“The first Audi RS Q3 established its own segment. We aim to continue this success story with the new generation of the compact high-performance SUV,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

“With the offering of the all-new Audi RS Q3 Sportback, a progressive SUV coupe crossover, we are the trendsetter and are leveraging to the full the phenomenal growth potential for Audi Sport.”

Like all Audi Sport models, the two new RS Q3 models capture the imagination right from the first look. The latest Audi design language works perfectly in the RS application, bringing a much sharper and more aggressive look to both vehicles.

From the 3D treatment of the Singleframe grille to the distinctive RS honeycomb structure set into the RS bumper and the huge air inlets – it’s an arresting combination of form and function. LED headlights with distinctive daytime light signature are standard equipment, while matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and RS-specific darkened trims are available as an option.  A total of eight body colours are available – including the RS-specific colours Kyalami green and Nardo grey – giving these Audi Sport models a look all their own, and with the availability of a number of styling packs, including the likes of blacked out four ring logo and black highlights and the newest RS Q3 models take on a whole new persona again.

This exhaust system sits in an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and horizontal blades in gloss black, while the rear diffuser and blades are available in matt aluminium as an option. 

Quite apart from the look of the sports exhaust though, it is the sound they emit when the five-cylinder powerplant is under load that will thrill the heart of every performance enthusiast.

The multi-award-winning five-cylinder engine again provides the power for the RS Q3 model, but this evolution has seen a 17 percent increase over the previous model.

Weighing 26kg less than the previous engine, the 2.5 TFSI produces 294kW and 480Nm of torque available from 1950rpm right through the range to 5850rpm. This is mated to a seven-speed S tronic with power down to the road via quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes the power as needed between the axles via a multi-plate clutch. The result is pure exhilaration.

Of course all this performance and acceleration is no use without the appropriate stopping power and the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback have no shortage in that department either.

An all-new six-piston RS steel brake system works with ventilated and perforated disks measuring 375 millimetres (front) and 310 millimetres (rear, not perforated). Their brake calipers are painted black as standard and are available in red as an option. The brake calipers of the optional, all-new RS ceramic brakes are available optionally in grey, red or blue. In front, the braking power is generated by newly developed monoblock aluminium calipers and ceramic brake disks that are 380 millimetres in diameter. At the rear, floating calipers and steel disks measuring 310 millimetres in diameter ensure the necessary deceleration. 

They are also designed for optimum space – five adults – and ample room for luggage and equipment. 

The rear seats can be moved fore-aft as standard by 150 millimetres in the RS Q3 or 130 millimetres in the RS Q3 Sportback, while their three-way split backrests can be tilted in seven stages. 

Luggage capacity is a generous 530 litres with a full complement of occupants, but that becomes a cavernous 1525 litres with the backrests folded down.

The cabin is of course superbly finished. Up front the MMI touch display with its high-gloss black glass-look works beautifully with the RS interiors, along with Audi virtual cockpit (or Audi virtual cockpit plus with shift light display), which provides information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, lap times, g-forces and acceleration measurements.

Entry lighting with Audi Sport projection in the doors welcomes the driver and front passenger, while RS logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel and the illuminated front door sill trims.

Although the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are unashamed high-performance driver’s vehicles, they also offer a practical daily motoring solution for those with a busy lifestyle and those who appreciate the finer things in life. Sportscar performance, yet perfectly happy taking on the day to day driving duties of city life. Come the weekend though and the open road or the twisting back road beckons – and these are just the cars to take them on.

Australia’s love affair with the Audi Sport models is well known and these new RS models are destined to make a very big impression on the ‘sport compact class’ where they arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2020.