Power and equipment upgrades position new compact SUV range flagship on the rung above its RS Q3 counterpart.

Power and equipment upgrades position new compact SUV range flagship on the rung above its RS Q3 counterpart

• New top model with 367PS and 465Nm slots in above 340PS RS Q3
• Further revised version of award-winning five-cylinder engine good for 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and 167mph top speed
• Expected to open for UK order later this month priced from £49,175 OTR

The ranks of the new Audi ‘RS performance’ range offering RS enthusiasts even more power and pace have swelled again this week with the arrival of the new RS Q3 performance. 

Joining RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants in the new wave of models positioned above ‘standard’ RS equivalents, the RS Q3 performance uses an increased 367PS output to deliver even more exceptional acceleration on the ascent to an elevated 167mph top speed, and features equipment enhancements which also distance it visually from its namesake.

Five-cylinder fury in the new RS Q3 performance is guaranteed by a revised version of the 2.5-litre TFSI unit which an international panel of automotive journalists has named the “International Engine of the Year” in its category six years in a row. 

Here, the cooling capacity of the main radiator has been increased and the fuel pump has been modified to liberate 27PS more power. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343.0 lb‑ft) is available between 1,625 and 5,550 rpm, helping the top-ranking compact SUV to break through the 62mph barrier from rest in just 4.4 seconds (RS Q3 4.8) and to reach a top speed of 167mph (RS Q3 electronically limited to 155mph), yet the result of the combined consumption test is a creditable 32.8mpg, which corresponds to 203 grams CO₂ per km.

The seven-speed S tronic transmission with tight ratios that complement the engine’s performance characteristics can take care of extremely rapid shifts itself or leave the driver to change gears manually using the shift paddles on the standard RS multifunction steering wheel. 

When the Audi drive select dynamic handling system – a standard feature – is in its dynamic mode each gear change is accompanied by double-declutching.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system smoothly delivers the engine’s power to the road via a hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. Power is distributed automatically between the front and rear axles as needed, and even selectively to each wheel thanks to the networked Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), which features a further enhanced sport mode affording even greater adjustability.

RS-specific sports suspension

Complementing quattro is taut RS sport suspension which lowers the body by 20 millimetres compared with the standard Q3 and perfectly translates the propulsive power into incisive and rewarding handling. RS sport suspension plus with damper control is available as an option, and can adjust the dynamic parameters between  Comfort, Auto and Dynamic settings via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The exterior design with its typical RS design details underscores the distinctive appearance of the Audi high-performance models. These include the purposefully styled bumpers with large air inlets up front, the heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear and the gloss black honeycomb grilles.

The exterior of the RS Q3 performance is also distinguishable from the ‘standard’ RS Q3 through additional matt titanium-look detailing applied to the frame of the air inlet duct, the Singleframe grille, the lateral flaps in the air inlets, the trim strips at the side windows, the exterior mirror housings, the roof rails, the upper edge of the diffuser and the fins of the roof edge spoiler. 

To maximise the differentiation, the new paint finish Ascari blue metallic is also exclusively available as an option for the RS Q3 performance.

RS-specific 20-inch ‘performance exclusive’ alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish which complements the exterior detailing are standard, and red calipers bearing the RS logo are visible within them. These are also available in black at no extra charge.

The dynamic line of the exterior design is echoed in the interior. The dial instruments feature grey faces, white dials and red needles. Sports seats finished in Alcantara and leather with honeycomb stitching in blue are standard for UK models, and the blue accents are also applied to elements such as the RS sport leather steering wheel, the selector lever gaiter, the centre armrest and the floor mats. Inlays in carbon twill blue, in which a blue thread is woven into the carbon material, continue the theme into the dashboard and door mouldings.

Equipment levels befit the RS badge, and externally include all-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and tail lights, privacy glass, powered tailgate operation and the Audi advanced key system affording keyless entry and starting. 

Inside, features such as front seat heating, the Audi Music Interface channeled through the 180-watt Audi Sound System, satellite navigation and front and rear parking sensors ensure that the prodigious performance is delivered as comfortably and conveniently as Audi drivers rightfully expect.

Strongest residual value prediction in the UK SUV sector for first ever Audi RS ‘Q’ model

• Leading trade guide CAP Monitor predicts segment-leading 52% residual value  for latest Audi RS model based on three-year/60,000-mile usage
• Overall the Porsche Cayman is the only car currently on UK sale which holds its value more effectively according to CAP Monitor  

‘Slow’ is not a word that will often be associated with the new 310PS Audi RS Q3, but it certainly applies to the pace at which it depreciates according to leading trade guide CAP Monitor. The first ever Audi RS SUV is notable for achieving a higher percentage of estimated value retention after three years than all-bar-one of the thousands of new cars currently available on the UK market.

Experts at CAP Monitor expect the new departure for Audi high performance division quattro GmbH, which is now available to order priced at £43,000 OTR, to retain 52% of its original value after three years/60,000 miles. This outstanding prediction positions the RS Q3 ahead of not only every other SUV currently available on the UK market, but every car currently rated by CAP Monitor with the exception of the Cayman sports car produced by Volkswagen Group sister company Porsche.

Commenting on the very positive forecast for the latest addition to the Q3 family, Head of Sales Paul Sansom said: “All Audi models are characterised by strong residual values, but the RS Q3 sets a particularly high benchmark. This prediction not only reflects the perceived quality, reliability and desirability of the Q3 range, but also the respect the RS badge commands, particularly among UK buyers. These factors, combined with the inherent strength of the Audi brand, make the Q3 flagship one of the most compelling propositions not only in SUV terms but in the UK performance car market as a whole.”

At the heart of the new RS Q3 is a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Producing 310PS and maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft), it gives a gloriously distinctive five-cylinder rasp as it powers this unique RS Q model from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Despite its ability to thrill, fuel economy sets a new precedent for an RS model – up to 32.1mpg is possible according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO2 output of 206 g/km.

RS-specific sports suspension and quattro drive

True to Audi RS tradition, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system underpins the RS Q3, and in conjunction with lowered, RS-specific sports suspension helps to deliver composed, flat cornering without forsaking equally important everyday ride comfort. Electromechanical rack and pinion steering offers quick and accurate turn-in, and ventilated disc brakes with a weight-saving wave contour design provide progressive and steadfast stopping power.

The exceptional performance and incisive handling are channeled through striking 20-inch Twin-spoke V-design alloy wheels, and the very special status of the RS Q3 is also underscored by RS-specific body detailing.

Inside, the RS theme is continued by the instrument cluster with its grey gauges overlaid with white scales and red needles, heated and Fine Nappa leather-upholstered front sports seats embossed with RS Q3 logos, a flat-bottomed RS multi-function sports steering wheel complemented by aluminium race inlays and bright aluminium pedals. The Driver’s Information System also includes additional boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer modes.

In addition to the RS-specific touches, standard equipment also includes the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, the Audi sound system with ten loudspeakers incorporating Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, a Bluetooth phone interface, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps and LED tail lights which have a dark red tint when they are not lit.