Audi RS Q3

Is the 2020 Audi RS Q3 the ultimate small performance SUV=?

Audi’s high-performance crossover takes on Mercedes-AMG’s hyper-hatch in a battle of racy compacts. Read the comparison

Does the 2020 Audi RSQ3 make sense?

Upgraded hot hatch on stilts is fast but also has its flaws.

The Audi RS Q3 small performance SUV has gained a special edition to mark a decade since the original version launched.

Audi is celebrating 10 years of high-performance five-cylinder Q3 small SUVs with a new special edition, limited to 555 cars worldwide.

A brand-new Audi RS Q3 Sportback is up for grabs in this year's Audi Foundation charity raffle, with all proceeds distributed to seven charity partners.

Audi's high-riding, high-performance SUV is back for 2020. Here's why we're excited.

I bought the car because I wanted an RS3 but still needed to tow the jetski. The RSQ3 is a wolf in sheeps clothing!! The sound the the 5cyl produces is unrivalled and boy does it get off the mark. Paired with an APR stage 1 tune the car will do close to 4 seconds flat 0-100. That’s moving!! I love the extra space and being a bit higher off the ground as all my previous cars have been very very low. As soon as you sit inside you’re instantly surrounded by luxurious cabin that comes with the four ring brand. The diamond stitched Napa leather seats and carbon fibre inserts set this car above the normal q3. The only drawback is the gearbox can be quite clunky and jumpy at low speeds. On the technological side this car is somewhat lacking. No apple car play and an MMI system that is showing its age are the key things that stand out. The gearbox is super super snappy and produces a nice DAG ‘fart’ when upshifting. The engine pumps out some impressive figures and is always ready to jump at a moments notice. Downshift a few gears, get the rpm above 3500 and the exhaust flaps will fully open producing a godly orchestra. The great thing about this car is the fact you can drive it around town as if it were a standard small SUV but then a flick of a switch into dynamic mode, the exhaust flaps open, then engine revs go up and the beast is woken. No one suspects this car at all. I’m not sure it quite deserves to don the RS badge but boy is it a great package. After having owned the car for a number of months now I can’t fault it. I wouldn’t mind a few more dramatic pops and bangs like the RS3 produces but now I’m just nitpicking! If anyone is considering a small SUV but want more of a special package, I’d definitely suggest taking one of these for a spin!...or don’t...Because you’ll end up wanting to buy one, I can almost guarantee it! Hope you enjoyed my review!!

I was looking to upgrade my 8-year-old Volkswagen Golf GTI and was impressed by the look and finish of the new Audi models. I was also interested in buying another performance car and also considered the Audi SQ5 and RS3 before deciding on the RSQ3. I read a few online reviews of all three cars including video reviews from CarAdvice and took both the RS3 and RSQ3 for a test drive before deciding on the RSQ3. I don’t have a family but liked the appeal of having a higher ride and driving something different to another hatchback. The RSQ3 I purchased was used with only 1500km and was Black and fitted with all the options. I paid $79,990 for it and haven’t personalised it any further since. What car did you have before this one? In fact, if you feel like it, tell us your entire car history! We've got time… New 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI (Owned for 8 years) New 1999 Holden Astra CD (Owned for 8 years) Used 1982 Nissan Gazelle (Owned for 5 years) The RSQ3 looks nice from certain angles but has a squashed up look from the outside. The headlights and taillights look very nice and so do the leather seats and sports steering wheel. The layout of the centre panel could be improved. It looks a little plain and dated compared with the latest Audi model interiors and the air condition controls and right down near the transmission. The engine is one of my favourite features. It makes the car a lot of fun to drive with great power and a nice exhaust note when in sports mode. The car is fairly economical on fuel but gets thirsty rather quick if you drive it hard too often. The drive mode is an excellent feature which allows you to change the car to essentially suit your mood. Considering it is an Audi the price I paid I believe is acceptable for this type of car however if I had purchased the same car brand new with all the options it would have been over the $100K mark which I think is a bit steep. My RSQ3 came fitted with a premium BOSE sound system with 14 speakers and digital radio. The sound is very good but I was probably a little underwhelmed. The infotainment system uses the Audi MMI but does not offer Apple Car Play which makes it a little less user friendly to operate. The Sat Nav seems reasonable but I rarely use it as I find Google Maps on my phone much better as it includes live traffic and constantly updates its maps with new streets. The climate control seems to work well as does the cruise control. Adaptive cruise control would have been a nice inclusion for a premium model Audi. The park assist works well as does the lane assist when driving on freeways. The RSQ3 definitely suits my needs. I rarely have more than 2 people in the car and although small has enough rear boot space for my weekend sporting equipment or to load medium size furniture/electrical goods. Coming from driving hatchbacks for the past 16 years, initially the driving position felt a little uncomfortable. But after a month or so, the car feels great to drive on the road, even on longer journeys. It is fairly economical on fuel but gets thirsty rather quick if you drive it hard too often. I would definitely recommend the RSQ3 to others who are looking for the same or similar features in a crossover SUV.