- Characterful and power 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine
- Quattro system provides excellent traction
- Impressive dynamics
- S-Tronic transmission provides fast gearsfhits
- Suspension upset by uneven surfaces
- Some turbo lag at lower revs
- Inconsistently weighted steering
Review: Audi 8U.I RS Q3 (2014)
Overview
Released in Australia in February 2014, the Audi 8U RS Q3 was a compact SUV. Manufactured in Martorell, Spain, the all-wheel drive Audi RS Q3 was powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S Tronic’) with automatic and sequential shifting modes.
2.5 R5 TFSI: CTSA engine
The Audi RS Q3’s CTSA engine was based on the CEPA engine which powered the Audi 8J TT RS Coupe . Hand-built in Gyor, Hungary, the CZGB engine had a graphite cast iron block, a die-forged steel crankshaft supported by six main bearings, forged connecting rods, cast aluminium alloy pistons, a cast aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder head, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller finger followers and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Furthermore, the CTSA engine was fitted with BorgWarner K16 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.0 bar (14.5 psi). To minimise fuel consumption, the CTSA engine had a ‘Start-Stop’ system which enabled it to shut down when the RS Q3 was stationary in traffic.
The RS Q3 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and had an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS Q3 | 2.5-litre CTSA turbo petrol I5 | 7sp DCT | 228 kW at 5200-6700 rpm | 420 Nm at 1500-5200 rpm |
Dimensions
Compared to the Audi 8U Q3 on which it was based, the RS Q3 was 25 mm longer (at 4410 mm), 10 mm wider (1841 mm) and 10 mm lower (1580 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2603 mm); kerb weight was 1730 kg. For the RS Q3, the sports suspension lowered the body by 25 mm and the battery was located in the luggage compartment for better weight distribution.
Steering and suspension
The Audi RS Q3 had electromechanical speed-sensitive steering, MacPherson strut front suspension (with forged aluminium lower wishbones) and independent, four-link rear suspension.
quattro AWD system
The Audi RS Q3 is understood to have had a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system which, in normal conditions, directed 90 per cent of the engine’s torque to the front wheels. Unlike earlier systems, however, the fourth generation Haldex system can pro-actively engage the multi-plate clutch via a feeder pump when a loss of traction is anticipated, thereby transferring up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels before traction is lost.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi RS Q3 included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Audi RS Q3 had 365 mm internally ventilated and perforated front brake discs fitted with eight-piston calipers.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , the related Audi 8U Q3 received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 85 per cent child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.15 out of 37.
Features
Standard features for the Audi RS Q3 included 19-inch alloy wheels, a 180 watt sound system with ten speakers, a six channel amplifier, a CD/DVD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), a 20 GB hard drive storage and Bluetooth audio streaming, Audi’s MMI (Multi-Media Interface) Navigation plus system with a seven-inch colour touchscreen, 20GB hard drive storage and two SD cards, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, power adjustable front sports seats upholstered in Fine Nappa leather, xenon headlights with daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Audi’s ‘park assist plus’ with a reversing camera, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors with folding function, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Options for the RS Q3 included 20-inch alloy wheels, a 465 watt Bose sound system with fourteen speakers and lunar silver headlining.
Related links
Review: Audi 8U.II RS Q3 (2015-18)
Overview
Commencing production in November 2014 and available in Australia from early 2015, the Audi 8U Series II (8U.II) RS Q3 was powered by Audi’s CZGA engine which was compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards and a turbocharger which provided boost pressure of 1.2 bar (previously 1.0 bar). As a result of its more powerful engine, the Audi 8U.II RS Q3 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (previously 5.2 seconds).
The Audi 8U.II RS Q3 could be identified by its ‘3D effect’ single-frame grille with thicker silver edging, more angular front bumper, more pronounced air ducts with silver inserts, silver trim and ‘quattro’ lettering for the lower central intake. At the rear, there were revised tail-lights and silver end caps for the roof spoiler.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS Q3 | 2.5-litre CZGA turbo petrol I5 | 7sp DCT | 250 kW at 5300-6700 rpm | 450 Nm at 1600-5300 rpm |
Features
Standard features for the Audi 8U.II RS Q3 were extended to include 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/35 R20 tyres, digital radio tuner (DAB+), automatically dipping door mirrors on reverse and an alarm.
Specifications
Related links
