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 Lexus NX 300h comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 added as standard.Lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and forward collision mitigation added.
Pros Great fuel economy for a luxury crossover Back seat has enough room for adults Very quiet cabin at highway speeds
Cons Infotainment interface can be distracting to use and lacks Android Auto Limited cargo capacity
The 2019 Lexus NX remains a boldly styled, comfortable compact luxury crossover with solid standard features.
Pros Comfortable front seats Thrifty hybrid Now-familiar styling F Sport handling and seats CarPlay, finally
Cons Polarizing design Sub-par gas mileage on NX 300 Intrusive road noise Sluggish infotainment
The 2020 Lexus NX ranked #8 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Lexus NX has a score of 7.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Well-built, spacious cabin Smooth, quiet ride Good fuel economy ratings Excellent predicted reliability rating
Cons Tricky infotainment system Subpar cargo capacity Not as fun to drive as rivals
