Audi Q3RS

The 2020 Audi Q3 RS. Now that’s a car that promises much, and, dear reader, it delivers with an almost unsettling level of assurance. You know, it’s one of those rare beasts that leave you questioning whether you’re in a performance SUV or a scorching hot hatchback in disguise.

What’s it like to drive?

Ah, now we’re talking. You know how some cars make you feel like you're driving a cloud? This is not one of those. The Q3 RS is tight, responsive, and packed with so much grip it could probably launch itself into space if you tried. It's not a soft ride — oh no. Audi has tuned the suspension with precision, ensuring that while you get that lovely sportscar-like feedback, it still keeps things smooth and composed for everyday use. It’s the kind of car where you can take a tight bend with speed and think to yourself, “I could do this all day.” And you would, if it didn’t remind you so shamelessly that fuel isn’t free.

How reliable is it?

Reliability? It’s an Audi, so it’s up there with the best of them. You’ll likely get years of satisfaction from this car, provided you don't ignore the service intervals and change the oil at the appropriate times (this is no Ferrari, after all). However, as with any performance vehicle, expect maintenance costs to climb if you start pushing it too hard, especially if you're constantly testing that zero to sixty figure. Still, it’s about as dependable as a well-oiled German machine gets.

How comfortable and spacious is it?

Space-wise, it’s a little more compact than you might expect from a large SUV, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The front seats are supportive enough for those late-night drives on twisty roads, and the cabin is plush enough that even the harshest critics will find it hard to fault. Passengers in the back? They’ll be comfortable enough, but don’t expect them to have the legroom of a luxury saloon — this is an SUV, not a limousine.

The boot space is acceptable for a car of this size, meaning you won’t have any trouble shoving in the shopping, or a few sets of golf clubs, or that bike you insist on taking with you even though you never actually cycle. It’s compact practicality wrapped in sporty allure.

How economical is it to run?

Don’t go thinking that a 395bhp five-cylinder engine is going to win any awards for fuel economy. It drinks petrol with the enthusiasm of a teenager at an all-you-can-eat buffet. You’ll be looking at around 20-25mpg on average if you’re behaving sensibly, but if you’re not, you can forget about the notion of “economical.” That said, if you're serious about performance, you’ll gladly accept the slightly higher running costs for that sweet, sweet power and acceleration.

How safe is it?

Audi’s safety tech is top-notch. The Q3 RS comes with all the bells and whistles, from adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist and emergency braking. You could probably fall asleep at the wheel (not recommended, of course!)

If you want an SUV that’s capable of delivering a truly thrilling driving experience, without having to resort to something impractical and painfully loud, the Audi Q3 RS is a brilliant choice. It’s quick, sharp, stylish, and comfortable, with enough performance to make you feel like you’ve just dropped a couple of thousand pounds on something entirely impractical — except, it isn’t impractical. It’s well-balanced, doesn’t compromise on luxury, and will make you grin every time you press that little ‘RS’ button on the steering wheel.

In summary:

Yes. Yes, you should buy it. Just remember to take it easy on the fuel, and don’t blame Audi if you have too much fun.