Fortunately for enthusiasts of traditional sportiness and pure, authentic driving sensations, there is still “life” beyond ubiquitous electrification. Audi, with its recognized and prestigious RS versions, the pinnacle of sportiness in the brand with the four rings, is one of the manufacturers in charge of looking after the interests of this group of performance enthusiasts.
And it does so by taking care of and pampering each of the details that denote that special sensitivity that the German firm demonstrates towards its high-performance variants: using the best components, designing exclusive finishes with a sporty connotation, implementing a distinctive but elegant image and giving them the touch and the unmistakable, enviable and unique style that only the acronym RS accredits.
The Q3 in its RS version was not going to be less… In this case its appearance is somewhat more discreet than that of other members of the saga, such as the RS3 or the RS6, although in the version tested its exclusive Daytona Gray “matte” exterior tone ” gives it an extra bit of aggressiveness. Its dark, somewhat ‘dark’ and defiant presence demonstrates its radical character, also expressed by exclusive elements of the RS family, such as the larger diameter oval exhaust tailpipes, the exclusive 20” wheels (or 21” as an option), the rear diffuser or the side fins widened by 10 mm.
Inside, its exclusive nature is made even more evident by the spectacular “bucket” type sports seats with integrated headrests, contrast stitching with trapezoidal stitching and striking – perhaps too striking – red Alcantara inserts throughout. of the upper section of the dashboard, on the seat backs and door panels.
The steering wheel, also covered in Alcantara and with an exquisite feel and thickness, was, fortunately, completely round – without the flattened lower section, as is usually the trend lately in sports cars –, which further increases the pleasant sensation of linking closed curves, one after another, sliding the hands naturally around the entire hoop.
The details in carbon and brushed aluminum and the presence of the RS logos make up a distinctive and “racing” interior atmosphere, although the standard gear lever knob, with an unattractive design, and some paddles with better sound would require greater ‘attention’.
What is not questionable, without any doubt, is the response of its 2.5 TFSI mechanics; an engineering prodigy that time has turned into a symbol of identity for the brand. Its elasticity, its ease of increasing revs and its ability to “stretch” up to 7,000 rpm are exquisite, allowing you to enjoy the first to the last of its 400 HP.
The peculiar sound of this block, harsh and deep, was another of the characteristics that gave it a special charisma, although in this case its loudness seems to have been accompanied by an additional sound through the audio equipment that takes away some of its “authenticity.” to the sporting experience.
The thrust of this engine is overwhelming and its forcefulness is guaranteed throughout the entire revolution range. However, the 7-speed S tronic transmission, which has excellent overall performance, is somewhat reticent and “disobedient” when it comes to downshifting when the mechanical demand is maximum. Sometimes, if the engine speed is high, it does not allow you to go down to a lower ratio, which prevents greater retention when facing a curve.
On the other hand, its powerful braking system – the unit tested had front carbon-ceramic discs – allows it to counteract any inertia and stop the car extraordinarily effectively, with a powerful bite that never falters and a modular and progressive path. Together, superlative braking, precise and reliable steering and a four-wheel drive system with brilliant traction capabilities transform the RS Q3 into an amazing cornering machine.
Despite its SUV-type configuration and its weight – more than 1,800 kg in running order – it demonstrates impressive efficiency and diligence even on twisty stretches with constant changes of support and weight transfers. Logically, it does not behave like a ‘hatchback’ but its dynamic abilities are not far away, demonstrating very agile and fun handling and a more determined performance than what is assumed.
After covering some 500 km of test route (with an estimated initial range of close to 550 km with a single tank), it confirmed an average consumption of 13.8 liters, although it is fair to recognize that the pace and demand were largely of the essay high, not to say high… (and in certain parts, very high). In these phases, the averages rose above 18 liters, but it must be said, in its discharge, that moderation in driving is a frankly difficult exercise, since those 400 HP constantly demand to be “released” and “galloped” thoroughly…
