Name: Audi RS Q3 (2019 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi RS Q3
Rating: 58

Summary

The Audi RS Q3 is the sporty performance-enhanced version of the regular Q3 range, available in regular SUV and ‘Sportback’ coupé SUV body styles.

This ‘hot’ SUV slots into the market above cheaper performance SUVs like the Cupra Ateca and below luxury options like the Lamborghini Urus, and directly rivals the BMW X2 M35i, Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, and Porsche Macan S.

With stiff competition like this, a few reviewers find the RS Q3 hard to recommend. “It just isn’t that much fun”, What Car? comments. “The Porsche Macan S feels plusher and is more enjoyable to drive, even if it isn’t as fast.”

While it is slightly slower overall than hot hatch cousins like the RS 3, Carbuyer says that it is still very quick in a straight line, with more composed handling in the corners than the standard Q3 too. Beyond the SUV practicality it offers, Carwow adds that its soundtrack makes it a stand-out choice. “That characterful five-cylinder engine. It just sounds better than the competition.”

Drawbacks aside, the RS Q3’s well-equipped interior, sporty exterior and engine soundtrack will be appealing to any Audi owner looking for a performance-tuned model upgrade, but for some this is not enough. “For proper driving enthusiasts”, Honest John concludes, “the Macan wins every time, even if the RS Q3 makes all the right noises.”

As of January 2024, the Audi RS Q3 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 58%.

RS Q3 highlights

Straight-line speed
Well-equipped as standard
More practical than RS hot hatches
Great engine soundtrack

RS Q3 lowlights

Thirsty engines
Some cheap interior plastics
Rivals are more fun to drive
Stiff suspension

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV and coupé-SUV
Engines: petrol
Price: From £57,185 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“If a rapid, small SUV is a niche you crave, then the Audi RS Q3 is all you’re being served right now at this sort of price point.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Its taller roofline and extra weight don’t make a significant difference to body roll or lean through the corners, at least at the speeds possible on our test route, and the confidence-inspiring grip levels we expect from Audi’s RS models is present and correct.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“Performance is easily on par with more expensive rivals, but ride comfort has taken a back seat, and while in-cabin technology is up there with the best in the class, materials quality is less impressive. Those seeking an entertaining steer as well as rapid pace may be better served elsewhere.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“The RS Q3 has plenty going for it, specifically that fantastic five-pot motor.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Audi RS Q3 adds a much more powerful engine to the Q3 recipe, which already includes a great interior and a large boot.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 6 / 10
“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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: SUV
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi RS Q3 is a fast SUV with a distinctive five-cylinder petrol engine and a lovely interior. The lower, lighter Audi RS 3 will be even more fun to drive, mind you.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Anti-ageing treatment keeps Audi’s RS Q3 dark horse on the pace.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 6 / 10
“Contrary to expectations, the Audi RSQ3 Sportback hits back against its flaws with a charismatic demeanor unusual in the class.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Q3 is Audi’s second-smallest SUV, now into its second generation. And the cult success of a leftfield sporty version of the original, the RS Q3, has encouraged the marque to quickly launch a follow-up. Wisely, Audi has stuck to the original template, which proved such a guilty pleasure.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“For proper driving enthusiasts, the Macan wins every time, even if the RS Q3 makes all the right noises.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Score: 6 / 10
“Something of an oddity, but not without charm.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 4 / 10
“Now in its second generation, the Audi RS Q3 is what you get when you feed the German brand’s family SUV nothing but red meat and protein shakes, then force it to live in a gym.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 85%

The Audi RS Q3 has not specifically been assessed by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety score with the regular Audi Q3 range which was awarded a five-star rating in 2018.

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Audi RS Q3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 100
Average repair cost: £358.93
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of January 2024, the Audi Q3 range (including the RS Q3) has an excellent reliability score, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current version of the Q3 and the previous (pre-2018) generation.

To date, average repair bills for the Q3 have been quite low, at about £350. Suspension problems are the most common faults, although they’re relatively inexpensive with an average repair bill of about £250. Engine problems are also reasonably common, but again they’re nowhere near as expensive to fix as most cars with an average repair bill of about £700. Gearbox bills have been very expensive, but seem to be rare.

If you’re looking at a used Audi RS Q3, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	29 mpg	E	28 – 29 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	223 g/km	D	217 – 231 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	41	D	29 – 43	C – D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£508	D
Year 2	£1,186	D
Year 3	£1,893	D
Year 4	£2,149	D
Year 5	£2,930	D
Overall	£8,666	D

The running costs for the Audi RS Q3 can get quite expensive, according to full-life costings provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is poor and insurance costs can get quite expensive. Finally, scheduled servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years are predicted to be more expensive than the average car.