Click to see the contenders: Audi RS Q3 | Audi SQ5 | BMW X5 M | Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT | Lexus NX200t F-Sport | Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG | Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG |
Check out the test summary here (click). Find the drag results here (click). The final verdict is here (click).
The contenders (in alphabetical order)
Audi RS Q3
There is an engine sound that will leave most petrolheads with a tear in the eye. It’s a sound as distinctive as a tiger shark in the fish tank at the local pet store: the banshee wail of the turbocharged five-cylinder engine in the Group B Audi quattro rally cars of the eighties.
The Audi RS Q3 is also powered by a five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering 228 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque – 4kW more than the original WRC Audi quattro rally car, which made its debut in 1980. There is also a big-bore tail pipe poking out from under the rear bumper. So in theory this RS Q3 quattro should provide its driver with plenty of tears-in-eyes moments.
And it does. That engine sounds like a refined version of the old rally car mill, with that distinctive five-cylinder wail, topped off with a discreet tjirp-tjirp from the turbocharger. The handling and grip, aided by the quattro system, are excellent too, and this crossover feels as “planted” as any performance hatch you care to bring to the party.
As is the case with all modern Audi cars, the cabin oozes class and sophistication.
There are a few chinks in the armour. Just like its forefather, the five-cylinder engine has some turbo lag. But make no mistake, once that turbo boosts, you have to hold on for dear life. And the lag is only obvious when you really push it on a gymkhana-style track. But it is there.
In this feature, pricing is not a point of criteria that will decide a winner or loser, but we do find the R752 000 a bit of a hard financial pill to swallow, especially considering that you don’t get features like electrically adjustable front seats, which seem obligatory kit at this price.
For the rest, the RS Q3 is a really hot little crossover. And we – mostly – loved it.
Vital stats – Audi RS Q3
Engine: 2480cc, turbo five-cylinder
Power: 228 kW @ 5200r/min
Torque: 420 Nm @ 1500r/min
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual clutch S tronic
Tare weight: 1620kg
Power to weight ratio: 0,14 kW/kg
Drivetrain: Permanent quattro 4WD
Electronic aids: Traction/stability, launch control
Price: R752 000
Monthly instalments (approx): R15 470