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.
Fresh-faced and better equipped, the 2020 CR-V is now an even more compelling choice among compact SUVs. Aside from the styling improvements versus last year's model, Honda is now offering a hybrid powertrain which consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors; the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder has been dropped and the previously optional turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is now standard on all non-hybrid CR-Vs. More standard and optional equipment enhances the CR-V's value for 2020, starting with a suite of driver-assistance features that includes automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control that will be standard on all models.
Pros Classy interior trimmings, two fuel-efficient powertrains, voluminous cargo hold.
Cons Lackluster infotainment performance, could be quicker in acceleration testing, limited towing capacity.
The 2020 Honda CR-V hits right at the heart of many buyers’ needs: comfortable, spacious, quiet, and efficient.
Pros Streamlined powertrain lineup Comfortable ride… ..and a comfortable interior Affordable base trims Intuitive and easy to use
Cons Group-study looks Base infotainment is lacking Others go off road better
The 2020 Honda CR-V comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.Turbocharged 1.5-liter engine now standard.Advanced driver safety features standard on every trim level.Revised exterior styling.
Pros Quick acceleration plus thrifty fuel economy Roomy interior with cavernous cargo capacity Rides comfortably yet handles corners athletically Plentiful and thoughtful storage areas
Cons Touchscreen can be finicky to use and lacks a separate tuning knob
