Audi RS Q3 Sportback. Not just a city crossover but a race car
Audi RS Q3 Sportback is a sports car version of the compact Audi Q3 crossover SUV from the German ‘Audi AG’ company of the Volkswagen Group. In production since 2019. This Sportback vehicle was the first-ever cross coupe vehicle to be developed by the ‘Audi Sport’ division. Nowadays the Israel market offers first generation Audi RS Q3 Sportback models of the 2019 model year.
This powerful coupe-like Audi RS Q3 2019/2020 crossover is, at this point, the most powerful version of the Q3 model on the market. Audi RS Q3 Sportback was introduced right after the RS crossover SUV of 2013. Since 2019, second generation Audi RS Q3 models are being manufactured with both a standard body and in a Sportback variation – in a coupe-like shape and with a roof 45 mm lower than usual. The body of the Audi RS Q3 vehicle and the one of the Sportback model both deserve a lot of praise, being extremely stylish and unique in design. They got eye-catching décor elements, as well as a couple of new color swatches and more prominent wheel arches.
This powerful coupe-like Audi RS Q3 2019/2020 crossover is, at this point, the most powerful version of the Q3 model on the market.
Distinctive characteristics
The new Audi RS Q3 Sportback model has got a few new design characteristics in comparison with a standard crossover Q3 vehicle - it has wheel arches that are now 10 millimeters wider, as well as a different radiator grille, an upgraded front bumper, and a small rear spoiler.
As for the differences between the RS Q3 model and the RS Q3 Sportback one, they are most noticeable from the side: the sloping coupe-like roof of the Sportback vehicle is 45 millimeters lower than the one of the RS Q3. Besides, Audi RS Q3 Sportback 2020 has also got a completely new and unique design of the back wing, as well as a rear bumper and a diffuser to give it a more distinctive look from the back and to make the vehicle even wider than before. Both of the RS models are equipped with a sports suspension that is 10 millimeters lower compared to the standard one.
Just like the standard crossover model, the Audi RS Q3 Sportback has got a highly modernized 2.5 TFSI engine that is now 26 kg lighter in weight than before, and the power capacity of which has gone from 340 hp and 450 Nm to 400 hp and 480 Nm. This powerful five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine has won several prestigious awards, becoming a three-time winner of the ‘International Engine of the Year’ award among the vehicles of a similar class.
Regardless of the type of the car’s body, the 0-60 time of both Audi RS Q3 models is 4,5 seconds compared to the 4,8 of the previous model.
Regardless of the type of the car’s body, the 0-60 time of both Audi RS Q3 models is 4,5 seconds compared to the 4,8 of the previous model. Maximum speed is limited by 250 km/h as usual; however, there is a customizable option to put the ‘cutoff’ further on the 280 km/h mark instead. Dynamic characteristics of the SUVs are absolutely unparalleled among the vehicles of a similar class. At the moment, the RS models have no direct competitors: the production of Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 (381 hp) vehicles has been discontinued; the new generation of these models is yet to be developed, and the engine of the BMW X2 M35i is only 306 hp.
Audi RS Q3 Sportback 2020 models will offer a fine tuning option for a driving profile through a computerized error correction system, including 4 everyday driving profiles as well as two sports ones - available through quick activation by the buttons located on the multifunctional steering wheel.
The passenger compartment of the new Audi RS Q3 Sportback model has also been improved considerably - to match the ‘monster’ that lies within this powerful vehicle. Looking at its interior, you can’t help but realize that it’s not just a city crossover but a real race car – with its virtual dashboard where apart from the standard settings you can also see lap time, acceleration sensors data, tire pressure, overloads, etc.
