The all-new Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback have arrived
It seems that Audi has no plans to stop growing their RS family this year and has added the all-new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback to their range. These two sport compacts will offer outstanding performance, a sporty design, and will be suitable for everyday use. It's clear that Audi does aim to grow the high-performance SUV segment of the market and given how successful it has been, one cannot blame them. The latest Audi RS Q3 Sportback will be offered as an SUV coupé crossover, with both models are now currently being available in South Africa.
Under the hood, both models will get Audi’s multi-award-winning five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine that produces a power output of 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque. The RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback will come in quattro all-wheel drive and can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. All this power will flow through Audi’s ever-impressive seven-speed S tronic transmission. As standard a RS sport suspension will come equipped on both models, lowering both bodies by 10 millimetres. In terms of wheels, Audi will be offering 21-inch wheels in various rim designs, which will feature an all-new six-piston RS steel brake system.
In terms of the exterior design, the Audi RS Q3 and Audi RS Q3 Sportback will get an RS bumper that features an eye-catching gloss black honeycomb grille and large side air inlets. The RS Q3 will also feature striking boomerang-shaped blades in the bumper making it unique to the rest of Audi’s high-performance SUV’s. True to its RS heritage, both models will have flat slits above the Singleframe radiator grille. At the rear, we can expect a roof edge spoiler with an RS-specific spoiler lip. For the first time ever, the RS Q3 will come standard with a dual-branch RS sports exhaust system that features large oval tailpipes on both sides. As standard both high-performance SUVs will feature Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and RS-specific darkened trims. The rear lights will also feature LED technology.
Inside, both models will come equipped with RS Sport seats in Nappa leather and honeycomb stitching. Integrated head restraints will also be available for the first time in the Q3 nameplate. The RS Q3 and Q3 Sportback will come available in two RS styling packages, ranging from either Express red or Ara blue. These colours will highlight the steering wheel rim, belt straps, floor mats, and gear lever. As for technology, both models will come the standard with Audi’s virtual cockpit and MMI touch display. Other features include entry lighting with Audi Sport projection in the doors, RS logos throughout the interior including the steering wheel and the illuminated front door sill trims. As standard both models will come equipped with a flat bottom RS sport leather steering wheel and newly designed shift paddles that come with multifunction buttons for the driver.
As for colour choices, the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback will come in eight colours, including RS-specific colours such as Kyalami green and Nardo grey. As expected, Audi will be offering their optional gloss black styling package which adds highlights to blades in the front and rear bumper, window slot trims, roof rails (RS Q3 only), and inserts in the side sills. The Audi rings and the RS logos will also come exclusively in black at the front and rear.
Both the Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are officially on sale and will come standard with a five-year Audi Freeway Plan.
Pricing
Audi RS Q3 TFSI quattro R1 094 000
Audi RS Q3 Sportback TFSI quattro R1 128 000
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi RS Q3 cost in South Africa?
The Audi RS Q3 starts at R1,234,900 in South Africa, whilst the RS Q3 Sportback will set you back R1,299,900, making these some seriously pricey compact performance SUVs that'll have your bank manager asking questions.
Q: How fast is the Audi RS Q3 and what engine does it have?
The RS Q3 packs Audi's legendary five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine producing 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds through quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic gearbox.
Q: What's the difference between the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback?
The main difference is styling, where the RS Q3 Sportback gets a sleeker coupé-like roofline and different rear design, whilst both share identical mechanicals, performance figures, and that booming five-cylinder engine under the bonnet.
Q: Is the Audi RS Q3 worth buying in South Africa?
The RS Q3 offers exceptional performance and build quality, but at over R1.2 million it's competing against some serious German metal, so it's worth test driving against rivals like the BMW X3 M and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 before signing on the dotted line.
Should You Buy It?
The best high-performance compact SUV under R1.5 million in South Africa is definitely the Audi RS Q3, especially if you're after that distinctive five-cylinder soundtrack and quattro grip. At R1,234,900 for the standard RS Q3 and R1,299,900 for the Sportback, you're getting supercar-beating acceleration, everyday usability, and Audi's rock-solid build quality. The 294 kW output and 4.5-second sprint time make this a proper weapon that'll embarrass most sports cars at the traffic lights. However, the price tag is steep and running costs will be brutal, so only buy if you've got deep pockets and don't mind premium fuel bills. For most South Africans, the standard Q3 offers 90% of the experience at half the price, but if money's no object and you want the ultimate compact performance SUV, the RS Q3 is your machine.
