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.
The 2020 X3 receives minor packaging changes for this year. Navigation is newly standard, and some of the switchgear is now silver instead of black. LED headlights with cornering lights are also new on 30i models.
Pros Sure-footed handling, authoritative powertrains, fuel-efficient engines.
Cons No Android Auto, small mirrors hamper visibility, auto stop/start could be smoother.
The 2020 BMW X3 ranked #3 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the BMW X3 has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 16 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Powerful engines Fun to drive Easy-to-use infotainment system Plenty of passenger and cargo space
Cons More expensive that most rivals Less stylish interior than some competitors
The 2020 BMW X3 comes with rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Navigation now included with Live Cockpit Plus and Live Cockpit Pro.
Pros Both available engines are powerful and fuel-efficient Wide variety of standard and optional features for personalization Roomy interior for both front and rear passengers
Cons Android Auto is conspicuously absent from the options list
