Audi RS Q3 gets snarlier, hits 62 mph in 4.8 seconds [w/video]

Thu, 06 Nov 2014

Well, that was quick. A mere 20 months after its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Audi has issued a fairly significant update to its RS Q3 crossover. A light exterior refresh – the most noticeable change is that the grille surround and headlights are now joined – belies more significant changes under the compact crossover's hood.

Power from the 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder has been boosted nicely from 310 horsepower to 340, while torque has jumped from 309 pound-feet to 332 lb-ft. The result of this extra thrust is that the tiny CUV can now scamper to 62 miles per hour in a seriously quick 4.8 seconds, rather than the original RS Q3's 5.5-second sprint. A new fifth-generation multi-plate clutch is fitted to the seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, which Audi claims will now deliver even quicker shifts.

Lighter brake rotors with ridiculous eight-piston calipers in the front provide what we imagine is a lot of stopping power, while Audi continues to offer an optional adaptive damper system. 19-inch wheels are standard while 20s are optional.

European pricing for this tiny terror of a crossover start at 56,600 euros, which makes it slightly costlier than the 55,871-euro Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG, its most obvious rival. Scroll down for a brief video and the full press release from Audi.

A successful car is now even better – the new Audi Q3
Up to 17 percent lower fuel consumption and up to 10 hp more power
The five-cylinder engine in the new RS Q3 delivers 340 hp – 30 hp more

Since its market launch in fall 2011, the Q3 model series has been a successful model for the Audi brand. But Audi is also constantly improving good and successful models. The new Audi Q3* and RS Q3* models not only feature a refreshed design, they also boast a number of technical innovations.

Engine

The three TFSI and three TDI clean diesel four-cylinder engines boast higher output combined with reduced fuel consumption. CO2 emissions have been reduced by as much as 17 percent. They displace 1.4 or 2.0 liters and produce between 88 kW (120 hp) and 162 kW (220 hp). All are turbocharged, direct-injection units and comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard. These consumption and CO2 reductions are made possible in part by the Audi cylinder on demand technology. Thanks to their efficiency, the 1.4 TFSI COD and the 2.0 TDI bear the "Audi ultra" badge.

Chassis

The chassis of the redesigned Audi Q3 combines agile handling with supreme safety, and comprehensive fine-tuning has enhanced comfort even further. Audi drive select enables the driver to adjust key technology modules, including the optional active dampers, to suit his or her personal preferences. Wheels range in size from 16 to 20 inches in diameter, and the suspension has been tuned for high rolling comfort. Hill-descent assist is available as an option.

Design

The premium character of the redesigned Audi Q3 is apparent at first glance. The Audi designers have honed the details of the coupe-like lines with the characteristic wrap-around tailgate. Dominating horizontal lines up front and in the rear underscore the width and give the Q3 an expressive design.

The sculpted Singleframe grille is the defining element at the front of the car. At the top of the two new Q3 trim lines design and sport are the S line sport package, the S line exterior package, the Audi exclusive design package and the Audi exclusive exterior design package.

The redesigned headlights come standard with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights. The optional LED headlights are particularly bright and energy-efficient. Audi offers them in combination with the dynamic turn signals integrated into the likewise redesigned LED taillights. These intuitive turn signals illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.

The base model of the new Audi Q3 has a curb weight (without driver) of 1,385 kilograms (3,053.4 lb). The dimensions of the compact SUV are virtually unchanged. It measures 4.39 meters (14.4 ft) long, 1.83 meters (6.0 ft) wide and 1.59 meters (5.2 ft) high. The wheelbase is unchanged at 2.60 meters (8.5 ft).

Versatile

The Aud Q3 offers plenty of space at all five seating positions. Its clear ergonomics and the superior workmanship underscore the premium claim. In its base configuration, the cargo compartment of the Audi Q3 has a capacity of 460 liters (16.2 cu ft); by folding down the split rear seatbacks, this can be increased to 1,365 liters (48.2 cu ft). Many clever options make the SUV even more versatile and easier to use. These include the luggage compartment package, a pass-through and the power tailgate. Roof rails and a new, extensible luggage compartment cover are standard.

Equipment and trim

The new Audi Q3 features a generous list of standard equipment. This can be supplemented with features taken directly from the luxury class, such as the LED interior lighting package and the power-adjustable front seats. With respect to driver assistance systems, the secondary collision brake assist is standard.

Customers can order the assistance systems described below as options. With Audi side assist, a yellow LED indicator illuminates in the housing of the outside mirror if another vehicle is in the blind spot or is approaching rapidly from the rear. Audi active lane assist works with video cameras that detect the lane markings. It gently intervenes in the steering to help the driver return to the lane if he or she comes too close to a line without indicating. The camera-based traffic sign recognition system shows speed limit signs – and now also no passing signs – as graphics in the driver information system display.

MMI navigation plus is the high-end infotainment solution from Audi. The ideal complement to MMI navigation plus is Audi connect including car phone, which connects the Audi Q3 to the Internet. Passengers can use the integrated to WiFi hotspot to surf or e-mail, while the driver can enjoy the tailored services from Audi connect. These include the web radio Audi music stream, online traffic information, and navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View.

Sales of the redesigned Q3, which Audi builds at its Martorell plant outside Barcelona, Spain, will begin in February 2015. Its base price is 29,600 euros.

4.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph): the Audi RS Q3

The Audi RS Q3 was updated concurrent with the Q3. The compact performance SUV is now hotter and more dynamic than ever. Its 2.5 liter, five-cylinder engine now produces 250 kW (340 hp) and 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque. It also now satisfies the Euro 6 standard. The top model in the series now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). An RS exhaust system with a switchable flap adds even more volume to the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine.

The seven-speed S tronic, which transfers the power to the quattro drivetrain via a new hydraulic multi-plate clutch (5th generation), has also been refined for even faster gear changes. The lower gears are closely spaced for sporty response while the seventh gear is tall to save fuel.

The chassis of the Audi RS Q3 is also impressive. 19-inch wheels are standard; 20-inch wheels are optionally available. Thanks to the wave design, the large brake discs on the front axle are now one kilogram (2.2 lb) lighter. They are gripped by eight-piston calipers. The standard RS sport suspension is also available with optional adaptive dampers. The steering is tuned for sporty driving, and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard.

Numerous design details illustrate the special status of the dynamic top-of-the-line model. On the exterior, the distinctive bumpers are particularly eye-catching. The color black dominates the interior. The sport seats are optionally available in Fine Nappa leather with diamond quilting; red needles sweep across gray dials in the instrument cluster; and the driver information system offers a special RS menu with lap timer and displays for both oil temperature and boost pressure.

The base price in Germany for the generously appointed new top model is 56,600 euros. LED headlights, among other features, are standard. Deliveries of the RS Q3 will begin in the first quarter of 2015..

*Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi Q3 2.0 TDI clean diesel ultra (110 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.4 (53.5 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 114 (183.5 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI clean diesel (110 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.8 – 4.6 (49.0 – 51.1 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 126 – 119 (202.8 – 191.5 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI clean diesel quattro (110 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.4 – 4.9 (43.6 – 48.0 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 140 – 129 (225.3 – 207.6 US mpg)**
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI clean diesel quattro S tronic (110 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.5 – 5.1 (42.8 – 46.1 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 144 – 132 (231.7 – 212.4 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI clean diesel quattro (135 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.7 – 5.2 (41.3 – 45.2 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 148 – 137 (238.2 – 220.5 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI clean diesel quattro S tronic (135 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.6 – 5.1 (42.0 – 46.1 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 146 – 134 (235.0 – 215.7 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI COD ultra (110 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.8 – 5.5 (40.6 – 42.8 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 134 – 127 (215.7 – 204.4 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic (110 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.2 – 5.8 (37.9 – 40.6 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 143 – 134 (230.1 – 215.7 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (132 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.0 – 6.5 (33.6 – 36.2 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 161 – 149 (259.1 – 239.8 g/mi)**
Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (162 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.2 – 6.6 (32.7 – 35.6 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 168 – 152 (270.4 – 244.6 g/mi)**
Audi RS Q3 2.5 TFSI (250 kW):
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.6 – 8.4 (27.4 – 28.0 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 203 – 198 (326.7 – 318.7 g/mi)**

**The fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of wheels and tires. They not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

By Brandon Turkus