Friday 7th November 2014

Audi RS Q3 faceift

If you didn't like it before then you won't now but there is more power and some new tech

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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.

 

 

[Ali_T]

That is one seriously ugly car. Like an S3 got mixed up in a Loony Toons cartoon.

[MyCC]

Fitting it with a single exhaust seems at odds with its looks to me.

Regards,

MyCC.

[Hoofy]

Ali_T said:

That is one seriously ugly car. Like an S3 got mixed up in a Loony Toons cartoon.

Yeah, can't help thinking it might look more interesting if it was at a normal height.

[Negative Creep]

Whoever made the bubble car comment got it spot on

[Oddball RS]

Oh thank God, I hope this marks a trend to fewer exhaust tailpipes...............................

[k-ink]

It's an off road on roader that likes boys and girls. Poor thing is very confused.

[tjk123]

Didn't even know this thing existed. Not sure I wanted to either. Grim.

[davea18h]

The Audi Q3, certainly in it's more basic form, reminds me of a German equivalent of the Austin Allegro with Audi lights fitted. And now, with the chrome grill, we have the vanden plas special!! Out of all the Audi's, this is one seriously frumpy looking car.....

[Axionknight]

Wow, that looks terrific.........

[okie592]

It's not a good looking car really but I love the idea of it having 340bhp. Just silly. I love silly cars

[Fattb]

Oddball RS said:

Oh thank God, I hope this marks a trend to fewer exhaust tailpipes...............................

Amen to that !

[EricE]

The power output doesn't strike me as optimal anymore. I'm going to have to pass on this one.

[mrdemon]

I like it :-) , If I had kids I would be looking at this.

[unpc]

davea18h said:

German equivalent of the Austin Allegro

Ain't that the truth. Seriously fugly.

[Jonny TVR]

yuk yuk and yuk

[ocrx8]

Looks daft with a single exhaust. Twin ovals ala other RS models would make more sense.

[sad61t]

mrdemon said:

I like it :-) , If I had kids I would be looking at this.

Ah, Darwinian selection in operation. If you like this then you don't have kids; over time the desire for propped up hatchbacks is removed from the gene pool.

[Oz83]

In line with recent VAG tradition, I'm disappointed it doesn't have 5 exhausts.

[anonymous-user]

rs used to mean sports, loike nmw m it now means sold out name used to flog stupid 4x4 for the middleclasses.

[Escort Si-130]

I agree twin exhaust would have looked better.

ocrx8 said:

Looks daft with a single exhaust. Twin ovals ala other RS models would make more sense.