New Audi RS Q3 review: A hot hatch on stilts

Audi’s newest performance SUV is frantic and stylish and has the heart of a hot hatch. But one pivotal change sets it apart from others.

2020 Audi RS Q3.

Fast cars are often more about the fun factor — but with an appropriate sprinkling of speed.

The thought hits me as we’re tiptoeing around an icy snow-dusted corner in Audi’s latest SUV hero, the RS Q3.

In the subzero cold of a Swedish winter, the studded tyres lack the bite you’d expect on a strip of Aussie bitumen.

Instead it’s about the balance and all-wheel drive, the latter working overtime in a fight for traction, frantically reapportioning drive to wheels with grip. Such is the slipperiness of the surface, it’s an almost futile effort.

All-wheel drive grip works overtime on snow.

Yet it has the smarts to vaguely emulate a classic rear-wheel drive performance car by sending more of its drive aft, in turn allowing for some old school tail-wagging.

It’s a subtle tweak but one that is central to the character of the RS Q3, which is pivotal to an RS onslaught Audi hopes will win market share from rival M and AMG-badged performers respectively from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Of course the stability control quickly keeps things in check, although there’s a Sport mode that allows more slipping and sliding — with the software assurance of knowing the car will contain things before you’re facing the wrong direction.

The RS Q3 still retains a rear-wheel drive bias sending a great split of power to the back wheels,

Then there’s the engine. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder, an elder statesman within the Audi family, has been extensively upgraded for life in the modern RS world.

It’s brimming with character and there’s a wonderful accompanying thrum when building pace — which it does well, thanks to outputs of 294kW and 480Nm.

Not that I’m experiencing the full potential on the icy Swedish roads but it sprints from rest to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

In some ways, the ice-driving is an apt demonstration that Audi has not forgotten that performance is not just about top speeds and lap times.

In the way it sits in bends, the RS Q3 is more hot hatch than high rider, sure-footed and confident. It points assertively and remains composed mid-corner.

The RS Q3 has a classy cabin.

Yet achieving that planted feel takes its toll on poise, especially with the adjustable dampers in their firmest setting. Sure, it’s an accomplished SUV, but the higher centre of gravity demands compromises to keep things in check.

Unleashing the excitement is easier courtesy of a new RS button on the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The toggle allows quick access to two programmable modes, each tailoring throttle response, gear shifts, steering feel, suspension and the intensity of the exhaust sound. There are also pre-set modes for Efficient, Comfort and Dynamic driving.

There are multiple driving modes.

Priced from $89,900 (plus on-roads), the RS Q3 doubles the price of the compact Q3 it’s based on. For that you can choose any colour, including metallics and bold options such as Kyalami green or Pulse orange.

There are inklings of the RS3 hot hatch — from which this car could tempt some buyers. There’s even a coupe-style Sportback for another $3000 with a lower roofline and more aggressive rump, delivered at the expense of rear headroom.

To reinforce the performance DNA, the SUV’s unique grille and bumpers sport black highlights, with blackened Audi rings among the options.

The RA Q3 still looks subdued for a performance model.

Flared wheel arches add 10mm each side, the 20-inch wheels are shod with broad rubber and there are large oval exhausts poking out either side of the tail.

Standard gear is generous, starting with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that Audi calls Virtual Cockpit as well as a crisp 10.1-inch touchscreen tilted towards the driver.

There are also a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, smartphone connectivity, wireless phone charging and four USB ports. The sports front seats are heated and electrically operated.

Safety features include auto braking and blind spot monitoring. The matrix LED headlights have selective high-beam blockout so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers.

The compact cabin is beautifully appointed with quality materials and optional flashes of carbon-fibre. An extra $2500 brings splashes of colour, with Alcantara finishes on the dash, doors, seats and steering wheel.

All of which adds up to a stylish and occasionally frenetic compact SUV with a hot hatch heart.

The RS Q3 borrows some of its styling cues from the RS3 Sportback.

Audi RS Q3 vitals

Price: From $89,900 plus on-roads

Warranty/servicing: 3 yrs/unlimited km, $3420 for 5 yrs/75,000km

Safety: Not rated, 6 airbags, AEB, active lane assist, active cruise control, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitor, driver attention monitor, rear cross traffic alert

Engine: 2.5-litre 5-cyl turbo, 294kW/480Nm

Thirst: 8.9L/100km

Spare: None; repair kit

Boot: 530L

Originally published as New Audi RS Q3 review: A hot hatch on stilts