Wednesday 20th February 2013

Audi RS Q3 - official

First RS-branded Audi SUV confirmed with 310hp five-cylinder turbo

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You might not like it, but it's happening – Audi's RS badge is being applied to the rump of a soft-roader. The RS Q3 is now officially a reality, and this morning Audi's ended months of speculation by giving us our first look at the new car. 

2.5-litre five-cyl will provide 310hp

It'll be the eighth car to join the RS range, and the fourth RS model launched this year. Power will come from a version of Audi's 2.5-litre five-pot TFSI engine, although in the RS Q3 it's been detuned to 310hp, rather than the 340hp it's endowed with when fitted to the TT RS and RS3.

That peak power is delivered between 5,200 and 6,700rpm, while maximum torque of 310lb ft comes in a spread between 1,500 and 5,200rpm. The result is a 0-62 time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed that's electronically limited to 155mph.

It's been designed to be efficient, too – for the first time, Audi's fitted the five-pot with a stop-start system, and there's also a regulated oil pump that only supplies lubricant when it's needed. We'd hate to see the repair bill if it stops 'regulating' in 15 years' time, mind.

Flat-bottomed wheel is an RS signature

As you'd expect, there's also a three-mode adaptive dynamics system that alters exhaust note, steering feel and throttle pedal sharpness, as well as RS-specific sports suspension that lowers the car by 25mm. Visuals are dealt with by way of a chunkier bodykit and a smattering of gloss black highlights, and there's also a unique-to-the-RS Sepang Blue paint finish.

Audi is proudly pointing out that the RS Q3 is creating a “new performance class” - that is to say, the fast, compact SUV. And while BMW USA comes close to matching the RS's power levels with the 300hp X3 Xdrive35i - the closest thing out there - its performance doesn't quite tally. So it seems Audi has a point. Do we want one, though? Well, the jury's still out. We wouldn't mind comparing one with a quick Evoque, though. Hint, hint, Land Rover...

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Update: We asked Audi why exactly the RS Q3 will have less power than the TT RS and the RS3, with which it shares an engine. Here's what they said:

"The ideal harmonisation of power and road performance is one of the primary goals of quattro GmbH for every RS model. Here, the focus is not on nominal values, but rather in the ideal configuration of the potential of the specific model. For this reason, the power limit for the RS Q3 was set at 310hp - the top value in the compact SUV segment. The acceleration, torque and top speed of the RS Q3 are all benchmark in the segment."

We'll leave you to draw your own conclusions!

[audidoody]

Excellent. Now I can get up the goat track leading to the dog kennels with three seconds to spare.

[TonyTony]

Seems a bit pointless to me.

[toppstuff]

I am not an Audi fan.

I have plenty of time for the Quattro's, the RS and S ranges, but the regular vanilla diesel A1/A3/A4 cars seem like a careful exercise in style over substance to me. They're not even all that reliable or well made.

But I have to admit that I rather like this. Lots of performance, not too large, 4WD and a relatively high seating position. Should be a great cross-country tool on A and B roads, providing Audi have'nt made the mistake of giving it the same terrible unyielding ride that afflicts the RS4....

If they have'nt afflicted the car with a terrible ride, I would consider one of these.

Edited by toppstuff on Wednesday 20th February 10:41

[k-ink]

An S3 on stilts which falls over at the first corner. Just what the world does not need.

[td5jim]

Audi have lost their way a bit after the last great car they produced. The B5 RS4.

[E-B]

Hmmm, an Evoque with performance enhancements by Bowler...............

[DanB7290]

Here's hoping Land Rover take PH's hint and do a quick Evoque. They have the Jaguar parts bin to raid, a 4.2 V8 Evoque would do nicely. As for the RSQ3, as much as I want to go on about it devaluing the RS brand, and how it's utterly pointless and nobody in their right mind would buy one, I have to admit, in that blue, I kind of want one

[mwstewart]

td5jim said:

Audi have lost their way a bit after the last great car they produced. The B5 RS4.

That B5 was certainly iconic but I think the B7 was their finest hour. Dynamically at least.

I agree that Audi seem to be loosing their way - I really don't understand the need for an RS Q3, but presumably there is one! It just feels like RS brand dilution to me.

[mrdemon]

quick remap for a 420Bhp one nice

great engine.

[E38Ross]

td5jim said:

Audi have lost their way a bit after the last great car they produced. The B5 RS4.

I'm going to say you're wrong there, both the B7 RS4 and the R8 are better cars.

[benzpassion]

AlexRobbins said:

And while BMW USA comes close to matching the RS's power levels with the 300hp X3 Xdrive35i - the closest thing out there - its performance doesn't quite tally.

- ever heard of the X1 xDrive35i, available from BMW USA?

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/20...

Makes what you said above invalid.

[TTOBES]

I am an Audi fan.

Whilst I don't agree too much with this small, fast SUV, I like my A1. It's extremely well built and is a lovely car to be in whether I'm doing a 456 mile day trip to Hull and back or driving back from Madrid in one hit.

Why do I like them? Probably because my dad has owned them all my lifetime. Brother's gone from Golf to Leon to 3 Series though!

[toppstuff]

mwstewart said:

I agree that Audi seem to be loosing their way.

[Stuart]

Arf.

http://sniffpetrol.com/2013/02/20/audi-loses-contr...

[Podie]

mwstewart said:

It just feels like RS brand dilution to me.

Agreed.

[Blanchie]

Someone's not said "soon to be tailgating you in the outside lane" hahahah

Much like the X6M, utterly pointless but what the market seems to be demanding, they'll sell loads

[uncinquesei]

td5jim said:

Audi have lost their way a bit after the last great car they produced. The B5 RS4.

Yes. Absolutely.

Audi AG annual report 2001 said:

653,404 Audi vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide.

Audi AG annual report 2013 said:

In 2012 the company sold around 1,455,100 premium cars worldwide

[y2blade]

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz ^^^^^^ Typical PHers response to a new car they don't "understand"
I can't see what the problem is myself, great to have the option imho.
Thank you Audi.


Chris

[leemanning]

One would imagine this isn't being made for the UK market.

There isn't really a need or a want for something like this in the UK, but overseas I can certainly see the appeal.

Trouble is Audi are stuck a little. They launch it here, then as pointed out it does dilute the RS brand, whereas if they don't launch it here then we are in uproar for not having a performance car!

Also, an RS with a single oval exhaust?

[va1o]

Looks awesome to me! I was a big fan of the RS3 Sportback but this takes things to a new level. Lets hope the pricing is sensible and not over £40k. Shame about the detuning to 310bhp but I'm sure a remap would sort.