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Over the last decade or so a new genre of performance models has grown out of the SUV market. The RS Q3 is a prime example, putting the howling, 400PS five-cylinder drivetrain from the RS3 hot hatchback into the taller Q3 body, for a car that’s a real guilty pleasure.
As more cars go electric, the RS Q3’s five-cylinder engine only starts to feel more special too, though the side effect of this kind of performance in quite a bulky body is a bit of a thirst for fuel, and the car’s image may also attract the wrong sort of attention - it’s a pretty aggressive-looking and sounding car, which will appeal to and deter people in equal measure.
The original RS Q3 arrived at the same time as another hot SUV, the Mercedes GLA 45, and like the Audi that car too is in its second generation now and even more potent than the Audi. For a more involving driving experience and classier styling, the Porsche Macan should also be on your shopping list.
If you’re looking for a high-performance family-sized SUV, then the RS Q3 should definitely be on your list. You certainly won’t be the only person with those requirements either, as not only are more and more companies offering cars like this, but the RS Q3 itself has now been sold across two generations, suggesting there’s a ready market.
One thing that may draw you to the RS Q3, and certainly elevates it above some rivals, is Audi’s use of a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine. Not only is it hugely potent, making 400PS from 2.5 litres, but it sounds absolutely fantastic too, with a warbling soundtrack that calls to mind some of the company’s past greats.
The RS Q3 is let down a little by its ride and handling. It rides pretty firmly where some rivals are more supple, and its steering can feel a bit remote - not just compared to that of a Porsche Macan, but even some other RS Audi models. But it’s got masses of grip and as is often the case with Audis, feels secure even in poor weather.
Yet it’s still a Q3, which means a practical and spacious cabin, excellent build quality, and a decent-sized boot in either the regular hatchback or sloping-roofed Sportback form. The latter does cut down on headroom a little but it’s still not too compromised. The RS Q3’s very well equipped too.
If you’re still not sure, then perhaps one of the car’s competitors might be more your thing. The Porsche Macan is the car to beat in this class, with excellent ride and handling, subtle but attractive styling and a wide range of performance options. The Mercedes GLA 45 is a keen handler and very quick, while the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a left-field but hugely quick and entertaining take on the performance SUV formula too.
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This is primarily a choice between the regular RS Q3 and the sloping-roofed Sportback variant, which will come down to your own personal tastes and whether you need that last sliver of rear seat headroom; in terms of performance and even seats-up boot capacity, the hatch and Sportback are basically identical.
Beyond that, you get the same engine and transmission and a choice of three trim levels, all of which are pretty comprehensively equipped - befitting the model’s status at the top of the Q3 range. We wouldn’t go out of our way for the Audi Sport Edition or Vorsprung, but some may be swayed by their larger 21-inch alloys and the Sport’s active exhaust.
Three trim levels keep things relatively simple in the RS Q3 lineup, with a well-equipped core model and then a couple of steps above this which include desirable extra features like a panoramic sunroof, larger alloy wheels, or improved audio systems. The Vorsprung is notable for its adaptive suspension, though it doesn’t suddenly make the RS Q3 the most involving car in its class to drive.
The Audi RS Q3’s dimensions are:
The Audi RS Q3’s boot size is:
If you’re looking at a used RS Q3 then you’ll need to be aware that with a new price of more than £40,000, any car between two and six years old will be subject to the government’s Vehicle Excise Duty surcharge, for a yearly bill of £570. From year seven onwards this drops down to a slightly less painful £180 per year, subject to future Budget announcements.
If you were expecting insurance group ratings up towards the maximum group 50, then you might be pleasantly surprised, as the RS Q3 starts in group 40 and only rises to group 42 for the Vorsprung. This means basic Porsche Macans may cost a little less (as it starts in group 35), but higher-performance ones can easily cost more (heading towards group 47).
Read our full Audi RS Q3 review
What is the most popular colour for Audi RS Q3 ?
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What is the most popular engine for Audi RS Q3 ?
What is the average mileage for Audi RS Q3 ?
24565
How many Audi RS Q3 cars are available for sale?
46