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 2019 Honda Passport makes tremendous sense for buyers who don’t need three rows of seats. Pros Spacious interior Strong V-6 engine Excellent ride quality Lots of safety tech Decent value
Cons Unimpressive fuel economy Some cheap bits inside Base Sport lacks tech features Too much like Pilot?
All-new model.Based on the larger three-row Honda Pilot.Start of the third Passport generation.The 2019 Honda Passport comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.
Pros Spacious interior with lots of passenger space Enhanced off-road ability Multiple clever storage compartments
Cons Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive Ride quality is stiffer than the more comfortable three-row Pilot
The 2019 Honda Passport ranked #1 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Honda Passport has a score of 8.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 11 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Spacious seats Handsome cabin Ample engine power Decent off-roading capability
Cons Some finicky infotainment controls