Global reveal: Audi RS Q3 double whammy

The Audi RS Q3 has doubled up, with the German luxury brand revealing new wagon and all-new Sportback versions of its pocket-rocket SUV line-up.

Due on sale in Australia in the second half of 2020 and expected to compete with the RS 3 as the most popular model in the high-octane Audi Sport range, the two new RS Q3 models will follow the redesigned Audi Q3 and all-new Q3 Sportback to market with pricing expected to start from about $90,000.

The second-generation Audi Q3 arrives in Australia in October and the first-generation Audi Q3 Sportback is due to roll into local showrooms in April 2020.

The dual-pronged attack on the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 will pack even more power than the original RS Q3, with the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine’s output uprated from 270 to 294kW and torque from 465Nm to 480Nm. That brings them inline with the RS 3 that returns to Australian showrooms early in 2020.

Still driving via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both RS Q3s are claimed to have a top speed of 250km/h -- or optionally 280km/h -- and a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.5 seconds.

While the 280km/h top speed is 10km/h higher than previously, the 0-100km/h time is actually 0.1 sec slower than the original Q3 RS launched in Australia in 2016. Perhaps that’s because this car is a little bigger and between 45kg (Sportback) and 55kg (wagon) heavier than the original.

The obvious competition for the RS Q3s will come from the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, which should eventually adopt the red-hot 310kW engine that soon debuts in the A 45 S.

The third and fourth of six new models to be launched by Audi Sport to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the RS Q3s include the same ungarnished grille crowned by a flat slit as the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback that have already been rolled out. But the boomerang shaped blades in the bumper are exclusive to the RS Q3.

Other design flourishes include a roof-edge spoiler for the wagon, two (up from one previously) large oval tailpipes for the new dual-branch exhaust that sits within an RS-specific bumper and diffuser and 10mm wider wheel arch covers.

There are no sheetmetal changes from donor Q3 to RS models. The Sportback remains slightly longer and lower than the wagon.

Both Audi RS Q3 models benefit from substantial work put into the latest iteration of the five-cylinder engine, which has shed 26kg in weight, including 18kg courtesy of an aluminium crankcase.

Other detail updates include reduced internal friction, plasma-coated cylinder liners, 6mm-smaller crankshaft main bearings and integrated channels for oil cooling in the aluminium pistons.

Engine characteristics, along with steering, suspension, transmission and exhaust sound can be influenced by Audi drive select, which can be dialled through as many as six modes including individual and new RS-exclusive RS1 and RS2 modes.

Audi Sport has crafted a sports version of the Q3’s MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension that lowers the RS models by 10mm. Adaptive dampers are optional.

The variable-ratio electro-mechanical steering system has a specific RS-tune, while other aspects of the chassis package include 20- or – for the first time - 21-inch alloy wheels and new six-piston front callipers working on 375mm front ventilated and perforated discs. Optional 380mm ceramic discs and monoblock callipers are available.

The track widths are 1590mm front and 1583mm rear, compared to the standard Q3’s 1584mm and 1577mm.

Inside, Audi Sport is describing the cockpit as driver-oriented, with the centre console controls tilted toward the driver by 10 degrees.

An RS version of the Audi virtual cockpit is standard, but at least in Europe you have to pay extra to include special RS displays such as shift lights, tyre pressure, torque, power output, lap times, g-forces and acceleration measurements.

Seats include RS embossing, while specific RS Nappa leather sports seats are also available. Optional interior packages allow the cabin to be dressed in red or blue stitching, Alcantara, belt straps and so on. Entry lighting, RS logos and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with newly-designed shift paddles are all standard interior features.

Despite the sports-focus, the RS Q3s still offer flexibility. The rear seats slide 150mm fore-aft in the RS Q3 and 130mm in the Sportback and their three-way split backrests can be tilted in seven stages.

Luggage capacity is 530 litres, expanding to 1525 litres (1400 for the Sportback) when the rear seats are folded down.