind of assured handling we associate with the RS range, letting you make rapid point-to-point progress while remaining predictable at all times, if lacking in true driver engagement. The progressive steering rack doesn’t give much sense of what the front tyres are doing through corners, and there’s little playfulness to be found from the rear end when pushed. On the smoothest roads and the optional adaptive dampers set to their most comfortable, the Sportback is just about relaxed enough, but still jostles on rougher surfaces. Dynamic mode is a lot more brittle, picking up even the smallest of abrasions. Ride refinement is merely average for the class, though our test drive didn’t provide an opportunity to see what effect smaller 20in alloy wheels would have on comfort.
Audi's cheeky little SUV offers exactly what we expected from the tech-loving German automaker in a handsome and mostly practical package.
Pros Sharp styling, plentiful tech features, spunky driving demeanor.
Cons Tight rear quarters, noticeable turbo lag, a few cheap interior materials.
A unique turbocharged five-cylinder engine with nearly 400 horses makes the redesigned-for-2020 RS Q3 an exotic performance SUV that we can't buy.
Pros Gutsy power delivery, quirky five-cylinder sound, impressively neutral handling for an SUV.
Cons The U.S. still can't have it, AMG and Porsche both offer more power in their competitors.
The RS Q3 might be exceedingly fast in a straight line, but it just isn’t that much fun. Numb steering and a tendency to wash wide at the front count against it, while many will find its ride a bit too firm for their liking. For this money, the Porsche Macan S feels plusher and is more enjoyable to drive, even if it isn’t as fast.
Pros Fast Well-equipped Sounds good
Cons Stiff ride Not that much fun Interior doesn’t feel that luxurious for a £50k SUV