Audi RS Q3: driving test and video
Posted on 02-06-2014 at 16:00 by Wouter – 35 Comments”
A hothatch for adults or a city park-crosser with too much power? If you have the RS Q3-fun, depends on how you look at it.
[ First look, then read? Watch the video HERE! ]
Somewhat strange is this segment of cars, however, who does really need a lot of power in a compact SUV. An in-your-face status symbol such as a Cayenne Turbo or Q7 V12 TDI is this still not. A sports car disguised as a family car (such as the Golf GTI-like), it is also not, it is after all an SUV. The high center of gravity and increased weight make a Q3 not the best basis to be the ultimate track-car build. In short: in all respects, a spiced mini-/ midi-SUV a weird idea. Yet Audi is not the only car manufacturer that does this, because Mercedes-Benz has a GLA 45 AMG in the price list.
Vijfpitter walhallah
The main reason for a block to go with the RS Q3 is the 2.5-litre five cylinder TFSI engine. The block we know from the TT RS and RS3, but the RS Q3 is the ability a little bit scaled down to the SQ5 not to outdo. The maximum power is, therefore, 310 hp (TT RS: 340 hp) and maximum torque is 420 Nm, available between 1.500-5.200 rpm.
With launch control sprint the RS Q3 in 5.5 seconds to 100, but the activation of the down-from-the-arc-mode turned out again is virtually impossible. It may be that we have the technical insight of strawberries, but with the exception of the V60 Polestar and all Porsche models, it becomes apparent that manufacturers too much to ask for a launch control to implement, which is very often enough for something to have. Fortunately, the RS Q3 with an old-fashioned start more than fast enough. Also in the intermediate sprints as convinces the RS Q3, because the standard seven-speed S-tronic container very fast with downshifts. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h. That sentence is more often read in the rijtests, but if you let it settle is the best bizarre that a freaking Q3 is still on top limited. We think that’s pretty fun.
Nice reels
The driving is very entertaining. If you go for the best lap time or snaarstrak handling goes, save the RS Q3 over. The RS3 and the TT-RS to do that, of course, better. A zwabberbak is certainly not incidentally, but a bit of bodyroll is still there. And how strange that sounds: it turns round more enjoyable. In a single ear hanging car feel at least that pace is made. The RS Q3 is in that respect not like a 2CV, but the little bodyroll makes the driving more fun. Especially if the surface is smoother, you can use the RS Q3 with a Scandinavian flick extremely let distortion. That is so nice, that I like to go on a frozen lake that skills aanscherp *laughs love to Leusden*.
Of course, the RS Q3 quattro permanent all-wheel drive with variable distribution of the drive force. On dry asphalt is the handling fairly neutral. You can feel the rear axle to cooperate, but to upset you will not come quickly. Understeer is still lurking if you get the RS Q3 is too hard a turn insmijt. However, it lacks the RS Q3 a nice feel, a little more communication about the state of the wheel and a state of load of the tires would be welcome.
A real RS?
In terms of raw performance and handling you would best a question mark to be put and the appearance limps a bit on two thoughts. So, there is only one oval exhaust and the fenders are not shaken. Are present the more aggressive styled bumpers, large rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels (19 – and 20-inch optional) and the front grille in honeycomb structure. At the time of boarding, it is strange to have flattened RS wheel to see, but not to the volgevreten journalistenlichaam toned bloggers-body down in a kuipstoeltje to let bags. Thanks to the slightly higher seat you need to climb, especially when compared with a TT-RS. Inside is typical Audi: clean, but not the most exciting color combinations.
Competition & price
There is only one real competitor, unless we get a bare-bones Porsche Macan diesel also into account. The GLA 45 AMG is nearly 10 mille cheaper, has 50 hp more, but should also have a cylinder miss. It is the absolute height of the price of the RS Q3 which most of them will be deterred. It is a fun thing, but 76.450 euro is a container filled with money. On the other hand, it is by far the cheapest RS model in the range of models of Audi. The TT-RS and RS3 are, in fact, not in the price list. Movie!
Gallery: Audi RS Q3
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