Audi RS Q3 Review

The Review

Test Drives SUVs Audi RS Q3 RS Q3 - (2013) 2.5 TFSI (310 Hp) quattro S tronic

Fast, great engine, front wheel bias take on the standard Q3

Summary

Whilst looking for my SQ5, I test drive the RSQ3. I had seen loads of reviews and based on the pictures I just had to put this on my contenders list for the next fast family car. Firstly, sitting in the drivers seat, my impression was, hmmm looks the same as my mums regular Q3. That includes the drivers position which in my view quite high (think arm chair). This also means that the steering wheel couldn’t be adjusted to the position I wanted. Instead giving a bit of a bus drivers angle. Getting moving though things improved quickly. It’s fast, very fast for what it is and sounded good despite the single pipe out back. For a Quattro, the RSQ3 is very front wheel bias, to the point where I didn’t ever feel like the back wheels were active participants in this drive. It was a good car in its own right but there are too many better options out there for this one to make sense. Also been told by some that this is not really a true “RS” in the same way that the SQ5 is a real “S”. Needless to say that I didn’t buy the car but could see why some would like this as an option. The single exhaust, despite sounding good, given the cracking 5 cylinder engine, really doesn’t look the part. You expect to head around the back and see 2-4 pipes smoking. So overall an ok car in a world of still competition.

Would I recommend it? MAYBE

The outgoing RSQ3 is dropping in price relatively slowly and despite the new version on the horizon, it’s still worth considering for anyone that wants a relatively practical and fast family car that sits pretty high up!