Our editor thought he spotted an Audi RSQ3 skulking around Cape Town not so long ago, presumably on its way to undergo hot weather testing in the Northern Cape. We were surprised then to see a strange, niche-vehicle such as the RSQ3 in South Africa, and we’re equally surprised again to see it graduate to production-readiness so quickly; but Audi say it’s ready for its world debut at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.
Yes, it appears Audi’s RS-assault is not showing any signs of slowing with the Audi RSQ3 joining the existing RS range alongside the TT RS, RS3 Sportback and recently released RS4, RS5, RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback.
The oddly-proportioned Audi RSQ3 combines a typically-aggressive exterior style, highlighted by the unique front bumper and large side air intakes. Audi have afforded it a generous amount of honeycomb mesh and the brushed aluminium grille frame that matches the roof rails and the signature side mirrors of RS models. There is only one single tailpipe though.
Audi appears to have made only minor changes to the concept car that was shown last year. This was mainly affected by replacing the carbon fibre accents and trims with aluminium finishes. Below the main grille is a smaller grille carrying the ‘quattro’ moniker, similar to that seen on the new Audi RS6, RS7 Sportback. Side skirts, a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, bulging wheel arches, 25 mm-lower ride height and 19-inch alloy wheels are all part of the RSQ3 makeover.
Black Alcantara and leather RSQ3-embossed sports seats, a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, piano black inserts, aluminium look pedals and trim details adorn the high quality interior. A ten-speaker Audi sound system, xenon plus headlights, LED tail-lights, park assist and hill hold assist are all standard.
Audi are calling the RSQ3 their first-ever SUV-based RS model and it will be powered by a 228 kW and 420 Nm 2.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine. That output is down slightly on the 250 kW power and 450 Nm torque figures found on the other RS models in Audi’s line-up sharing the five-cylinder TFSI engine.
Performance wise, the RSQ3 is capable of delivering a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 5.5-seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The five-cylinder TFSI engine is paired with a start-stop system for the first time to help achieve an average fuel consumption figure of 8.8 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 206 g/km.
The RS drivetrain is the same ubiquitous seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that drives all four wheels thanks to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive. It has a launch control function and the adaptable ‘Audi Drive Select’ system to make the car more comfortable or dynamic.
As regards practicality, the Audi RSQ3 is 25 mm longer and 285 kg heavier than the standard Audi Q3 (4410 mm and 1730 kg respectively) and the boot offers 356-litres of cargo space, which expands to 1 261-litres with the rear seats folded down.
That may be all good and well from Audi, but we’re still struggling to get our heads around the utility of a tall-riding turbocharged five-cylinder hot-hatch-cum-mini-SUV? A performance motorist will probably want something lower to the ground and someone wanting a fast SUV will probably want something bigger and even more powerful. Which begs the question: who exactly is going to buy the Audi RSQ3?