The specification of this
RS Q3
performance will be a surprise to precisely nobody. It does very much what it says on the tin, in the same way as the recent
RS6 performance
. Take one obscenely fast Audi and make it even faster. Then watch the customers flock in.
Mmm, check out that quilting
The turbocharged five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI remains from the original RS Q3, however the performance sees power boosted up to 367hp and 343lb ft of torque. These are gains of 27hp and 11lb ft over the standard car. Paired up with a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox that Audi claims "has also been rigorously tuned for sportiness", 62mph arrives in a blistering 4.4 seconds and the top speed is a limited 167mph.
Elsewhere the performance is similar to the regular RS Q3. It sits 20mm lower than a regular Q3, with 'RS sport suspension plus' including damper control available as an option. The performance can be identified though by a 'matt titanium-look finish' for a few add on parts including the intakes, mirrors and roof rails. Ascari Blue paint is a new addition to the extras list as well. And it wouldn't be a fast Audi without plenty of RS logos; see the wheels, the grille, the brake calipers, the boot...
The RS Q3 performance will make its public debut at Geneva, although orders are now being taken in Germany with prices starting at 61,000 euros (£46,525). Expect UK prices to follow soon. For reference a standard RS Q3 is £45,810 and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 - its nearest rival - is £44,855. When's the X1 M coming then? BMW isn't usually one to let Mercedes and Audi have a segment to themselves...