A TOUCH OF SPICE

Audi’s RS Q3 raises the performance stakes

Audi has recreated its hot hatch on SUV steroids, the RS Q3. The new performance model teams the potent 2.5-litre fivecylinder turbo engine used in the RS 3 hatchback with the compact SUV body of the Q3.

It will spearhead an intensive model onslaught for Audi’s performance sub-brand.

Priced from $89,900 plus on-roads, the RS Q3 is the flagship of the Q3 line-up, which is now Audi’s top seller.

For the first time it’s also joined by a sleeker Sportback model ($92,900 plus costs), which is expected to account for most buyers. It has a more steeply sloped roofline that shaves some luggage space when the rear seats are folded.

While more affordable Q3s feel pinched for features, the RS Q3 is loaded with fruit, including auto emergency braking (AEB), blindspot monitoring and a 360-degree camera.

There’s been a price hike of $5000 with the update, but Audi claims $20,000 worth of equipment has been added.

Standard fare includes aggressive 21-inch wheels, matrix LED lights with adaptive high beam, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, tri-zone ventilation, smart key entry, electric tailgate, electric front seats, active cruise control, wireless phone charging and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with unique RS displays.

A central 10.1-inch screen tilted towards the driver also houses Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, while gadgets can be charged via four USB plugs, including a smaller USB-C.

A flat-bottomed steering wheel incorporating an RS button with two customisable drive modes adds to the tech, while wild exterior colours — including Pulse orange or Kyalami green — are free of charge.

Options include carbon ceramic brakes, a sunroof and various trim colours and highlights. About the only thing missing is a head-up display.

But the heart of the RS Q3 is its five-cylinder engine, which has been massaged to muster 294kW and 480Nm. They’re big numbers, but the Q3 is also a stocky machine — almost 200kg heavier than an RS3 — so it’s not quite as fiery as Audi’s hot hatch, even if the 4.5s taken to reach 100km/h is an impressive number for an SUV.

Performance is helped by a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic that hooks up swiftly and shifts slickly, although in the regular drive mode there’s some laziness that can be overcome with a solid prod of the throttle.

The car’s reflexes are sharper in dynamic mode, while a characterful burble from the oval sports exhausts adds to the theatre.

Less impressive is the ride comfort in dynamic mode. The additional firmness may be suited to autobahn blasts but isn’t as soothing on patchy Australian country roads.

Even in its softest setting — which can be paired with the sportier engine settings through the programmable RS button — there’s some occasional uneasiness as it reacts to repeated jiggles. Blame that partly on the higher ride height, which means it has to be tied down tighter than something closer to the ground for the requisite sportiness. The trade-off is terrific steering precision and immense grip; it doesn’t take many sweeps and swerves to establish the RS Q3 is hugely capable.

The intelligent four-wheel-drive set-up also does a terrific job of diverting drive to the rear wheels, adding to the car’s athleticism.

While the front wheels will run wide first when pushing on, the way it powers out of corners is a reminder Audi hasn’t forgotten about the fun factor with its latest RS.

The practical SUV body options means it’s remarkably easy to live with. The boot is compact but useful and the back seats accommodate all but larger adults nicely, even in Sportback guise. Seats pamper yet hug reassuringly.

Buttons are well positioned with the exception of the volume knob, which is a slight lean out of the driver’s seat.

All of which makes for a well-rounded offering for those wanting an SUV with spice.

Just don’t expect to go venturing beyond the blacktop. This is a car more at home at speed rather than climbing the summit.