- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.5T, 5 cyl.
- Engine Power
270kW, 465Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 8.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2012)
2016 Audi RS Q3 Performance quick spin review
Price: From $84,216 plus on-road and dealer costs.
Vitals: 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo petrol, 270kW/465Nm, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, 8.8L/100km, AWD.
What is it?
An upgraded version of Audi's high-riding hot hatch, the RS Q3 performance adds more power and unique styling enhancements to keep it fresh in the minds of customers looking for an all-rounder.
What it isn't
It's not quite the RS3 Sportback on stilts that its on-paper specifications promise. It's fast and the five-cylinder engine sounds great, but it isn't as convincing as the hatch or the upcoming sedan, both of which offer better dynamics and are just as practical.
What does it say about me?
That you may be a one-car family and needed to choose with both the head and the heart.
Who else is buying it?
Style-conscious and cashed-up young families that want something fast, fun and with some brand cache, but can no longer compromise on space or practicality.
What colours does it come in?
There are eight different hues to choose from, with Cortina White the only standard finish while the others – which include two blues, two silvers, a metallic white, black and bright red - cost extra as they're either metallic or pearl effect.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Nuggety actor and former boy band singer, Mark Wahlberg; small, stocky and packing a decent punch with good looks. Maybe not the best in the business, but definitely has appeal – especially among females.
Why would I buy it?
Because it offers genuine pace – rocketing from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds – and plenty of character from its five-cylinder motor in a user-friendly package.
Best bits?
That engine; its off-beat five-cylinder exhaust note is totally unique and thoroughly addictive to unleash.
Worst bits?
The whole hot hatch-meets-SUV vibe just doesn't gel as well in Q3 as it does in its bigger brother, and some of its rivals. The ride is a bit too harsh and one dimensional for our roads, particularly chopped-up, speed-bump ridden inner city streets.
Will it let me down?
Not in terms of anything mechanical, as the hardware has all been proven in other Audi products. But you might regret not choosing the RS3 if you're a real driving enthusiast.
Does it cost too much?
At $84,216 (plus on-road costs), it is right up there for what is essentially a city-sized SUV on steroids. The Performance pack only costs an additional $3k over the regular RSQ3, which is not bad considering what premium car makers – Audi included - usually charge for a power upgrade and similar styling enhancements.
Will I get a deal?
You could certainly cross shop the RSQ3 against the more affordable RS3 with the dealer and see if there is any wriggle room, which is highly likely.
Will it get me noticed?
Audi's performance cars are typically pretty subtle in terms of add-ons, and this is no different. The RSQ3 looks like what it is meant to be – a high-riding hot hatch with big wheels and a bit more bling than the regular soft roader – but it is hardly over the top.
Does it go?
Thanks to a few minor tweaks – like fitting a bigger radiator and optimising the fuel pump – Audi has released an additional 20kW from the 2.5-litre turbo five-cylinder, taking its maximum output to 270kW while maintaining the same peak torque of 465Nm. The net result is a car that can run to triple figures in 4.4 seconds – which is pretty quick by any measure.
Does it like corners?
With big 20-inch wheels, sticky tyres and stiff suspension, the RS Q3 is certainly one of the most dynamic soft roaders out there and is quick on the right stretch of road. But its tall body does compromise its ultimate handling with more roll and pitch than a conventional hot hatch.
What about bumps?
That stiffened suspension doesn't help here, particularly in standard guise. While it's bearable in most situations, sharp bumps will jar into the cabin and can upset it in the middle of a corner. Best to stump up more for the optional adaptive dampers that can be tailored for comfort or sporty driving.
How's the stereo system?
It's pretty good with all the functions you'd expect from a top-shelf model, including digital radio, sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity. The sound clarity is decent but the Q3's interface is showing its age against newer Audi models.
What about service stations?
With a claimed combined consumption figure of 8.8L/100km, the RSQ3 certainly isn't a gas guzzler – if you drive it gently. But tap into its performance every now and then – or just drive it around the city – and you'll easily see double digit fuel readouts.
Would you buy one?
Personally, if I wanted a great luxury SUV I'd spend the same money on a slightly bigger Q5. And if I wanted a great hot hatch I'd swing towards the RS3. So, no, the RSQ3 sits in a bit of no-mans land for me.
What else should I consider?
If you genuinely wanted a hotted-up small SUV, the only alternative at the moment is the Mercedes-AMG GLA45, which is cheaper and more powerful. Otherwise, as I just mentioned, the RS3 Sportback is quicker and just as practical.
The spin
Pure power
The translation
Power isn't everything