Audi launches first sub-$100K RS

Audi’s first RS model priced under $100,000 is now available in Australia.

Officially available from today (February 20), the RS Q3 super-SUV is so niche that Audi Australia expects just 100 buyers this year.

That’s partly because of its price ($81,900 plus on-road costs), which makes it more than $25,000 pricier than the most expensive Q3 currently available, the 155kW 2.0 TFSI quattro ($56,500), and almost double the $42,300 price of the new entry-level Q3 1.4 TFSI announced this week.

More importantly, as announced in October, the RS Q3 costs precisely $2000 more than its only direct competitor, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG, which will be priced from $79,900 when it arrives here in September.

However, Audi’s smallest and cheapest RS model – priced some $58,000 lower than the $139,900 TT RS Plus – is no ordinary Q3.

Bringing the number of models in the line-up of Audi’s smallest SUV model to five (for now), the RS-badged Q3 brings a number of engine, chassis and styling upgrades from the Audi Sport garage.

Most significantly, it’s the only model without a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the Q3 range, which almost doubled its sales in Australia last year with 2897 customers, making it the top-selling small premium SUV ahead of the BMW X1 and MINI Countryman. The first GLA models will arrive in April.

Instead, the RS Q3 employs a 228kW/420Nm version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine that also powers the previous RS 3 (not sold in Australia) and existing TT RS Plus, in which it develops 265kW/465Nm.

Incidentally, that’s the same power output as the GLA 45 AMG, in which the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivers 265kW and 450Nm, meaning it has both more power and torque than the RS Q3.

Hence, although both hyper-crossovers offer a claimed 250km/h top speed, the GLA 45 AMG is almost half a second quicker to 100km/h, at 4.8 seconds versus 5.2, and also uses less fuel – 7.5L/100km combined versus 8.8 for the 1730kg Audi, which emits 206g/km of CO2.

But there’s no doubting the credentials of the long-stroke five-pot RS engine, which employs a big 64mm single turbo with 1.2 bar of boost pressure to deliver its peak torque over a wide 1500-5200 rev range.

Apart from the fact Audi can charge more for an RS model, it’s also the reason this model is badged as an RS Q3 rather than an SQ3 – a nameplate that’s unlikely to appear given the (lack of) demand at this end of the small SUV segment.

Either way, the direct-injection TFSI transverse inline five is, as in all existing Q3 models on sale here so far, mounted transversely and matched via a standard seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission to a Haldex multi-plate centre coupling that distributes drive to all four wheels.

Measuring 4410mm long (25mm longer than mainstream Q3s) and 1580mm high (28mm lower), the RS Q3 offers the same 356 litres of boot space as other Q3s, extending to 1261 litres with the split rear seat folded.

As well as being lower, the MacPherson strut front suspension features aluminium lower arms and the rear wheel track is 2mm wider, while the massive 19-inch 10-spoke ‘matt-titanium’ alloy wheels are stopped by eight-piston callipers and huge 365mm wave-shaped brake discs up front (saving 1kg), plus 310mm rear rotors.

Differentiating the RS from lesser Q3 variants on the outside is an RS-specific front bumper, xenon plus headlights with ‘matt-aluminium’ surrounds, LED daytime running lamps, an RS roof spoiler, dark red-tinted tail-lights, RS lower rear diffuser and a large, single RS exhaust outlet.

Audi says the relocation of the battery to the rear prevents the fitment of dual exhaust outlets, and that weight distribution is 53/47 front/rear.

Inside, there are unique power-adjustable RS sports front seats trimmed in Nappa leather with contrasting stitching, MMI navigation plus with MMI control logic, an RS-specific instrument cluster, flat-bottomed, leather-clad RS steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Other standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate-control, Audi parking system plus with reversing camera, a subwoofer and amplifier for the sound system, piano-black inlays, LED interior lighting package and a storage and luggage compartment package.

Eight exterior paint colours are available, including just one non-metallic hue. Options include metallic or pearl-effect paint ($1495), heated front seats ($780), privacy glass ($910), a panoramic sunroof ($3250) and a range of options packs.

They include black high-gloss and matt aluminium styling packages (both $1300), an assistance package ($2490) and a $5250 RS package including a choice of 20-inch alloys, BOSE digital surround system, carbon-fibre interior highlights, red RS brake callipers and fine Nappa leather trim with diamond stitching.