The new Audi RS Q3 Sportback makes its debut in Dubai and Northern Emirates

The legendary and multi-award-winning 2.5 liter TFSI engine is the core of the high-performance SUV coupé. In combination with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, it offers pure driving pleasure. The sport compact coupé offers outstanding performance, athletic design and maximum everyday usability. The RS Q3 Sportback is now available in the Audi showrooms in Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.

“I am very happy to see the latest addition of the RS model portfolio now in all our showrooms: The all-  new Audi RS Q3 Sportback. A trend setting SUV coupe crossover, that combines impressive performance with striking looks. It definitely complements the existing range and will contribute to the growth potential of Audi Sport”, says Ali Saif Al Nabooda, General Manager Al Nabooda Automobiles.

Athletic: The Exterior

The new Audi RS Q3 Sportback is synonymous with strength and outstanding performance. Virtues that are also reflected in the design where it illustrates its unique character through many details. The gloss black Singleframe with its three-dimensional honeycomb structure makes the high performance compact coupé car look even sharper. Its position is lower as compared to the Q3 Sportback, and it is inserted directly into the RS-specific bumper with large lateral air inlets. The RS genes are also apparent in the flat slits above the Singleframe radiator grille.

The rear design also appears very powerful. With the low rear window and the roof edge spoiler in gloss black with the RS-specific spoiler lip, the RS Q3 Sportback appears even wider and more dynamic. The low-slung roof line culminates in strong, flat sloping D-pillars. The new generation of the RS Q3 Sportback comes for the first time with a dual-branch RS exhaust system with large oval tailpipes on both sides. This exhaust system sits in an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and horizontal blades.

The compact high-performance SUV Coupé is fitted with LED headlights in the front and a combination of LED rearlights with dynamic turn signal.

Outstanding: The Drive

The new RS Q3 Sportback is fitted with the powerful multi-award-winning five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI. It now draws just over 17 percent more power from 2,480 cc of displacement with 294 kW (400 PS). Its maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) is available between 1,950 and 5,850 rpm. The RS Q3 Sportback sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is regulated at 250 km/h (155.3 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174.0 mph).

The particular firing sequence of 1-2-4-5-3 and the odd number of cylinders make for a very special rhythm and unique engine sound. The dual-branch RS exhaust system emphasizes the characteristic sound of the five-cylinder engine, and the optional RS sport exhaust system makes it even sharper. The five-cylinder engine has won the sought-after “International Engine of the Year Award” nine times in a row.

The power of the five-cylinder engine is transmitted via a seven-speed S tronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The wheel-selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling.

Consistently Sporty: The Suspension

The consistently sporty suspension tuning is a basic requirement for the outstanding driving characteristics of the RS Q3 Sportback. The RS sport suspension lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.4 in) as compared to the Q3 family.

The dynamic handling system Audi drive select influences not only the suspension, but also the quattro drive, the steering, the S tronic, the engine characteristics, and the sound, for example. Depending on the selected equipment, there is a choice of five or six drive modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, and individual or, as an alternative to the individual mode, the two new RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2. Via the MMI touch display, the driver can adjust and save the two RS modes individually. Simply pressing the new “RS MODE” steering wheel button provides rapid access to the two new RS modes and the last drive mode selected and allows the driver to switch between modes. This allows the customer to adjust their RS model in an even more individual way and to switch quickly between a dedicated sporty drive mode and a comfort-focused profile.

The RS-tuned progressive steering also conveys close contact with the road even on fast curves. Behind the 21-inch wheels, the all-new six-piston RS steel brake system works with ventilated and perforated disks measuring 375 millimeters (14.8 in) (front) and 310 millimeters (12.2 in) (rear, not perforated). Their brake calipers are painted black as standard and are available in red as an option.

Driver-Oriented: The Interior

The athletic exterior design of the RS Q3 Sportback is continued in the spacious interior. The entire cockpit is very much designed with the driver in mind – the air-conditioning control unit, the center console, and the MMI touch display are tilted toward the driver by ten degrees. The RS sport leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom and including newly designed shift paddles, comes with the new “RS MODE” steering wheel button that allows the driver to control two optional RS modes in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The RS-specific displays open automatically in the Audi virtual cockpit plus. Sport seats upholstered with fine nappa leather with an RS-specific honeycomb pattern and integrated head restraints.

The ambient lighting package and the multi-color contour/ambient lighting package illuminate the interior of the RS Q3 Sportback when it is dark.

The architecture of the instrument panel with the MMI touch display and the Audi virtual cockpit in the RS design harmonizes perfectly with the new operating concept. MMI navigation plus, the top-of-the-line system in the infotainment program, offers the same variety of functions as in the large Audi models.

Great Everyday Usability: The Space Concept

A driving experience and performance values typical for a sports car combined with all the comfort-related advantages of a compact SUV, made possible by the RS Q3 Sportback: The compact powerhouse is designed as full-fledged five-seater and while being extremely sporty, it also offers great everyday usability thanks to its high level of variability and the large interior. As standard, the rear bench can be moved longitudinally by 130 millimeters in the RS Q3 Sportback, and the inclination of its divided backrest can be adjusted in seven stages. The luggage compartment thus holds 530 liters; with the backrests folded down the figure rises to 1,400 liters.

The Audi RS Q3 Sportback with the above mentioned specifications is available at AED 299,250 at the Al Nabooda Automobiles Audi showrooms across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.