The arms race in the southern German triathlon continues - and this time, Audi is in the lead. For in order to secure the Q3 the crown among compact SUVs, the Quattro GmbH equips small climbers for the first time to the RS-model. As of November 2013, it is therefore with prices starting at 54,600 euros with more power than any other model in this class. Where exactly how far Audi with 211 hp is closing at the brand new Mercedes and BMW GLA in the X1 does not go beyond 245 hp addition, the Lords of the Rings score now proud with 310 hp.
News and tests the Audi Q3
The 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine produces 310 hp and 420 Newton meters balanced on all four wheels. Be mobilized from the famous five-cylinder turbocharged 2.5 liter engine, but it shows up in Q3 of his tame, well, at least civilized side. Not that it would lack the lustful barrel organ of explosive power development. Finally, it shows off up to 420 Nm, which is relatively easy to feel good even 1.7 tons. But where the engine is in other RS models showing the childish enthusiasm of a fairly tipsy 1860 fans after a towering home win, he here feels more like FC Bayern fan in the air-conditioned VIP box at: Potent and willing, but a bit chilly , Even if you change with the new for the RS models "Drive Select" to sports mode and open the exhaust sound dampers, the car looks like a mealy-mouthed, at least for the occupants. Who then, however, hear it from the outside, the flapping kickdown before the ears.
A big exhaust pipe ensures sonorous sound - at least on the outside. Inside it stays surprisingly quiet.
And the driver has not only be heard but also his buttocks. And for the Popometer the RS Q3 has a lot to offer when he has from 0 to 100 in 5.5 seconds and you ride the Alps through the serpentine cuts, as if the centrifugal force only an imaginative fable and no physical formula. Despite the higher seating position, and with it the raised center of gravity, long spring and the lush design, the RS Q3 can not make tamed by curves. May the mighty quiet tires squeal on the 19-inch wheels and sometimes even flicker the ESP light - the Quattro engages and pulls the lowered was up three inches Geländegänger clean around the corner. This one looks best on-road and gives the finger so tightly under the steering wheel that you can not even adjust the on-board computer. Otherwise, the view might fall in the consumption calculation and the good conscience is passé: Is the RS Q3 to the test that is satisfied with 8.8 liters presentable, you can see then suddenly fast times twice shimmer across the display.
Inside it comes to Audi's usual very chic, as is the Q3 RS garnished with various sports extras.
On a winding country road and even more so on a day out in the mountains of the RS Q3 therefore makes a really good figure, even if the dual clutch sometimes seems a little nervous, but you most like itself changes gear at the end. But on the highway is the joy with the strong climbers literally not unlimited. Because unlike all other RS models makes the Quattro GmbH this time at pace not listen to reason and does not increase the maximum speed of. Even for love or money drives the RS Q3 therefore no faster than 250 km / h. Not that this pace would not be enough. And so a whole lot of air for a meaningful full throttle is released due to the high structure and the large end face no more anyway, admits Quattro boss Francis of Meel. But on the other hand it's silly if you get stuck with such a car behind a Golf GTI or a normal triple - especially the overtaking would always be enough for a little more steam. For while the RS Q3 tame and rear also looks demure in a side view, he has quite a glare rearview mirror: Who sees emerging behind the large nostrils and the huge Quattro logo, which gives voluntarily left lane.
100 hp more than the most powerful model an own family and the competition for at least 20 percent ahead - so that Audi secures once victory in the showdown of the small climbers and demonstrated before the premiere of a number larger Macan that you're not on the Porsche has to wait if you want to drive a sporty SUV. But who wants to score in the car quartet with RS Q3, which should make his stitches soon. For a long time, Audi will lead possibly can not keep. For Mercedes pulls the new GLA soon after, builds there an AMG four-cylinder and then comes to 360 hp. "It's quite possible," said an Audi-man stressed left, "that it is us coming up with an answer." The arms race is so merrily.