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 Lexus NX 300 comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automaticNew driver safety features, including low-light pedestrian detection, bicyclist detection and lane centering assist.Mark Levinson premium sound system is now available.
PROS Generous backseat room Cabin is very quiet at highway speeds Lots of standard high-tech safety features
CONS Limited cargo volume Remote Touchpad interface can be distracting to use Apple CarPlay is available, but Android Auto isn't
The 2020 Lexus NX ranked #8 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Lexus NX has a score of 7.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Well-built, spacious cabin Smooth, quiet ride Good fuel economy ratings Excellent predicted reliability rating
Cons Tricky infotainment system Subpar cargo capacity Not as fun to drive as rivals
Only a few changes mark the 2019 model year for the NX. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration are now standard across the lineup. Lexus's Enform Remote app is now standard and can be used on smart watches; it includes Alexa and Google Assistant.
Pros Edgy styling, SUV-like driving position, stylish and comfortable interior.
Cons Irksome infotainment controls, performance doesn't match looks, hybrid performance is pokier still.
