Audi RS Q3 Performance revealed
New, faster version of Audi's crossover will debut at the Geneva Motor Show
Audi has released details and pictures of a new, hotter version of its range topping crossover, the RS Q3.
Now taking on the RS Q3 "Performance" moniker, it uses the same 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine as the standard RS Q3, albeit with the wick turned up to the tune of 27bhp, making for a total output of 362bhp and the most powerful Q3 ever. Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox come as standard.
All-in-all, it's capable of 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 167mph – 0.4 seconds quicker to 62mph than the lesser non-Performance model and on par with a Porsche Panamera GTS, notes Top Gear.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
There are one or two subtle design tweaks to distinguish it from the standard RS Q3. New titanium matte detailing appears on several exterior appendages, such as the grille, air-inlet duct and roof rails, and it gains new 20ins alloy wheels housing brakes shod with red calipers. Inside, there's new sports seats, and plenty of "RS"-daubed fixtures.
The car will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but Audi has already announced prices and delivery dates. It will go on sale from £49,175 in the UK, a £3,365 premium over the non-Performance model, with first deliveries in the spring.
Being a chunky mini-SUV design spun from the same platform that underpins many of the Volkswagen group's family hatchbacks, the thought of such performance in a crossover package is easy to baulk at. But Evo says, "like them or not, crossovers – and the performance versions they inevitably spawn – are here to stay".
Other manufacturers have expanded on the crossover bandwagon with suitably rapid versions, too. Mercedes make the rival GLA 45 AMG with 375 bhp and even Mini now makes a John Cooper Works fettled version of its Countryman.
All the car you could ever need, but not necessarily want.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Republicans want to silence Israel's opponents'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 19, 2024
Cartoons Friday's cartoons - priority delivery, USPS on fire, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published