Audi Sport has revealed the new RS Q3 and its coupé sibling the all-new RS Q3 Sportback. Both models will be available to be ordered in October and handed over to UK customers from December 2019.
The two sport models offer outstanding performance, athletic design and maximum everyday usability. Download the full press release at the bottom of the article for more information.
Exterior design
The new generation RS Q3 comes fitted with a dual-branch RS exhaust system for the first time, with large oval tailpipes on both sides and chrome-coloured trims. LED headlights come as standard on all trims.
The singleframe with no colour-contrasting surround in the compact SUV creates an even sharper impression. The gloss black grill with three-dimensional honeycomb structure is inset deeper and directly into the RS bumper with its large side air inlets. The striking boomerang-shaped blades in the bumper are designed exclusively for the RS Q3. The RS genes are also apparent in the flat slits above the singleframe radiator grille.
The RS Q3 Sportback is 1,557 mm high (45mm lower than on the RS Q3) with a downward sloping coupé-like roof line. The rising shoulder line on the Sportback is set further down than on its sister model, lowering the body’s optical centre of gravity and giving it a more robust sportier appearance.
The rear window and roof edge spoiler in gloss black are also lower and appear wider on the RS Q3 Sportback than on the RS Q3.
Both Audi Sport high-performance sports cars highlight their performance ambition with pronounced muscles over the wheel arches, which have been flared by 10 millimetres.
Interior design
The cockpit is designed with the driver in mind. The air-conditioning control unit, the centre console and the MMI touch display are tilted toward the driver by 10 degrees.
The models come fitted with black leather/Alcantara sports seats with RS embossing as standard. Optional RS sport seats in fine Nappa leather with RS-specific honeycomb pattern and integrated head restraints are also available for the first time in the Q3 family.
Entry lighting with Audi Sport projection in the doors welcomes the driver and front passenger. RS logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel and the illuminated front door sill trims. The RS sport leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, including newly designed shift paddles comes with multifunction buttons that allow the driver to control the two optional RS modes in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
Eight paint colours are available for the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback, including the RS-specific colours Kyalami green and Nardo gray. Customized paint finishes are available from Audi exclusive.
The optional gloss black styling package adds highlights to blades, window slot trims, roof rails (RS Q3 only), rear diffuser and on the insert in the side sills.
Unbelievably spacious
The new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback come with five-seats. The rear seats can be moved fore-aft as standard by 150 millimetres in the RS Q3 or 130 millimetres in the RS Q3 Sportback.
The luggage compartment holds 530 litres, but with the backrests folded down the figure rises to 1,525 litres (Sportback: 1,400 litres).
Outstanding drive
The 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder 400PS engine produces 480 Nm of torque, enabling the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback to sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Both models come with quattro all-wheel drive and seven-speed S tronic.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system influences the quattro drive and other components such as steering, suspension, S tronic, engine characteristic and sound. Depending on the selected equipment variant, there is a choice of five or six modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual or, as an alternative to the individual mode, the two new RS modes RS1 and RS2. The driver can adjust and save the two RS modes individually through the MMI.
Sporty suspension
The standard RS sport suspension lowers the body by 10 millimetres compared with the Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback. The suspension’s consistently sporty tuning explains the outstanding handling of these two models. The RS-tuned progressive steering also conveys close contact with the road even on fast bends