Audi RS Q3 News

The small car segment, especially on the premium and luxury end of the spectrum, has been very tumultuous over the last few years with hatchback and sedan sales plummeting, while SUV sales have climbed astronomically.In order to combat this, as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve combined small premium passenger cars and SUVs into this segment.It’s worth noting that each shortlisted small premium car mentioned below is inclusive of the entire line-up, though its entry price must be under $80,000 before on-road costs for this particular category.The following is a rundown of our top 10 sub-$80K small cars in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Note Mercedes-Benz's current A-Class, CLA and GLA were ineligible as they were unavailable for review.While many brands are fleeing this segment of the car market, this German small hatch and sedan is still offered in Australia in a wide range of trim levels and variants. Beyond the normal A3 variants, there’s the sporty S3 and the fire-breathing RS3.It notably made this shortlist due to the latter which is still offered with an iconic five-cylinder engine. However, we do wish it made just a bit more noise like the older models did.Beyond this, CarsGuide reviewers praised the A3 line-up for its capable and engaging driving dynamics, as well as its luxuriously equipped and premium-presenting interior.While the A3 hatch and sedan may be newer, the Audi Q3 small SUV has been soldiering on for a couple of years now without any major updates.The current model is reaching the end of its lifecycle and is set to be replaced by a new-generation model during 2026.Despite this, CarsGuide reviewers liked how the Q3’s exterior design is ageing, even in the polarising Sportback body style, plus the on-road manners are both elegant and fun.The new-generation version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback launched locally late in 2024, offering everything from everyday commuter trims to the M135 xDrive hot hatch.CarsGuide reviewers were impressed with its driving dynamics and outright performance, though fuel efficiency took a hit as a result.Additionally we liked the new and modern front-row layout, however the exterior design, especially at the front, likely isn’t for everyone.The X1 small SUV is the most popular BMW in Australia currently and for good reason.It launched locally in new-generation guise in 2022 to popular fanfare, then the all-electric iX1 variants joined the line-up in 2023, cementing its status as a benchmark small SUV.CarsGuide reviewers praised X1/iX1’s on-road manners, as well as the modern and high-tech exterior and interior designs. However, common European quibbles like tyre roar and suspension bumps can intrude into the cabin.The X2 is a swoopy ‘coupe’ SUV counterpart to the X1 small SUV and still notably offers both petrol and electric (iX2) powertrain options.While its exterior design is polarising and not for everyone, CarsGuide reviewers appreciated how polished the drivetrains feel from behind the wheel. The X2/iX2 is also affordable when compared to premium rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.The few dislikes were centred around the X2 M35i xDrive’s firm ride due to its large (and thankfully optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as the slight reduction in boot capacity over the X1/iX1.This spicy Spanish small crossover SUV is the clear front-runner for Cupra in Australia. Arriving in 2022, the Formentor is offered in a range of variants from warm to hot, plus even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.CarsGuide reviewers appreciated the lifted hatchback looks and the smile-inducing driving dynamics, however some found the multimedia system to be a little finicky and the ride a little too far on the firm side.An oft-forgotten entrant in the small SUV segment, this quirky French electric SUV impresses with its sleek design, maximised interior space and reactive driving feel.There is currently only one trim level of the Megane E-Tech offered in Australia, the Techno EV60, and it’s limited by its 7.4kW maximum AC charging rate, plus the lack of features like connected services that are available overseas.A huge step away from the iconic Fortwo of the early ‘00s and ‘10s, the Smart #3 is the brand’s largest car in Australia to date.With unique looks and a premium cabin feel, the #3 impresses though the driver-assist features can be a little overbearing and the panoramic glass sunroof has no sunshade.More sore points are the average warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, as well as the hefty servicing costs for an electric vehicle.While a number of these shortlisted vehicles are high-tech or electrified offerings, the Subaru WRX stands out as a purist sports car.Still featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and a manual transmission in certain trim levels, the WRX is offered in sedan and wagon body styles.CarsGuide reviewers praised the WRX’s dynamism, practicality and even value when compared to rivals with similar amounts of power. However, the WRX Sportswagon only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and doesn’t look as sporty as the standard WRX sedan.This vibrant and quirky Volvo electric SUV stands out on the road thanks to its stunning exterior design with boxy proportions.The interior also stands out, but sometimes not in the best of ways. CarsGuide reviewers found too many of the key features are tucked into menus on the central touchscreen, plus the lack of a proper instrument cluster was grating.

Audi Australia has confirmed the RS Q3 Edition 10 Years will come to Australia, likely in very limited numbers, with the special edition celebrating a decade of the badge.

Audi has revealed its new-generation Q3 RS small SUV, which will be available for the first time in coupe-style Sportback guise when the range hits local showrooms in Q2, 2020.The fresh design is headlined by a new grille, flared wheel arches, roof spoile

This dimly-lit teaser image shows the future of Audi Sport's RS range is bright.The German performance brand has released this image showcasing its upcoming models - or at least the silhouettes of those new offerings. But our knowledge of what's coming and what we've already spied under-going testing allows us to reveal what this six-vehicle line-up will be.Expect to see the new RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback unveiled at September's Frankfurt Motor Show. These two closely-related models will be packing the same powertrain, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 already found in the Porsche Panamera, Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus.Reports indicate for the Audi duo the bent-eight will be tuned to pump out a hefty 485kW of power and 800Nm of torque. Paired to the four-ring brand's trademark quattro all-wheel drive system the family-friendly wagon and Sportback should have no trouble helping you get the kids to footy practice on time.Another rapid load-lugger is also on the way, an update of the RS4 Avant (the silhouette second from right). It will get a similar nip and tuck as the rest of the A4 range so don't expect too much in the way of technical updates, with the 2.6-litre twin-turbo V6 staying put with its healthy 331kW/600Nm outputs.The other three new RS additions are all SUVs - the RSQ3 and RSQ3 Sportback siblings as well as the bigger RSQ8. Unsurprisingly, Audi Sport is expanding its range of SUVs amid a push by all three German luxury brands into the high-riding space as customers demand more high-performance high-riders.The RSQ8 is expected to be on sale in Europe by the end of 2019, which points to a mid-to-late 2020 arrival in Australia.What sits under its bonnet remains unconfirmed but the most likely option is the same petrol-electric set-up as the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid - a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with a powerful electric motor. The internal combustion engine alone produces 404kW and 550Nm but with help from the electric motor's 100kW and up to 400Nm it has a total system output of a whopping 850Nm.While the hybrid system adds weight and complexity that should be enough grunt to help the RSQ8 hold its own against the BMW X6M and Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe.The smaller RSQ3 and RSQ3 Sportback are also expected to have the covers taken off publically at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Motivation for these new hot-rod SUV is expected to be the latest iteration of Audi's 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine good for approximately 300kW.While it's too early for Audi Australia to comment on these future models, given the popularity of both SUVs and performance cars it's safe to assume all six of these will be coming to an Audi showroom near you as soon as possible.

Global Audi Sport managing director Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed the German brand's range of RS-badged SUVs will expand beyond its current sole RS Q3 model.Audi's SUV range already offers two S-branded variants for the Q5 and Q7 models, but the RS treatment is yet to be applied to anything larger than the Q3.Mr Winkelmann said the popularity of the SUV segment was responsible for the increased demand for high-performance variants, which has motivated Audi to broaden its RS SUV model range.As the leader of the Audi Sport division, Mr Winkelmann is responsible for the global development team for all RS models plus the R8 sports coupe hero model, while less-manic S-badged vehicles are produced by Audi's overarching engineering and development team.While he did not reveal which exact models will be elevated to RS status, Mr Winkelmann suggested that as many as 10 new projects are currently being developed by his team.Of these 10 new RS models, not all will be SUVs as some will be replacements for existing variants, including the top-of-the-wish-list RS4.Geneva could see the debut of the first-ever RS Q5 as a follow up to the already-potent SQ5 mid-size SUV.Despite quickly dashing any hopes of a March debut for the new RS4 at the Geneva motor show, when questioned, Mr Winkelmann revealed that another model from Audi Sport was instead scheduled for reveal.“Geneva is in front of us and we will have a launch there which is going to be very important for us because it’s a new era in the B-segment of these cars,” he said.The A-segment usually refers to the smallest compact vehicles, but Mr Winkelmann placed all A3 and Q3 models under the same classification, attributing the A4, A5 and Q5 to the B-segment.RS-branded B-segment sedans and coupes are currently not expected, meaning Geneva could see the debut of the first-ever RS Q5 as a follow up to the already-potent SQ5 mid-size SUV.The recently revealed SQ5 – which will be released in Australia later in the year – will forgo its former diesel engine for petrol-only power, despite suggestions from Audi at the second-generation Q5's launch in Mexico last year that a high-performance diesel version of the SUV was in the works.This may suggest the monstrous 320kW/900Nm 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 diesel from the just-launched SQ7 might be transplanted into the Q5's body, which could create the debuting RS Q5.Electrification is another possibility for the “new era”, meaning hybrid technology or an electric vehicle (EV) may be introduced to the RS line-up.As for other RS-badged SUVs, the smaller end of the line-up is likely to gain new offerings as well.Audi is also trying to maintain the high-performance brand's exclusivity alongside its growth in volume.The recently revealed all-new version of Audi's bespoke five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – which features exclusively in the TT RS and forthcoming RS3 Sedan – could populate across the German brand's smaller SUV line-up.Mr Winkelmann said that despite the 294kW alloy engine's versatility, it will remain the enterprise of the A-segment, which signals that the debuting Q2 compact SUV could receive the RS once-over sometime in the future.He said that while a new generation of buyers will join the RS family via the smaller end of the range, Audi is also trying to maintain the high-performance brand's exclusivity alongside its growth in volume.

Strong lines of the new Performance version of the hot Audi RS Q3 feature a titanium look in many areas of the body

It’s no secret that Australians buy a higher proportion of high-performance models like BMW’s M, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG and Chrysler and Jeep’s SRT models than most markets, and Audi is taking full advantage of this with its Audi Sport range of models. With an unprecedented seven RS models now available, the R8 supercar and S-badged versions of almost all of its models, the German brand saw a 172.2 per cent increase in local Audi Sport model sales during the 2013 financial year. This resulted in a total of 1121 units, and a shift from 3 to 7 percent of Audi’s record total local volume of 16,009 units.During this same period, BMW’s M models dropped 1 percent, and Mercedes’ AMG rose 34.3 per cent, and the total Audi Sport volume sits between BMW M’s 623 units and Mercedes AMG’s 1650 units.With the subsequent additions of the RS6 Avant, RS5 Cabriolet, S3 Sportback, RSQ3, RS7 Sportback and the upcoming S3 Sedan and S1 hatch, Audi could be a serious threat to AMG’s top-fiddle status.“We have a renewed focus on Audi Sport, and the central theme of this comes from the 30 years of quattro GmbH last year”  Audi’s Australian boss Andrew Doyle says.In addition to the new quattro GmbH-developed Audi Sport models and the brand’s ongoing motorsport activities, Australia has become the second market after the UK to adopt the ‘Audi Sport Sales Concept’, which will see dedicated Audi Sport-themed areas established in several Australian dealerships. These ‘shops within a showroom’ will feature décor based around the Audi Sport red rhombus motif, and showcase a range of merchandise, wheels and accessories.To ensure buyers of RS models appreciate the full breadth of their vehicle’s performance, each will now be invited to participate – free of charge - in the Audi Driver Experience program with driver trainer and ex-Top Gear Australia host Steve Pizzati.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

Audi has launched a new 1.4-litre TFSI petrol four-cylinder version for its Q3 range, which will become the new entry point to the model. The new Q3 has been announced for the UK market, and is likely to reach other right-hand drive markets after mid-year, slotting in under the current cheapest variants, the $47.500 103kW/320Nm 2.0 TDI quattro diesel and the $49.450 125kW/280Nm 2.0 TFSI quattro petrol.Against their level, the new car offers only front-wheel drive -- with overseas transmission choices of six- and seven-speed dual clutch box -- and just 110kW (from 5000rpm) and 250Nm (from 1750-3000rpm).But it will be the most efficient petrol in the line-up with an official fuel economy figure of 6.2L/100km on a combined driving cycle, compared to the 7.7L/100km of the 2.0-litre TFSI and not far behind the 5.8L/100km of the diesel -- and for some buyers, the cheaper price of petrol may be enough of a trade-off to move them away from the oilburner.Audi is touting a 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds, which would make it a full second faster than the diesel and just 0.7 behind the TFSI in acceleration, so if true, it'll lose little to them.Prices and arrival of the new Q3 have not yet been confirmed by Audi Australia, but if you have around $45,000 in the bank by mid-year, you'll be looking prepared.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSBMW i3: BMW will bring the high tech i3 city car down under from September, with the pure-electric i3 BEV expected to start at about $60,000, and a range-extended i3 REX version with a 647cc petrol generator further up the price scale. (Approximately $60,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)FAMILY CARSInfiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Mercedes' new C-Class sedan and wagon are due around mid-year, with a range of new engines and an 80mm wheelbase stretch to help combat the also enlarged BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS rivals. Drivetrain availability from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre C180 and 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre C200 petrols, and the 125kW/400Nm 2.1-litre turbodiesel C220. A smaller diesel, diesel-electric hybrid and more powerful petrol engines will come later. (Approximately from $60,000)Tesla Model S: The long-awaited Tesla Model S pure-electric passenger car is due to arrive locally in the second quarter, with the five door hatch balancing style, performance, and all-electric tech in equal measures. (Approximately $80,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)LUXURY CARSLexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)SUV/4WDAudi RS Q3: The company’s first RS-badged SUV will arrive in February, with the RS Q3 borrowing its 228kW/420Nm five-cylinder heart from the TTRS, and promising 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $81,900)BMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)BMW X5 sDrive 25d: BMW will add the first two-wheel drive X5 to the new 2014 lineup early in the year, with a price-leading $82,900 2.0-litre turbodiesel sDrive 25d undercutting the existing all-wheel drive xDrive 25d by $5000. (Approximately $82,900)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will score SYNC-inclusive revisions by the end of the year, ahead of its 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAlfa Romeo 4C: Alfa will bring a limited number of its limited-build 4C sports car to Australia in around June, with the mid-engined, carbon-chassised performance hero expected to lob for as little as $75,000.Peugeot RCZ-R: Building on the brand’s reignited performance cred thanks to the excellent 208 GTi, the French brand will also add the hot RCZ-R to the lineup in the second quarter, with a highly tuned 199kW version of the existing petrol version’s 1.6-litre turbo. (Approximately $70,000)CONVERTIBLESBMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)  

The RS Q3 is the first RS model in Audi's SUV line-up, and is intended to package performance and practicality into a sporty and compact design when it arrives in February next year. Priced from $81,900, it's powered by a five-cylinder 2.5-litre TFSI engine that develops 228kW of power and 420Nm of torque. The engine also lives under the bonnet of Audi's TTRS sports car. Drive is via quattro technology through a seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission allowing the RS Q3 to put away a 0-100kmh sprint in 5.5 seconds. The pint-size powerhouse comes equipped with a high level of standard equipment -- RS specific styling, front and rear, RS high-performance brake system, wave disc design at the front, Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights. MMI Navigation plus is included with 20 GB of hard drive storage and 2 SD card readers. Also included are Audi parking system plus with rear view camera,  music interface, Bluetooth interface with audio streaming, sports seats with Nappa leather, dual zone climate control and more.   Watch the RS Q3 SUV video here.