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.
Jaguar updates the 2021 E-Pace lineup with some fresh styling inside and out, as well as several newly available features. The exterior cues include a revised front bumper with more prominent apertures, a reshaped grille with a snazzier mesh design, and new LED headlights with "double J-blade" daytime running lights. Inside, a larger 11.4-inch curved touchscreen running Jaguar's new Pivi Pro infotainment system is now available. Likewise, a digital rearview mirror joins the option sheet.
PROS Charming and sporty appearance, playful handling behavior, improved interior appointments.
CONS Pricier than its competitors, small back-seat space, heaviness hinders acceleration versus competitors.
For 2021 Refreshed exterior styling.300 Sport engine now uses mild hybrid technology.New infotainment system.Revised trim level lineup.
PROS Ample power from turbocharged engine Relatively spacious inside Appealing mix of standard and luxury features Striking design
CONS Ride quality suffers with larger optional wheels Rear seats lack headroom
The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is unranked in Luxury Subcompact SUVs due to missing safety data. Currently, the Jaguar E-Pace's overall score is not available, though its Critics' Rating, Performance score, and Interior score are based on our evaluation of 22 pieces of research and data.
PROS Straightforward infotainment system Elegant cabin Spry handling Great predicted reliability rating
CONS Poor fuel economy estimates Stiff ride Tight rear seats
