Audi RS Q3 launched from $81,900

Audi-RS-Q3-front-quarter

Audi has today unveiled its most affordable RS model ever – the RS Q3. As the first Audi RS model priced under $100,000, the company’s baby SUV now combines performance and practicality, moving the goalposts closer for the brand’s enthusiasts who aspire to own a member of Audi’s RS family.

“Our price point of $81,900 is really going to motivate buyers to look at the legendary ‘RS’ Audi sports car they have always wanted,” said Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

“No other car offers anything like the kind of performance, versatility or exclusivity of an Audi RS model at this price point. It’s a truly unique vehicle – the first of its kind – and we believe it will only further expand on Australia’s growing love of performance SUV models,” said Mr Doyle.

Audi-RS-Q3-rear-quarter3

The RS Q3 is powered by a five-cylinder 2.5-litre TFSI engine that develops 228kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the same powertrain found in the Audi TT RS and the RS 3 Sportback. Distributed to all four wheels via quattro all-wheel-drive technology and through a seven-speed S tronic transmission, the RS Q3 launches from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h while fuel consumption is rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The suspension set-up has been completely redesigned for the RS Q3. The front now sports MacPherson struts with lower wishbones made of forged aluminium, while the rear employs a four-link design with separate acting shock absorbers and coil springs. The centre of gravity is 25 mm lower compared to the standard Q3 to balance the effects of RS-bred performance. To support the weight distribution further, the battery has been moved to the rear, on the driver’s side. The result is vehicle weight distribution that is close to optimum, maximizing driver enjoyment.

Audi-RS-Q3-interior

The RS Q3 is distinguished from the standard model with the RS bumper, quattro logo in the central air intake, aluminium roof rails, the long roof spoiler, the diffuser in the rear apron and the large, elliptical exhaust tailpipe. 19-inch wheels are also standard.

Inside, the sport seats embossed with RS Q3 logos are upholstered in black fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching in rock grey. The instrument cluster has grey dials with white numbers and red needles, and the multifunction steering wheel has a flattened bottom. A special RS menu of the driver information system’s colour display shows the charge pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer.

Audi RS Q3 Highlights include:

  • RS specific styling, front and rear
  • RS high-performance brake system, wave disc design at the front
  • Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights
  • MMI Navigation plus with a high-resolution 7-inch colour display, 20 GB of hard drive storage and 2 SD card readers
  • Audi parking system plus with rear view camera
  • Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth interface with audio streaming
  • Sports seats with Fine Nappa leather and RS embossing
  • Electrically adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar support
  • Automatic dual zone climate controlled air conditioning
  • Automatically dimming interior mirror, exterior mirrors; electrically folding, automatically dimming on the driver’s side
  • RS specific interior highlights

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