RS Q3 Sportback is the Answer to Your Crossover Woes
Can't stand the thought of driving some boring SUV? The new Audi RS Q3 Sportback is your new no-compromise vehicle of choice.
No Compromises
Long gone are the days when you had to sacrifice performance and style for utility. These days, buyers have a slew of quick and stylish SUVs to choose from, and Audi remains at the top of the heap in that regard. Still, that won't stop them from continuously pumping out exciting new products. The latest of which is the all-new RS Q3 Sportback.
Photos: Audi
Bad News First
We'll go ahead and get the bad news out of the way first - the Sportback, along with the regular Q3 RS, aren't currently slated to be sold in the U.S. Europe will see them hitting dealer lots in the first quarter of 2020, however. But perhaps if we kick and scream loud enough, Audi will change their mind?
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Small and Quick
We say that because there's a lot to like about this little SUV. For starters, it packs a revised version of Audi's 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder producing 394 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That equates to a 0-62 mph time of just 4.5-seconds, as well as a top speed of 155 mph (governed) or optional 174 mph limit.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Lighter and Louder
Audi has given its revised 2.5 a new aluminum crankcase to shave nearly 40 pounds, along with a hollow crank that saves an additional 2+ pounds. The lighter mill sends power back through a 7-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels, of course. And if you crave a bit more sound, an RS Sport exhaust with black tailpipes is optional.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Sophisticated Equipment
Handling should be improved over the standard Q3 and Q3 Sportback as well, thanks to a revised suspension and 0.39-inch lower ride height. Buyers who want more can opt for Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive dampers, as well as ceramic discs with monoblock aluminum calipers to replace the stock 6-piston calipers and steel rotors.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
New Face
On the outside, the RS Q3 duo sport a host of changes that truly set them apart from the base models. That starts up front, with a body-color grille containing gloss black mesh. The revised front fascia also has larger air inlets and blade-shaped accents for a more aggressive look.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Limited Options
Unique 20-inch wheels come standard on the Q3 RS and Q3 RS Sportback, but you can also nab 21-inchers for an additional cost. Exterior color options are limited to Kyalami Green and Nardo Grey, but you can opt for either standard gloss black exterior accents or aluminum ones.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Quite the Looker
Rounding out the exterior styling updates are a new gloss black roof spoiler, along with large, oval-shaped exhaust pipes that protrude from the rear bumper. Overall, the new RS Q3 is quite the looker. Especially if you opt for the more hatch-like Sportback.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Adding Contrast
On the inside, the Q3 RS wears a mix of black Nappa leather and Alcantara. Buyers can opt to add some color via blue or red contrasting stitching, along with the same colors applied to the seatbelts, steering wheel trim, door mats, and shifter. And if you want to go all out, you can also opt for a larger Virtual Cockpit Plus digital instrument cluster.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new RS Q3 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Growing Segment
Interestingly enough, Audi calls the all-new RS Q3 Sportback a "progressive SUV coupe crossover." As if we didn't already have enough different kinds of SUVs. Regardless, this particular segment continues to grow, and buyers seem keen to keep snatching up these no-compromise vehicles. And if we were in the market, the new Q3 RS would certainly top our shopping list.
Photos: Audi
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