Audi RS Q3 & RS Q3 Sportback arrive in South Africa
Quick Facts
- Price: From R1,094,000
- Engine: 2.5 five-cylinder TFSI engine
- Transmission: Seven-speed S Tronic
- Power/Torque: 294kW/480nm
- 0-100: 4.5s
Audi's compact SUV lineup has been officially introduced to South Africa. While buyers are familiar with the RSQ3, Audi has brought in the RSQ3 Sportback to confuse buyers even more. (in a good way). The two-sport compacts offer outstanding performance, athletic design and maximum everyday usability.
The performance figures for the compact engines are compelling: a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine that churns out 294 kW power output,480 Nm of torque and Quattro all-wheel drive. The five-cylinder engine is a modern classic. Last year, Audi received the sought-after “International Engine of the Year Award” for the 2.5 TFSI engine for the ninth consecutive time.
The 1-2-4-5-3 – firing alternates between adjacent cylinders and those far apart from one another. The particular firing sequence and the odd number of cylinders make for a very special rhythm and unique engine sound. The RS sports exhaust system underscores the characteristic and unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder firing sequence.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system influences the Quattro drive and other components such as steering, suspension, S Tronic, engine characteristic and sound. Depending on the selected equipment variant, there is a choice of five or six modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual or, as an alternative to the individual mode, the two new RS modes RS1 and RS2. Via the MMI the driver can adjust and save the two RS modes individually. Simply pressing the new “RS MODE” steering wheel button provides rapid access to the two new modes and allows the driver to switch between modes.
With its downward sloping coupé-like roofline, the RS Q3 Sportback is with a height of 1,557 millimetres, 45 millimetres lower than the RS Q3. The rising shoulder line on the RSQ3 Sportback is set farther down than on the sister model, lowering the body’s optical centre of gravity and as such, the body appears even more muscular and the wheels larger.
The rear design also appears very powerful. With the low rear window and the roof edge spoiler with RS-specific spoiler lip in body colour, the RS Q3 Sportback appears even wider than its sister model. The low-slung roofline culminates in strong, flat sloping D-pillars. The RS-specific long roof edge spoiler in the RS Q3 emphasizes the pronounced forward thrust of the high-performance SUV and ensures improved downforce. The new generation of the RS Q3 comes for the first time with a standard, dual-branch RS sports exhaust system with large oval tailpipes on both sides. This exhaust system sits in an RS-specific bumper with a rear diffuser.
The high-performance SUVs come standard with Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and RS-specific darkened trims. The rear lights also feature LED technology.
Eight paint colours are available for the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback, including the RS-specific colours Kyalami green and Nardo grey. Customized paint finishes are available from Audi exclusive. The optional glossy black styling package adds highlights to blades in the front- and rear bumper, window slot trims, roof rails (RS Q3 only) and on the insert in the side sills. In combination with the extended gloss black styling package, the Audi rings and the RS logos come in black on the front and rear.
Driver-oriented interior
The entire cockpit has been designed with the driver in mind, the athletic design of the exterior is echoed in the car’s interior. The emphasis on the horizontal lines conveys a generous sense of space. The air-conditioning control unit, the centre console and the MMI touch display are tilted toward the driver by ten degrees.
The instrument panel with the Audi virtual cockpit in the RS design harmonizes perfectly with the operating concept. The MMI touch display with its high-gloss black glass-look surrounds slots in seamlessly as another central element. With the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus, the driver has a larger display with a shift light display that prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit plus also provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, lap times, g-forces and acceleration measurements.
RS Sport seat plus in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching express the athletic character of the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback. Integrated head restraints are available for the first time in the Q3 family. Their contrasting stitching comes standard in gloss black, and optionally in red or blue. When selecting one of the two RS styling packages in Express red or Ara blue, highlights on the steering wheel rim, belt straps, floor mats and gear lever are coloured while the steering wheel and selector lever come in Alcantara. Inlays in Aluminium Race, anthracite, optionally in piano finish, black, or carbon, round out the sporty interior.
Entry lighting with Audi Sport projection in the doors welcomes the driver and front passenger. RS logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel and the illuminated front door sill trims. The standard RS sport leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, including newly designed shift paddles comes with multifunction buttons that allow the driver to control the two optional RS modes in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The RS-specific displays open automatically in the Audi virtual cockpit plus.
Pricing and availability
Audi RS Q3 TFSI quattro R1,094,000
Audi RS Q3 Sportback TFSI quattro R1,128,000
Pricing comes with a standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan
The key standard equipment features include: Matrix LED headlights; comfort key; 21” wheels; RS sports seats; RS sports exhaust; fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching upholstery; Audi virtual cockpit plus; MMI navigation plus; lane departure warning; Bang and Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound; progressive steering; rearview camera system; Audi drive select; Audi smartphone interface.
