Given the Audi RS brand has been built on fast estates, the expansion of the brand into SUVs probably shouldn't have come as a surprise. It's arguably more in keeping with the brand ethos than BMW M off-roaders. That still didn't stop the
RS Q3
receiving a fairly harsh reception on launch, averaging 4.32 on the PH o'meter and provoking comments such as 'An S3 on stilts which falls over at the first corner', 'Well thats the RS badge ruined for me' and 'I certainly DON'T like the exterior looks. It looks like a bubble car.'
One exhaust for RS Q3, four for S1; huh?
But clearly enough people do like the RS flagship as it's been updated along with the rest of the Q3 range (see the blue car below). The most noticeable change is that the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo is up 30hp to 340hp, the same figure produced by the old TT RS. It would seem 310hp is no longer the "ideal configuration of the potential of the specific model", as was Audi's original justification for the lower output.
The seven-speed DSG now shifts even faster too. Combined with a shortening of the lower ratios the 0-62mph time is down to 4.8 seconds. Seventh gear is now longer though, contributing to a combined MPG of 32.8. The facelifted RS Q3 is also available with adaptive dampers if you so wish. Might not be a bad option box to tick given the standard 20-inch wheels...
Really wants to be an RS6
The same RS identifiers are there from the honeycomb grille emblazoned with 'quattro' to the matt aluminium roof rails. They don't look the most practical, do they.
The facelifted Q3 range goes on sale in January; a full UK price and spec for the RS will be announced before then with customers (you suspect there will be quite a few) receiving their cars in the spring.