By Otsile Kadiege

Audi’s compact SUV range has been expanded with two new high performance derivatives – namely the Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback.

Performance

Powering the duo is a 2.5L TFSI 5-cylinder engine with a 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. The multi-award winning compact engine develops 294 kW and 480 Nm available from 1,950 and 5,850 rpm. The permanent Quattro AWD system and 7-speed S tronic helps propel both cars from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h or an optional 280 km/h at an additional cost.

Both RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback features standard RS sport suspension which lowers the body by 10 millimetres compared with the Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback. Customers can opt for the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

Athletic exterior

The pair are dressed with RS-specific garb like the single-frame radiator grille, lower front and rear bumper, mirrors with RS puddle lights, standard darkened Matrix LED head and taillights with sequential turn signals, standard RS-specific 21-inch wheels, and signature oval exhaust tips which house the standard dual-branch RS sports exhaust system.

A total of 8 paint colours are available for the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback, including the RS-specific colours Kyalami green and Nardo Grey.

Sporty, driver-oriented interior

The RS theme is continued inside the driver focused cabin. Both the RS Q3 and the RS Q3 Sportback get a multifunctional flat-bottom steering wheel with RS Mode button which provides quick access to the 2 new modes, and allows the driver to switch between modes. As standard, both cars are fitted with Bang and Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, RS Sport seats in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching, RS-specific Audi virtual cockpit and a touch display with MMI Navigation plus.

For everyday usability, the 60:40 split rear seats can be moved fore-aft as standard by 150 mm in the RS Q3 or mm in the RS Q3 Sportback. The luggage compartment holds 530 litres, with the backrests folded down and it increases to 1,525L and 1,400L in the Sportback.

Pricing and warranty

The new Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback will officially go on sale in South Africa from the 1st of April 2021 and is priced as follows:

• Audi RS Q3 TFSI quattro – R1,094,000 and
• Audi RS Q3 Sportback TFSI quattro – R1,128,000

Both high-performance SUV’s comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan.