Audi RS Q3 2020 review: Sportback and Standard models compared!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2024
- The five cylinder is back, now with more power! The new Audi RS Q3 is finally here, in a standard version and a racy new Sportback. The 2020 RSQ3 is one of the best fast SUVs you can buy if what you really want is a hot hatch with more space. But is the RSQ3 worth $90,000 here in Australia? Should you buy an RS Q3 over a GLA 45 or an S3? We think this new Audi makes a clear argument for itself. In today’s video, Tom takes you on a detailed review of the 2021 Audi RSQ3, including the 2.5-litre five cylinder engine, interior, boot space, and driving dynamics.
Should you buy an Audi RS Q3 or RS Q3 Sportback? You’ve come to the right place.
Let me know what you think in the comments. Would you consider this fast crossover?
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Australian video car review of the Audi RSQ3.
0:00 - Introduction to the new RS Q3
1:29 - Front cabin and technology
3:49 - Back seat and Sportback compromises
4:52 - Boot space differences
7:45 - Launching the RS Q3 from 0-100km/h
8:08 - Engine, ride, handling and refinement
14:09 - PPF and changes to exhaust character
14:51 - Wrap-up and verdict - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![[#SHORTS CLIP] ครูอึ้ง กรรมการอึ้ง ฮ่าๆ l ซานิเบาได้เบา l One Playground](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qeBTuMJs4t0/mqdefault.jpg)
So, Sportback or regular? And which of the four bright colours (or the German rainbow of greys) would you go for? Contribute your thoughts below... ⬇️
Regular pls. You are the only decent looking auto present or. The rest look a bit boganish.
Oh Alan, you flatter me!
Regular in red with silver package - the test car you drove looks pretty good. I'm still warming up to the sportback idea despite there are so many x6s & GLE coupes on the road...
I don’t think BMW and Mercedes-Benz make good looking coupe-SUVs. Too egg-like. Audi, by contrast, avoids soft lines and also makes the Sportback tail a bit steeper, which is why I think the Q3/Q8 SBs actually look good.
Is there a turbo lag?
My sportback version arrives early September - can't wait!!
Wow - something to look forward to!
I own a RS Q3 Sportback in nardo grey since this spring! A great car! I wish a good waiting time.
What an informative and nice film you made. Great fun to see. I just ordered a red RS Q3. I think it was the nice seats with red seams that made me choose this car;) Now I long for it to be delivered.
Love, love, LOVE my Sportback, bought showroom stock back in Feb so no wait!! ❤️ nice review.
Great review, well done. I have ordered the Sportback, kylami green, black pack, 21 inch black wheels, front window tint, sunroof and carbon inlays. Due late August, early September. Very, very excited.
I think you’ll really enjoy it, Craig.
Awesome video Tom! Love that green! We're getting closer to the new RS3 and I am very excited indeed
I’m excited too - all the goodness of this car in a smaller, lighter, lower package
Hey Tom, I keep coming back to watch your classy and informative videos. Were you a teacher in another life? I’m a BMW guy but you made those Audi’s look good. Great cinematography.
Thanks, Gary. Appreciate your kind feedback.
Thanks Tom. An awesome report. You got me thinking.....
No problem, Bryan. It’s tempting!
I've watched a few reviews so far about the RSQ3 and they all speak about the DSG lag and power lag, but it makes sense to detune the RSQ3 to me. But most people who know the platform, know that it only takes a ECU & TCU tune and it'll be more responsive in both performance and DSG. The tough question is, do I buy an RSQ3 or go RS3 ? Older me says RSQ3 and rev head RS3 😂
The RSQ3, whether in standard or sportback variant is one of the few small SUVs that I like. For the simple reason that it actually looks a small SUV and not a hatchback on stilts.
Looks like a small SUV, but drives like a hot hatch! What’s not to love.
I see that all MY21 RSQ3's no longer come with a flat bottomed steering wheel. Audi has even updated the specifications on its website.
Any idea what that is about (and how we can get around it)?
Sportback in the Lambo green, with black trim.
Wicked car!
Just as my tester appears, then! This car also has the black Audi rings ($700) and black wheel spoke inserts (no cost).
Chasing Cars
Makes my Tiguan R-Line seem like a Matchbox car!
One Powerball....
Actually, with the Powerball I’d get the RSQ8.
RS6 in custom-order green over cognac leather for me, because I’m weird like that. Looking forward to driving new RS Q8 though. And nothing wrong with a Tiguan! Excellent car!
I have to ask, is your video washed out or is this green really reflective of the actual colour? It looks a little less rich than others I have seen?
I want a 2019 in white next year for circa $70k - am I dreaming?
The 1st gens low klms are selling now 3rd Q - ‘23 for $55,000 to $57,000.
It’s perfect for my wife and I. She doesn’t think the entire car is there just to satisfy me-it works at the supermarket as well!!!
I wouldn’t have considered one but this is the second review I’ve seen which makes me think oh yeah. Sportback all the way. Kylami green with black pack. 😎
That combination looks pretty boss on the Sportback I reviewed!
Very nice review. You made this video in some parts as it would be made from Audi company itself.
Thanks, DS! Not intended to be too Audi-ish - this is just an objectively good car that deserves praise
Great review! picking up my nardo grey sportback in oct! cant wait!!!! spewing though about the pops & bangs ah well a good tune might help. wonder if you can remove the OPF filter ?
I think it'd be possible, but because it's making alterations to the emissions system, it's probably not legal
With only software the pops and bangs came back. But remember with this the warranty is expired.
Great review, Tom! I was considering the RSQ3, amongst other vehicles including the M340i and SQ5, but it took way too long to arrive on our shores. I ended up buying an A7 45 TFSI. This glowing review really makes me wonder about the path not taken.
Absolutely nothing wrong with taking the path of an A7 45 TFSI. That’s an enthusiast’s spec - very light nose with the four-pot. Must turn in well!
Chasing Cars yeah it’s great. The Audi pre sense is way too sensitive though, even at the lowest setting, but I’m generally very happy with my purchase. It’s a stunning looking car. I took your advise from your A7 review and made sure I measured my garage before purchase. Thanks for the fantastic content!
Can I ask where did you drive this on which roads
That green 💚 also I do think the only other attractive coupe SUV would have to be the Cayenne. But I guess they are somewhat related. I think I would go the regular shape as it gives the dogs more room in the boot...
I like it 👍
Is there a turbo lag in RSQ3?
I actually don’t mind the SUV gig as a whole and cars like this I can appreciate, this new one is especially attractive too and the Sportback even more so. I really like the RSQ3 Sportback and the RSQ8 as sportingly aggressive looking cars but concede that if I was pushed to name my favorite current Audi it’d be the RS6, that thing is just dead sexy.
Love, love the new RS6 and can talk about my impressions soon... full video review to come. I think Audi know what they want to be at the moment, and that translates into the cars.
Hey @chasing Cars, I get frustrated at the lag off the line even in Race mode in a VW R (obviously it's fine when you use launch, but you can't do that all the time). What was it like in the RS Q3? In your review, it seemed pretty slow off the line even when you launched it.
Also, worth waiting to see how the Tuguan R compares or is the RS Q3 in a different class?
It’s the effect of a big single turbo, I’m afraid. Similar deal in the RSQ3: launch mode helps, as it gets the revs into the meat of the torque before you drive away, but simply stabbing the throttle from a standing start will mean a brief delay as pressure and revs build and then you’re away.
@@chasingcars In that regard, boy do I miss the VF2 SSV redline. There's no replacement for displacement!
Thank you Chasing Cars. To answer your questions: would opt for practicality over style and RS 3. Practical and fast sound like a great combination. So, regular RS Q3. From the bright colours I would choose the red. I have been missing your usual assessment of material quality inside. How are the materials including on the front side and rear side doors? For the price I would expect all nice and soft materials but VW group has been reducing the quality in this area lately. Is this permanent all wheel drive similarly as SQ5 or primarily front wheel drive as Tiguan, Q3 and Golf R? Does it have a delay when suddenly accelerating? Does it have a turbo lag too? Many thanks.
Yeah, sorry I glossed over the material assessment here - it was probably because I’ve driven so many new Q3s now on the channel! Still excellent in the RS Q3. Among the best in segment, if not the best. No sign of what you point out as the VW Group’s broader quality recession in this product - in fact, that’s one reason why I tell people to at least consider a base Q3 over a pricey Tiguan.
To answer your second question - same AWD system as a Tiguan, but the RS Q3 feels very neutral and there was never torque steer, which is surprising with 480Nm on tap at basically all revs. It’s sending substantial torque rearward, very quickly. As for turbo lag - there is some, but once the 2.5 comes on song at 2-3,000rpm it doesn’t let up.
Heart says Sportback - head says standard version.
Fair. Honestly, I reckon the standard version is still very handsome. Specced up a black with matte silver on the configurator - very stealthy.
I have the SB. go for it. Love the design and the space is way enough!
100000%
Same here. Cant decide which shape looks better. Heart says Sportback. But current dilemma is that Sportbacks are very low in stock and regular shape easier to find.
Same here. Cant decide which shape looks better. Heart says Sportback. But current dilemma is that Sportbacks are very low in stock and regular shape easier to find.
08:20 - One of audi’s classic hits said twice Tom (obviously due to being a
review of both wagon & sportback 😉👍🏼)
Oops, edit fail... kind of drives that point home though, doesn’t it.
The interior is so good
Agreed. Great cabin.
The RSQ3 Sportback is my dream car, it has everything, future-proof. That said, not gonna be fooled so when the price goes down the 55.000€ mark I'll proceed.
Big difference between the RS3 and the RSQ3 is that the Q can tow up to 1900kg braked (jetski etc) whereas the normal RS3 can not officially tow at all. That would push me to the RSQ3 over the standard RS3. I prefer the look of the normal RSQ3, but would probably go for the sportback purely because they are probably going to be the more popular, hence better resale.
I have never thought about towing with a small Audi RS - but you make a great point if that is something you need in a car! Thanks for pointing it out.
Hey Tom, with two toddlers would you get this or the sq5? Does the extra performance justify the sacrifice on space?
I’d go sq5 mate rsq3 is based on the a3 platform it’s a bit of a squeeze in the back plus the windows are up high and feel calustrophobic behind the big sport seats
I have a rs3 sport edition. Do you think it’s worth trading to a rsq3, surely it’s less performance and not so good handling as higher and weighs more
No, I wouldn’t - I’d buy the RS Q3 if I specifically wanted an SUV but with a similar character to the RS3. If you like hot hatches, the RS3 is better.
Sports back looks seriously good, I can justify the $10k more than normal one
On the RS Q3, the Sportback only costs $3k more!
If you get it on an Audi finance deal, the slightly more expensive car often costs less for the monthly payments because of the higher residual value.
I'll be settling for the standard Q3 but which model and which body shape no idea.
The standard body 40 TFSI Quattro is a really good blend of price and features, if you want my opinion
Will there be a post of the NEW RSQ3 10 yr Limited Edition? I just bought the limited edition sportback and its arriving in August!! Cant stop thinking about it...
I’ve seen pictures, looks amazing, how much are they $
@@alexlovescolour Got mine for AUD$118,000 (sunroof already included) and added on 5 year service plan, paint protection, tinted windows on all windows, so altogether AUD$126,000 driveaway
You can get a stage 2 map for about £2500 and it will give you 100 extra HP and cracklies and pops sound great
Hey Tom what's your favourite premium sound system jbl bose harmon kardon etc
Really depends on the acoustics of the car, Luke!
Wow, the digital dashboard is gorgeous!
The Virtual Cockpit looks good and, more importantly, works well
One of these 2-3 years old in Sportback will probably suit my budget. Or perhaps I’ll get the new Tucson N version next year and get a 5 year warranty.
Tucson N should be interesting, if they do one!
Sounded like you had a cold Tom, I hope it wasn't the 'rona. I'm normally not an SUV fan and would always go for a hot hatch ahead of one, but this one is making me reconsider. I'd go for the normal wagon version with the chrome rather than blackout pack.
All okay Ben - just very cold where I was presenting, close to 0°! No Rona!
Got a regular version in Turbo Blue coming any day now, S5 Coupe being replaced. Hopefully good choice :)
Interesting swap - I'm sure you'll enjoy the five-cylinder engine though!
Just ordered the 2023 sportback! Have two weeks to decide on completely blacked out or the kaylami green :D
You only live once. Kyalami is the answer
@@chasingcars and that's what I've gone for :)
I’m really torn on this car... still waiting to see one of these in the flesh... sitting in the new Q3 recently it was a bit underwhelming in terms of materials, and at 100k I’d expect more (I think the RS3 has a better feel due to it being an older platform perhaps).
Again, assuming the RSQ3 doesn’t have an up spec interior... The SQ5 is miles ahead in terms of the interior quality and at the $110k price point would be tough to go past...
Having driven the SQ5 recently (video on the channel), I didn't think it was all that much better in terms of plastics inside than the new Q3. More metal, yes, though the RSQ3's default interior trim is aluminium, which is nice. Also, RSQ3 joins the SQ5 in having standard fine nappa leather, which feels very lush.
Sport back 👏👏👏
Seems like the Sportback is the most popular shape from the comments here!
IMO, RS3 and RS Q3 are A45 and GLA45 killer. Cheaper price, one more cylinder means more potential. Though its power is a little bit weaker than A45S, but the price is much more cheaper. Nice job Audi.
And a more characterful engine, IMO.
Sat in both suv and sportback, and at 6ft, i cant sit in the back of the sportback, so its SUV for me...
Great review Tom! How did these compare to the Karoq Sportline you reviewed considering they’re both part of the VW group?
Booked into the Karoq Sportline for next month, Shaun, so that’s one to look forward to. Like the Karoq in general, though!
Chasing Cars oops! Mistook the Kodiaq RS for the Karoq Sportline!
Green Sportback please thanks :)
Black pack or matte silver for the trim?
Chasing Cars matte silver would be perfect 👌
Which would be your choice Tom?
I’d go a standard RS Q3 in black (rare colour choice for me!) with the matte aluminium accents and silver wheels. Or go completely nuts and have red, just like you see here.
I dont like these awd systems where its fwd unless you need power in rear wheels, especially not in this expensive rsq3
True, but in the RS Q3, the reality is that so much torque is available that almost any throttle input is sending some drive to the rear wheels to avoid torque steer ... not creeping in traffic or steady speed on the motorway, but virtually anything else.
I think ill be in the minority but id go for the regular version over the sportback. I wouldnt pay $90k for it tho.
I’d also go the standard version, but they’re both pretty nice.
@@chasingcars Hey Tom, do you know if the 45 TFSI is coming to AUS? It could be the sweet spot?
There is no RPM limiter when standstill is it?
Good question. I can’t remember, but I don’t think so.
@@chasingcars Pretty sure I've read that there is. Max around 4k
Sounds like that could be right. Either way, lets you have a bit of a throaty rev.
Toss a coin, can you lose? Gotta say I like the Sportback, if only that it’s not a typical SUV.😎👍🏻
Right on, Andrew. No losers in this choice.
Is it worth trading a Stelvio Q for one?
No way. Stelvio Q is in a completely different class. You might trade a Stelvio Q in for a glc 63s or a Velar SVA
No - unless you’ve found the Stelvio Q is totally wrong for you. I really love the Stelvio’s dynamics: it feels like a proper RWD wagon (despite having AWD!). No doubt this much less expensive Audi’s interior quality is better, but it isn’t as fun as the $150k Stelvio Q.
Chasing Cars Thanks for taking the time to reply. I get very bored and struggling to find something at a reasonable price that beats my Alfa.
Two great cars awesome review but the price heading towards 100 k !
It's getting up there, but this is a very complete performance car that isn't missing many features!
They should make a corona edition
Lol, this is the corona edition
Love the green! PPF no......
Same! There’s also a solid bright blue and a metallic orange.
If you really are considering one of these, you'll need to forgo parts of your warranty if you want the car to perform properly. Launch control is more muted than ever and Audi have really muffled the cracks and pops as well. You'll need a launch tune, gearbox tune, stupid silencer stuff removed and exhaust upgraded. Then you get the current version of the car as it was meant to be. Let me explain. Original car, 228kw/420NM, second rev 250/450, third rev 270/465 and the current 294/480.
The fastest two editions were by far the middle two, and the original one even pips the current one off the line as it doesn't get bogged down. The current one only beats it with moving acceleration. If things were equal between all, the final one would be the fastest in all situations by a mile, but it is NOT.
For some reason the RS3 still runs as it should and I do not know why Audi don't tune the Q3 better, because even with the particle filter that mutes the exhaust and the soft limiter, they can still make the gearbox perform better and launch better. To put it into perspective, I beat one in a 0-100 drag with my bog standard Cupra Ateca, both using launch.
Maybe it was a bit better in 2020, but there's current videos of people getting really bad times. One video shows two guys who tried everything and never got a better than 5.5 time for 0-100. It bogged down on EVERY launch. I have driven one myself and can confirm the launch is nothing like it should be. A T-Roc R has the same engine as my Cupra, identical tune, but is 100KG lighter. Carwow has the T-Roc R vs the current RSQ3 on TH-cam, watch and see how much the T-Roc destroys it off the line. That should not be happening and is frankly ridiculous.
Also, a slightly *down* tuned version of the engine in the Cupra Formentor (the same 5 cylinder as RSQ3/RS3) in Europe left hand drive markets, routinely does 0-100 in 4.2 seconds. So Audi just haven't tuned the gearbox and launch properly. The evidence is everywhere. A GLA45 will annihilate it.
The good side? The 5 cylinder engine is one of the masteries of the modern engine world and will never be forgotten. It has a unique and gorgeous sound and is just SO tractable throughout the entire rev range. You can have it in 7th gear and pull up steep hills at 1500 RPM.
That said, because I am not willing to forgo 5 years warranty, I have committed to getting the GLA45 S as my final ICE car in a couple years, rather than the RSQ3. Simply because it's tuned much more aggressively. That 4 will never ever sound close to the 5 though, and no matter how many kilowatts or newton metres it has, it will never feel so powerful in gear all the time like the 5 does. But with our strict speed limits, all I really care about is take off in real world driving, and overtaking when driving interstate.
If Audi fix the car before then, I'll get the RS for sure. We'll see what happens! I still enjoy driving mum's 2016 RSQ3 when she's not using it.
If Cupra ever made RHD versions of the 5 cylinder Formentor, I'd get that. Cheers to all, I hope you enjoy your Audi or whatever car you drive :)
People prepared to pay for one of these things have jumped the shark, regardless of their wealth. Get a Golf GTI and give the rest to charity. You'll feel better and actually do some good.
If that's your view (which is fair enough) I'd honestly buy the Polo GTI
@@chasingcars Thanks for your response.
Golf Gti looks like a hairdressers car and doesn't rate compared to the quality, speed and look of an RS3. RS3 is dear enough to keep the kiddy racers away and send them to the more effeminate gti
Having owned an MK5 GTI, 8P S3 and now an 2016 8V RS3; my fav is of course the RS3 but the MK5 GTI was just as fun to drive. S3 was rather rubbish
Same wheels as the Skoda
What a fun rich mans toy
With current interest rates, it won’t just be a rich person’s toy...
Regular for me
If only the US got these.....
You're missing out!
@@chasingcars don't rub it in....😔😔
I don’t know 🤷♂️ they don’t MAKE a RSQ5
You have To Buy A MODEL YOU DON’T LIKE
Just to GO RS
I also wish I STOP Getting Foreign recommendations IF THERE NOT COMING to the
USA WTF is it WORTH WATCHING it FOR !!!!