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.
Pros Impressive handling for a crossover SUV Wide selection of powerful engines available Exquisite interior and build quality Plenty of customization options
Cons Quite a few optional features should be standard given the price tag Gloss-black interior panels can look dirty almost immediately Poor visibility out of the rear Climate control fans are weak at low speeds and noisy at high speeds
For 2022, Porsche introduces the new Cayenne Turbo GT model, which includes maximum levels of performance and is only offered in the coupe body style. The Turbo GT rockets to the top of the Cayenne hierarchy with an enhanced version of the twin-turbo V-8 and myriad chassis enhancements. With 631 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque, Porsche claims the Turbo GT will go from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds.
Pros Arguably the most attractive of today's SUV coupes, incredibly engaging to drive, multiple marvelous powertrain options.
Cons Coupe body style compromises cargo space, largest wheels impair ride quality, some rivals offer similar performance for less.
