The 2020 Audi RS Q3 Teaches Us the Meaning Of Oomph

• The RS Q3 is powered by a 2.5-litre TFSI engine that develops 400PS and 480Nm.
• It does 0-100kmph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250kmph.
• Styling updates include a honeycomb mesh grille and blacked out 20-inch alloy wheels.
• It can be optioned with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus that comes with gear shift lights.
• Prices for the RS Q3 start from 63,500 Euros (Rs 49.30 lakh).
• 2020 Q3 to launch in India by mid 2020.

Yet another Audi has been injected with the RS DNA. Nope, not the flagship RS Q8 that has been spied before. This time, it is the baby 2020 Q3 that’s received the sportier tag. The 2020 Audi RS Q3 is the third and fourth out of six new RS model that’s slated to hit roads. And if you’re wondering why it is the third and fourth, the RS Q3 can be hand in both SUV and Sportback (Coupe SUV) forms, making it two new RS models. 

Powering the 2020 RS Q3 is a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine that develops 400PS of peak power and 480Nm of peak torque. Coupled with Audi’s S-tronic 7-speed gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive tech, the RS Q3 does 0-100kmph in 4.5 seconds. Pedal to metal, it maxes out at a limited 250kmph but can be extended to 280kmph. Unfortunately, the RS Q3 doesn’t come with any sort of mild-hybrid assistance for that additional torque boost. But if you intend to make the five-cylinder RS Q3 sound sportier, the angrier RS exhaust system is always an option.

Enhancing the drive is the RS sport suspension that makes the RS Q3 sit 10mm lower than the standard model. This can be further upgraded to Sport Suspension Plus, which also comes with dynamic chassis control. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Styling updates for the RS Q3 include a sportier honeycomb mesh grille that is flanked by Audi’s Matrix LED headlamps. Massive air dams below the headlamps complement the look. In profile, the RS Q3 comes with 20-inch blacked-out alloy wheels that can be upgraded to 21-inch units. At the rear the Audi RS Q3 comes with funky LED tail lamps and dual exhausts. Optional updates that add to the style includes Matrix HD LED headlamps and those gorgeous red brake callipers. 

Inside, the Audi RS Q3 comes with the same dashboard as the standard models. That means it is dominated by Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and MMI Navigation Plus touchscreen infotainment system. The former can be upgraded to the Virtual Cockpit Plus system that comes with shift lights, G-force meter as well as a lap timer! Apart from that, sport seats in either Nappa leather/ Alcantara finish come as standard.

Prices for the Audi RS Q3 start from 63,500 euros (Rs 49.30 lakh) while the RS Q3 Sportback start from 65,000 euros (Rs 50.46 lakh). Rivals for the RS Q3 include the GLA 45 AMG. Yes, the RS Q3 is not destined for India, but what we’ll be getting is the 2020 Q3 -- that’s expected to hit roads by mid-2020.