Audi reveals new RS Q3 20 | 02 | 2013
AUDI HAS REVEALED details of its new RS Q3, which many insiders believe signals the first of a new range of high-performance SUVs.
The fourth new RS model to be confirmed for introduction in 2013 — following the RS5 cabriolet, RS6 Avant and RS7 — the new Rs Q3 will enter Scottish showrooms during the third quarter of this year. Expect it to cost around £42,000: that's a whopping £11k more than the Q3 2.0TFSI S-line.
So what does the extra cash buy?
Powered by its 306bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, the RS Q3 sprints, according to Audi, from standstill to 62mph in 5.5sec and carries on to a 'restricted' top speed of 155mph.
Fitted with automatic stop/start for the first time on Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, it returns 32.1mpg, and emits 206g/km CO2.
In comparison, the Q3 2.0TFSI has figures of 6.9sec, 143mph, 36.7mpg and 179g/km.
Suspension has been lowered by 25mm over other Q3 models and the RS Q3 is fitted with stiffer springs and dampers, and larger diameter anti-roll bars for added body control.
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Riding on 19in alloys as standard, there's a selection of three different 20in wheels available as an option.
The RS also comes with a seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox as standard, offering three drive modes: D (drive), S (sport) and M (manual). Launch control, designed to provide optimal traction under hard standing-start acceleration, is also included.
Drive is permanently transferred through an electro-hydraulic operated multi-plate Haldex style clutch four-wheel drive system to each wheel with the distribution between the front and rear varying depending on the amount of available grip.
Externally the car is instantly distinguishable by its high-gloss black honeycomb grille insert, matt aluminum grille frame, deeper front bumper with sizeable air ducts for the engine bay and front brakes, coloured keyed wheel arch flares, deeper sills underneath the doors, matt aluminium look exterior mirror housings, more prominent spoiler atop the tailgate, deeper rear bumper with integral diffuser unit and larger chrome tailpipe.
At 173.6 inches, or 4.41m, it's also one-inch longer than the standard Q3 simply because of new front and rear bumpers.
Inside the cabin, the new Audi receives grey-faced instruments, leather-trimmed sport seats with RS Q3 logos embossed into the seat back, and a leather-bound flat bottom three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with contrasting stitching.
There's also matching gear lever trim, black piano finish trims, aluminium pedals and foot support and a black headlining. A driver information system provides information on turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer.
Audi will officially unveil the new RS Q3 at next month's Geneva Motor Show.
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Jim McGill