Audi has decided to produce a high performance concept version of the otherwise somewhat sedate Q3 SUV, and creating the RS Q3. Under the bonnet is a 355bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine giving the Q3 a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds and 165mph top speed. Given that Audi all but ‘invented’ the performance 4×4 road car with the original Quattro back in 1980, it is perhaps a surprise that this hasn’t been done before. Less of a surprise is the fact that the German company chose China to unveil the project and test the response. Restyled front grille, deeper side intakes, pronounced rear diffuser and large oval exhaust pipes denote the RS version. The car sits 25mm lower than the normal road version on 20inch alloy wheels and super low profile tyres. It’s all black and dark blue inside, with contrasting Alcantara and Nappa leather. And just to emphasise where the sales of this model would be aimed, should it go into production, on the rev counter, Chinese characters replace the usual Arabic numerals…
