Audi RS Q3 Performance SUV is quick but fuel efficient

Audi RS Q3 Performance SUV debuts in Geneva (Photo: Matt Bubbers/Autofocus.ca)

Audi’s Sport arm has turned out an RS Performance version of its 2016 RS Q3 compact SUV, a high-performance vehicle driven by a unique 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder.

The RS Q3 performance, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, uses that five-cylinder mill to send 367 horsepower (that’s 27 more than the RS Q3) and 343 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, with a little help from a seven-speed S tronic automatic and a quattro AWD system.

The drivetrain sends the car on its way to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 4.4 seconds (versus the RS Q3’s 4.8), and on to a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). All that performance won’t cost you all that much on your fuel bill, though; the RS Q3’s combined rating is 8.6 L/100 km.

The RS Q3 Performance’s looks are set apart from the regular RS Q3 via a matte titanium-look finish on some trim pieces; the Ascari blue metallic paint is also a performance-exclusive option

Audi says the RS Q3 should hit European dealerships in summer 2016 with a starting price of $61,000, about $89,500 Canadian; it’s not yet been greenlit for North American markets.