Audi has revealed its new performance-orientated Q3 in 2 flavours. Meet the RS Q3 and the RS Q3 Sportback. See details below…

Audi recently launched its new Q3 premium family car in South Africa and it was just a matter of time before the Ingolstadt-based brand unleashed the RS variants. Here they are!

The front-end is striking with a large singleframe, gloss black grille with a 3D honeycomb structure that’s flanked by large air intakes that feature agreesive-looking boomerang-shaped blades. LED headlights are fitted as standard while Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and RS-specific trim will be offered as an option.

The RS Q3 Sportback, with its sloping coupe-like roofline, rides some 45 mm lower than the RS Q3 and flared wheel arches give both models some added presence on the road. At the rear, a dual-branch RS exhaust system is fitted for the first time and large, dual oval tailpipes communicate performance intent. An RS-specific bumper is fitted along with a rear diffuser with black horizontal blades.

Engine Power

Audi's turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine is now lighter and more powerful than before.

Audi’s familiar turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine has been updated for application in the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback. Power output has increased by 17% and now sits at 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque. The engine itself is now some 26 kg lighter than before thanks mostly to the aluminium crankcase which saves 18 kg in weight.

Equipped with qauttro all-wheel drive and a 7-speed S tronic transmission, the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback offer brisk performance with the sprint from zero to 100 kph taking place in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 kph (280 kph optional).

An RS sport suspension is standard, lowering the car by 10 mm compared with the regular Q3 and Q3 Sportback. RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) will be offered as an option. 20-inch wheels are standard while 21-inch wheels are optional. A new 6-piston RS steel brake system with ventilated and perforated discs are fitted. RS ceramic brakes are optional.

Interior Features

A sumptuously-styled interior with a dash of sportiness is what you can expect when you step inside the RS Q3 Sportback.

The interior is focussed around the driver with the centre console and MMI display tilted towards the driver for improved accessibility.

As you would expect Audi’s Virtual Cockpit in RS design elevates the interior (a larger version is also offered). The sport seats are wrapped in black leather and Alcantara with RS logos give a sporty touch to the cabin. Customers can also opt for RS sport seats in fine Nappa leather with an RS-specific honeycomb pattern and integrated head restraints.

The flat-bottomed RS steering wheel features newly-designed shift paddles along with multifunction controls.

In terms of practicality, both models have rear seats that can be moved fore and aft by as much as 150 mm in the RS Q3 and 130 mm in the RS Q3 Sportback. The rear seats are split 3-ways and can tilted in 7 stages. As for luggage capacity, 530 litres is offered which expands to 1 525 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Both models are slated for South Africa, you can expect to see them in SA in Q3/Q4 of 2020.

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