"The term 'sport utility vehicle' has rarely been more applicable" begins the press bumf released by Audi to announce the new RS Q3 model. And they might have a point, because the new Audi RS Q3 is the first ever SUV to be handed over to the performance wizards at Audi's RS division.
Like the standard Q3, the RS Q3 is a practical, high-riding family car, but unlike the standard Q3, the RS is fitted with the same 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine you'll find in the RS3 Sportback and the TT RS.
In the RS Q3, the engine develops 305bhp and 310lb-ft of torque, giving a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. And thanks to the obligatory stop-start system, the RS Q3 is claimed to return 32.1mpg on the combined cycle and emit 206g/km of CO2. Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive system is, of course, fitted as standard.
To differentiate the RS Q3 from the lesser models in the Q3 range, Audi has given the car a special high-gloss black honeycomb grille, RS bumpers, a rear diffuser, huge elliptical tailpipes and a roof spoiler and roof rails finished in matte aluminium. On the inside, the RS gets grey instruments, leather-trimmed sports seats, a leather-bound flat-bottomed steering wheel with contrasting stitching, aluminium pedals and black headlining.
The Audi RS Q3 will go on show at the Geneva Motor Show next month and will go on sale here in the UK in the summer. Prices have yet to be announced.
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