AUDI RS Q3 BREAKS OUT!

Audi has become the first of the premium car makers to offer a high-performance version of its smallest crossover SUV, the Q3. Called the RS Q3, the little fuming frankfurter has very promising numbers, and dare I say, a very promising future in South Africa when it lands here hopefully around October or November.

But first it must appear for the first time in public at the 2013 Geneve International Motor Show, which Audi promises it will. The RS Q3 looks like a mean bastard, appearing with extensive external kit like a honeycomb front grille with the word “quattro” across it, just like in the new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback, sporty side skirts, a different front and rear bumper and a rear diffuser. RS cars normally feature two oval tailpipes but this one only has one, probably because of its stature in the range.

It still comes running in standard 19-inch wheels though, and you can spec that up to 20s if you are so inclined. The interior as you can see, is stunningly attractive, with lots of leather, aluminium and some alcantara bits adorning things. Check how stylish the seats are in that cross-stich style.

What you really want to know though is how powerful is this thing right? Well, using the company 2.5-litre turbo engine with 5 cylinders, maximum thrust of 228kW and 420Nm of torque are entirely achievable. Underneath is a 7-speed S tronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD). In the end you are looking at a 0 – 100km/h time of 5.5 seconds, running out of breath electronically at 250km/h. Audi says it will average 8.8 litres per 100km in fuel.