Audi RS Q3 2014 review

So-called Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are a lot of things, but the sporty part of the title is not always an accurate adjective. Audi's looking to change that with the RS Q3.

The smallest of the popular Audi SUV family is also the first to wear an RS badge. What's more, it's the first RS model with a price tag below six figures — $81,900 in fact. The only fly in the ointment for the four-ringed sports-SUV is it's not going to have the performance market to itself for long having been undercut at $79,900 and overpowered by Mercedes-Benz's GLA 45 AMG.

VALUE

The $81,900 asking price for the RS Q3 is a solid leap up from the $56,500 2.0 TFSI Q3, which is the next most-expensive of the range. For the extra coin, the RS model sits on 19-inch alloys and gets Bose surround sound and satnav system (controlled via a seven-inch screen), with a 10-speaker 20GB hard-drive infotainment system (with a pair of SD card readers, voice control and the Audi Music Interface in lieu of a more convenient USB port).

There are also Bluetooth phone and music link, leather-trimmed cabin with RS-embossed power-adjustable leather sports seats, flat-bottomed chunky sports-style leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddleshifters and RS drivetrain alterations. Upgrading the paint from red, white or black to metallic is a rude $1495, plus there are option packs to reduce the complexity of upgrading.

The RS Performance pack for $5250 — which adds diamond-stitching to the leather seats, red brake calipers, carbon-fibre trim bits, digital radio and 20-inch alloys — or $1300 can buy aluminium or high-gloss black trim tweaks. The panoramic glass roof is $3250 if you don't care about headroom.

TECHNOLOGY

The RS Q3 takes the direct-injection turbo 2.5-litre five-cylinder from the TT RS coupe, although it's been wound back to 228kW/420Nm. These outputs go to the ground via a seven-speed twin clutch auto and part-time all-wheel-drive.

A stop-start fuel-saver system and a launch control represent the car's extremes — 8.8L/100km in normal running The RS version sits 25mm lower than the standard Q3 on sports-tuned suspension and has drive select dynamics system to change steering, and throttle mapping.

There's also an active exhaust system for the single-pipe outlet with a valve to open up the pipes for a better soundtrack when Dynamic mode is chosen or the gear selector is slotted into Sports mode. However, it needs to do much more. Missing is the dual-exhaust treatment normally bolted on to the top sports machines — because the battery's been a shifted aft to achieve close to even weight distribution.

DESIGN

The standard car is a handsome little wagon so the RS has plenty on which to build — upgrades include deeper RS bumper profiles front and rear, aluminium roof rails, a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser among exterior extras. The cabin upgrades include the RS Q3 embossed seats and the sports steering wheel, instruments with white numbers and red needles on grey dials.

There's enough room in the interior for four average-sized adults and gear — the luggage compartment claims 356L — but if the sunroof option is ticked headroom front and rear can be compromised.

SAFETY

The RS model is fitted with seven airbags (including a driver's knee bag) and given the standard Q3 scored five ANCAP stars without that feature the RS would surely achieve the same.

There's also parking sensors, a rear view camera, three-stage stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, auto-dimming centre and driver's side mirror, automatic xenon-plus headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights and rain-sensing wipers. The brake package is dominated by big ventilated "wave-design" front discs with eight-pot calipers, back by 310mm-diameter discs at the rear.

There's also an optional assistance package — for $2490 — that adds adaptive headlights with high-beam assist, side assist and active lane assist, hill hold and descent assist systems.

DRIVING

The flat-bottomed steering wheel sets the sporting mood and delivers some information and good weighting (apart from odd mid-corner bump kick), enough for the little SUV to be tipped into bends with gusto and confidence. Body control is good but the ride jiggles a little and feels on the brittle side. That subsides as the speed increases, punctuated by a woofle from the exhaust during slick quick gearchanges.

There's no shortage of pace available but the grunty little five-cylinder turbo engine doesn't sound as belligerent a beast as it does in the TT or for that matter as guttural as some of the RS models in the family tree. The active exhaust system tries but the single-pipe setup doesn't quite reach the crescendo expected.

The driving position is highset but not uncomfortable, apart from a corner on the centrestack that bears pressure from knees during cornering, but the driver does at least get the ability to call the gear shift shots when in Dynamic/Sport mode — bravo.

Fuel economy isn't high on the priority list for RS buyers. Despite considerable stirring on test, the thirst didn't stretch too far into double figures.

VERDICT

If you want an SUV with more squirt for fun after completing the school run, the little Audi has the grip and go to complete the job. But the three-pointed star on the horizon will likely eclipse the four-ringed rival.

Audi RS Q3 
Price: $81,900
Engine: 2.5L turbo five-cylinder petrol 228kW/420Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, 4WD
Thirst: 8.8L/100km