This hot crossover could have as much as 340 horsepower.
The new AudiQ3 is a beautiful thing. Maybe it was the spy photos of it almost fully uncovered or the close to-reality rendering that our artists put together. It won’t be the only option in the range. Audi also has two SQ3 and RS Q3 versions for the small crossover. The first was captured on film by someone showing its skills at the Nurburgring.
This two-and-a half-minute clip shows the crossover running around the Ring in its best disguise. There are some clues to the crossover’s sporty traits, but there are also some notable cues. It rides lower than the standard model. The wheels and brakes are larger as well.
Front fascia is more defined with larger vents in each corner and a lower diffuser. The SQ3 conceals a set S-specific quad exhaust tips which emit a louder sound. You should blast the speakers if you haven’t.
Although we don’t know the exact details of what is under the hood, it’s likely that there’s a more powerful engine than its sibling. We think it would be a turbocharged 2.0-liter VW engine with 300 to 340 horsepower (or 223 to 253 kilowatts). The RS Q3 could produce as high as 400 hp (298 kW). The SQ3 should have Quattro all wheel drive, just like other Audi SUVs.
The new Q3 will be available in this fall, before being made available in Europe and the U.S. later that year. You shouldn’t expect superfast versions such as the SQ3 and RS Q3 to arrive before then. A sporty Q4 coupe/UV – which will compete with cars such as the BMW X2 or Mercedes-Benz GLA – may appear even later.