New Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback twins arrive with 395bhp

The new Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback arrive with the same 395bhp 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine as the Audi RS 3. On sale in the UK early 2020.

We all know Audi loves a niche, and performance compact SUVs are a niche. But if you’re going to fill a niche, why not find a niche inside a niche and fill that too? Say hello to two new Audi Q3s that fill the same niche and are virtually the same car – the new Audi RS Q3 and the equally new Audi RS Q3 Sportback.

The RS Q3 twins are mechanically the same, but the RS Q3 Sportback (the green one at the top) sits 45mm lower than the RS Q3 (the red one at the bottom) and has a sloping roof. Because it’s a Sportback. But it’s not an RS 3.

The front of both cars is basically just a big criss-cross of plastic grille stuff with just slight relief from the narrow painted intersects, the body is butch and there’s a pair of tail pipes at the back. These are school run bullies, shouting their intent as they hove in to view.

But they are bullies with teeth thanks to what must be the last outing for Audi’s 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine, here boasting 395bhp and 354lb/ft of grunt, with power going to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box and hitting 62mph in 4.5 seconds.

Audi’s school run bully twins will go on sale in the UK in early 2020. Expect prices to be around £50k.