The Audi RS Q3 Sportback is a fast SUV with a distinctive five-cylinder petrol engine and a lovely interior. The lower, lighter hatchback RS 3 will be even more fun to drive, mind you.A couple of things help the Audi RS Q3 Sportback stand out amongst performance SUVs – its sharp looks and that characterful five-cylinder engine. It just sounds better than the rest.
This latest addition to Audi Sport’s growing stable of RS models is also one part of a dual-pronged attack on the small performance SUV market. While the RS Q3 should appease those wanting a little extra headroom for rear passengers, the Sportback earns extra style points with its sloping rear end. The Sportback delivers the kind of assured handling we associate with the RS range, letting you make rapid point-to-point progress while remaining predictable at all times, if lacking in true driver engagement. The progressive steering rack doesn’t give much sense of what the front tyres are doing through corners, and there’s little playfulness to be found from the rear end when pushed. On the smoothest roads and the optional adaptive dampers set to their most comfortable, the Sportback is just about relaxed enough, but still jostles on rougher surfaces. Dynamic mode is a lot more brittle, picking up even the smallest of abrasions. Ride refinement is merely average for the class, though our test drive didn’t provide an opportunity to see what effect smaller 20in alloy wheels would have on comfort.
Audi's cheeky little SUV offers exactly what we expected from the tech-loving German automaker in a handsome and mostly practical package.
Pros Sharp styling, plentiful tech features, spunky driving demeanor.
Cons Tight rear quarters, noticeable turbo lag, a few cheap interior materials.
The 2020 Porsche Macan comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual. Turbo returns to the lineup with revised engine, more power.Offers optional upgrade to tungsten carbide-coated brakes.
Pros Quick acceleration regardless of engine choice Most athletic and engaging SUV in the class Surprisingly comfortable and composed ride Easy to customize thanks to a long list of individual options
Cons Less rear legroom and cargo capacity than many competitors Options and packages can add up quickly
Porsche facelifted the regular Macan for 2019 and chose to skip a model year before releasing the updated Turbo version for 2020. Along with the massaged appearance and slightly revised interior that debuted with the 2019 Macan, the Macan Turbo receives a slew of newly standard features and an all-new engine. Its twin-turbo V-6 is downsized from 3.6 liters to 2.9, yet horsepower increases from 400 to 434. Porsche claims these performance updates make the 2020 Macan Turbo quicker and faster.
Pros Ridiculous performance, fine interior, myriad personalization options.
Cons Compact cabin space, meager cargo area, costs a pretty penny.
The 2020 Porsche Macan is unranked in Luxury Compact SUVs due to missing safety data. Currently, the Porsche Macan's overall score is not available, though its Critics' Rating, Performance score, and Interior score are based on our evaluation of 39 pieces of research and data.
Pros Responsive steering and lithe handling Upscale interior Excellent predicted reliability rating User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Below-average fuel economy High base price for the class Tight rear seats and undersized cargo space
