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 2021 Toyota RAV4 is the meat-and-potatoes crossover for many buyers; the RAV4 Prime supplies the all-electric range.
Pros Performance plug-in hybrid Great exterior looks Wide customization possibilities Standard active safety features Good all-wheel-drive systems
Cons Interior is compromised Prime priced prime near $40,000 Buzzy base inline-4 Small-ish rear seat
Toyota has made only one change to the RAV4 for the 2021 model year: Blizzard Pearl replaces Super White on the color palette. A plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime joins the lineup, and the hybrid model gets a new XLE Premium trim; we review the two hybrid models separately.
Pros Truckish good looks, car-like road manners, driver-assistance features are standard.
Cons Spartan entry-level model, engine moans and groans, top trims can be pricey.
No significant changes for 2021.
Pros Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality Abundant cargo and passenger space Easy-to-use controls
Cons Lackluster power from powertrain Uncomfortable front passenger seat Vague steering
