People typically buy small crossovers because they offer extra room, a taller ride height, and often all-wheel drive over small sedans and hatches. Driving dynamics aren't usually a priority. So how do you explain the Audi RS Q3?
I'll forgive you if you forgot that there's an RS version of Audi's smallest crossover, the Q3; the base car won't even go on sale in the U.S. until later this year. We aren't slated to get the RS version. But unlike, say, the 2015 Audi S1, would we even want this car?
In the latest video review from XCAR, Alex Goy praises the RS Q3's ludicrous 310 horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, its ability to move from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 5.2 seconds, and its luscious noise. He's glad it exists, but he also wonders if it waters down the RS brand a little bit.
Is there a point to putting so much power into a small crossover? Who's supposed to buy this thing? Much as we gripe at Audi for not sending some of their best offerings stateside, maybe we could live without this one.