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 2019 VW Atlas prioritizes space above pace, which makes it a must-see for families.
Pros Exceptionally spacious Comfortable ride quality Slide-forward second row Decent value Excellent warranty
Cons Neither fast nor frugal Low-buck interior trim No AWD with turbo-4 Ungainly styling
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas ranked #8 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Volkswagen Atlas has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 27 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Three rows of spacious seats Lots of cargo space Intuitive infotainment system Drives like a smaller vehicle
Cons Sluggish acceleration Some cheap cabin materials
Volkswagen has made few changes to the Atlas for its sophomore year and mostly it's just a shuffling of standard equipment. Automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and heated exterior mirrors are all now standard across the lineup. The mid-range SE model receives three-zone automatic climate control as standard this year and the top-spec SEL trim now comes standard with a digital gauge display, LED taillights, navigation, and a heated steering wheel.
Pros Expansive cabin, lively handling and velvety ride, cutting-edge infotainment.
Cons Unimpressive acceleration and fuel economy, functional but uninspired interior.
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Two new trim levels debut.Expanded availability of features for 2019.
Pros Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward cabin design makes everything easy to use
Cons Not very quick to accelerate, even with the optional V6 Fuel economy lags that of some competitors
