In line with Audi’s latest product ranges, the Audi Q3 gets a new range topping Audi RS Q3 Performance model. Power and equipment upgrades make the Audi RS Q3 Performance slightly more attractive than the standard RS Q3. The headline news here is actually the improvements to the 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine.

The new top of the range Audi RS Q3 Performance gets 367PS, an improvement of 27 PS over the non-Performance model, and 465Nm of torque. Its enough to for a 0-62 mph time of 4.4 seconds with a 167 mph top speed. To achieve the power increase, Audi engineers have increased cooling in the main radiator and modified the fuel pump. Economy is 32.8mpg, which corresponds to 203 grams CO2 per km.

The engine is coupled to a revised seven-speed S ironic transmission with shift paddles and an RS multifunction steering wheel. The RS Q3 Performance also gets Audi drive select dynamic handling system as standard which, in dynamic mode, features double-declutching. The final part of the performance puzzle is the quattro permanent all wheel drive system.

RS sport suspension brings the Audi RS Q3 Performance 20 millimetres closer to the ground when compared to the standard Audi Q3. With the optional damper control, suspension choices include Comfort, Auto and Dynamic chosen via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

It gets typical RS design details including styled bumpers with large air inlets up front, a rear diffuser insert and a gloss black honeycomb grille. The RS Q3 Performance is distinguishable from the ‘standard’ RS Q3 by its matt titanium-look detailing for the frame of the air inlet duct, the grille, the lateral flaps in the air inlets, the trim strips at the side windows, the exterior mirror housings, the roof rails, the upper edge of the diffuser and the fins of the roof edge spoiler. A new paint finish, Ascari blue metallic, is also exclusively to the RS Q3 performance.

The Audi RS Q3 Performance gets RS-specific 20-inch ‘performance exclusive’ alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish and red calipers. Inside, the dial instruments feature grey faces, white dials and red needles. Sports seats are finished in Alcantara and leather with honeycomb stitching in blue. The blue accents are also applied to the RS sport leather steering wheel, the selector lever gaiter, the centre armrest and the floor mats. Inlays are carbon twill blue.

Standard equipment includes all-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and tail lights, privacy glass, powered tailgate operation and the Audi advanced key system. The Audi RS Q3 Performance also gets front seat heating, the Audi Music Interface with a 180-watt Audi Sound System, satellite navigation and front and rear parking sensors.

The Audi RS Q3 Performance will be available to order this month with a UK recommended retail price of £49,175 including taxes.

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