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 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.Now comes with the innovative MBUX infotainment system.Base model gets new engine with more power.More refinements to active driver aids.
Pros Elegant and premium interior design Excellent balance between agile handling and a comfortable ride Abundant driver safety aids work great Four- and six-cylinder engines are fuel-efficient for the class
Cons Less useful cargo area than in regular GLC Rear headroom isn't great, especially in the middle Pricey for a compact-class SUV
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is comfortable and quiet, with few rivals in among small luxury crossovers.
Pros Great looks Performance potential in AMG versions Comfortable ride and interior Good rear seat room Good active safety features, standard and optional
Cons Top spec versions are pricey Refresh was very light Compromised outward vision in coupes Small rear doors in coupes
Mercedes-Benz has given the GLC coupe a bevy of updates for the 2020 model year. The headlights, grille, and bumpers have been revised, and some new color and wheel options are available. Within the cabin, a larger touchscreen has been added, and it governs Mercedes-Benz's new infotainment system. Under the hood, there's a new turbocharged engine that provides 14 more horses than the previous powerplant. Also, the list of available driver-assistance features has been expanded.
Pros Smooth handling, rakish exterior design, extensive range of standard equipment.
Cons Less cargo space than competitors, curved roofline diminishes second-row headroom, fuel economy trails that of some rivals.
