Compact SUV Drag Race
0-100kph in 3.8 seconds. A few years ago, one would not fathom that something as big and burly as an SUV would be capable of such performance. And if you think that’s quick, some are even quicker! This test shows three very different performance SUVs, that in theory, shouldn’t be competing with each other, but it is fun to watch the routes taken by different automakers.
3.8 seconds is precisely how long it takes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Verde to hit 100kph from standstill. Some publications have even managed a quicker time, but according to Alfa Romeo, it will bang in a time in less than 4 seconds all day long. Or until it goes into limp mode. Under its hood is a Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 that produces a mammoth 375kw and 600nm, paired with an 8-speeder. Ever since it debuted a few years ago, it made waves but sadly none that correlated into sales. It’s certainly not cheap at R1 679 485, but you are buying a very special machine at the price.
Porsche has always proven that they don’t need to match their rivals in terms of power output, to be able to match their performance. The latest Porsche Macan Turbo is further proof of that. On paper, Porsche claims it will do the benchmark 0-100kph run in around 4.3 seconds, but in the real world – much like the 911 Turbo – it is far quicker. Much like the Stelvio, it uses a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6, but only produces 324kw and 550nm. But don’t let that fool you, as the boffins at Zuffenhausen have endowed this performance SUV with the best transmission in the business, and probably the most consistent launch control system too. You certainly pay for this awesomeness, as Porsche has priced it from R1 719 000.
And last but not least, the baby of the bunch. With ‘only’ 294kw from its Audi RS3-derived 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder, the second-generation RS Q3 is capable of a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds. However, it is significantly lighter than its rivals here and it also has Audi’s highly-rated seven-speed S Tronic transmission which channels the power to all four wheels through a quattro all-wheel-drive system with wheel-selective torque control. While there is no local pricing available as yet, Audi South Africa does plan to launch the RS Q3 and its Sportback variant before the end of 2020.
Also worth a look: the Porsche Dives In: The Electric Boat with Macan Turbo Power and the Porsche raises the bar with their all-new powerful Taycan. .
FAQ
Q: Which compact performance SUV is fastest in this comparison?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Verde takes the crown with a blistering 0-100kph time of just 3.8 seconds, thanks to its Ferrari-derived twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 pumping out 375kW and 600Nm.
Q: What does the Porsche Macan Turbo cost in South Africa?
The Porsche Macan Turbo will set you back R1,719,000 in South Africa, making it the priciest option in this trio despite having slightly less power than the Alfa Romeo.
Q: Is the Audi RS Q3 worth considering against these more expensive rivals?
Absolutely, the RS Q3 punches well above its weight with 294kW from its distinctive 5-cylinder turbo engine, and while it may be the slowest of the three, it's likely to be significantly cheaper and more practical for daily use.
Q: Which of these performance SUVs has the most reliable launch control system?
The Porsche Macan Turbo takes this category hands down, with Porsche's legendary launch control consistency that often delivers real-world times quicker than the claimed 4.3 seconds to 100kph.
Q: What makes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio special despite poor sales?
At R1,679,485, you're getting a proper exotic with Ferrari DNA, 375kW of fury, and the fastest acceleration in the compact SUV segment, making it a rare and special machine even if the market doesn't fully appreciate it.
Should You Buy It?
If you want the ultimate bragging rights and don't mind occasional reliability hiccups, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Verde at R1,679,485 is your weapon of choice with that mental 3.8-second sprint time. For those who prefer German precision and consistency over outright speed, the Porsche Macan Turbo at R1,719,000 is worth the extra cash for that bulletproof reliability and launch control wizardry. The Audi RS Q3 emerges as the sensible enthusiast's choice, offering serious performance with that characterful 5-cylinder soundtrack at what's likely to be a significantly lower price point. Our pick? The Porsche Macan Turbo wins this battle because when you're spending this kind of money, you want something that works perfectly every single time you mash the throttle.
