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 Chevrolet Blazer isn't a burly 4x4 designed to chase Jeeps into the wilderness—it is instead a slick, decidedly street-oriented crossover bristling with cool, Camaro-inspired design touches.An all-new model for 2019, the Blazer blazes into 2020 with few major changes. Chevrolet has added a new 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to the lineup, where it fits between the entry-level 193-hp 2.5-liter (non-turbo) four-cylinder and the available 308-hp V-6. The new engine forces a trim-level shakeup from last year's L, 2.5L, 3.6L cloth, 3.6L leather, RS, and Premier trims to L, LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier.
Pros Stylish looks, fun to drive, useful cargo space.
Cons Ho-hum interior materials on lower trim levels, weak base engine, not a great value.
The 2020 Chevrolet Blazer comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.New turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine option.Engine stop-start function can now be disabled.Trailer hitch guidance included with tow package.
Pros Refined ride quality Strong optional V6 engine Infotainment system is attractive and easy to use Agile handling for an SUV
Cons Base engine is underpowered Compromised headroom for rear passengers Maximum cargo capacity is lower than that of several rivals Limited availability of advanced driver safety aids
The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer ranked #16 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Blazer has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 8 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Responsive, user-friendly infotainment system Accommodating second-row seats Fuel-efficient base engine Agile handling
Cons Questionable value of upper trim levels Small cargo area