Test drive of the Audi RS Q3 2.5 TFSI quattro 400 CV, a five-point analysis of a very practical RS

The more time goes by, the clearer it becomes to me that vehicles like the one we’re analysing today have their days numbered. That fills me with a mix of nostalgia, the wish to win the lottery so I can build a four-wheeled Noah’s Ark, and perhaps a need to try these totally illogical sports cars that nonetheless carry a lot of soul.

Today we want to analyse in five key points a very versatile and sensible RS, one that lets us enjoy sporty driving while also taking the kids out at the weekend or setting off on a trip. These are the five key points of our analysis of the RS Q3 with the 2.5 TFSI quattro engine producing 400 CV and S-Tronic automatic gearbox.

1. Sporty design, eye-catching yet elegant

The RS Q3 we tested has a very eye-catching exterior, with matt grey paint, which is without doubt the car’s most striking feature, along with the various RS details present both outside and inside. All of this is done in an elegant way, without becoming too “racing“, which in my opinion is a welcome thing.

Besides the paint, the rear stands out powerfully with its twin exhaust outlets (which are actually four, not two) and the huge 21-inch alloy wheels. If you look at the wheels, you will also see the enormous front carbon-ceramic brakes with red brake calipers (though these are not standard).

In its interior the sportiest elements are the seats, with red sides and inserts in various parts of the dashboard, as well as the red-stitched seatbelts on the sides. Finally, there is the sport-cut steering wheel bearing the RS badge.

2. Lots of horsepower, yet they know how to be smooth

The unit that powers this RS Q3 is a five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI petrol engine with 400 CV. It is a very high-performance powerplant which, thanks to quattro all-wheel drive, transmits its power efficiently to the wheels.

It offers several driving modes: Efficiency, AUTO, Comfort, Dynamic and two customised RS modes (which we can personalise). Each mode affects steering firmness, engine response, gearbox, exhaust sound and quattro traction. In this way, we can drive aggressively in RS or Dynamic mode, or be gentle in its most efficient mode.

In efficiency mode, consumption hovers around 9 litres per 100 km, and the level of interior comfort is high, so there is no fear of making long journeys in it or cruising calmly along the road.

3. Radical, but with good tuning

When we decide to get the most out of its performance, we only need to select one of the sport modes and head for a mountain pass or a winding road. There we see that its 400 CV are very lively, the RS Q3 gains speed very quickly (0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds), but at the wheel we don’t get a sense of speed.

Once we pass 3,500 rpm and up to nearly 6,000 rpm, the engine sound is a real pleasure and its thrust is almost endless. All of this is accentuated by the quattro traction, which gives us outstanding agility through corners.

It is not a difficult car to drive, quite the opposite: the tuning means we can enjoy its sportiness with noble and predictable responses. Perhaps the only criticism I could make is that it is too docile.

4. A very versatile, spacious and practical RS

Not everything is about sportiness: one of the RS Q3’s strong points is its versatility. It is a sporty SUV that any family man could have, since in terms of interior space and practicality it is identical to the less sporty Q3.

It is a comfortable car; its sport-cut seats hold the body well but are comfortable on long journeys. They have only one drawback: the leather is not micro-perforated nor are the seats ventilated, and in summer that is noticeable.

The rear seats are relatively roomy, with more than enough space for the feet, and they can slide longitudinally to gain legroom or boot space. Its boot has a capacity of 675 litres (with the rear seats moved forward).

5. Price, equipment and personal opinion

The RS Q3 is available from a price of 79,890 euros, a price that can climb if we start adding several recommended extras after our test.

Among the standard equipment the good sound system stands out, as do details such as the electric tailgate and the plus navigation system, which come as standard. Meanwhile, to have the recommended Matrix-LED headlights you will have to go to the checkout, as you will for keyless entry and go.

To sum up , in my opinion the Audi RS Q3 is a very well-balanced SUV, because it allows the most radical and sporty version (it is a car that conveys plenty of sensations through the steering wheel and has outstanding road performance for an SUV), while offering a spacious and versatile interior.

Photos | Test team