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.
Since this is only the second year for the Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi has made very few changes. Midrange LE models now come with gloss-black window-switch controls and all Eclipse Cross models can now be equipped with roof rails.
Pros Provocative styling, sturdy build, well-paired engine and transmission.
Cons Busy rear design, ho-hum fuel economy.
The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ranked #18 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a score of 6.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 17 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Comfortable ride Light off-roading ability
Cons Minimal cargo space Body lean around corners Numb steering
The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.The LE trim receives gloss-black window-switch panels.
PROS Provides plenty of standard features Turbocharged engine delivers peppy performance Easy-to-use infotainment system
CONS Top trim-level pricing is similar to better driving compact SUVs Not much fun to drive around turns Ride quality is a bit rough
