Overall rating:

The majority of Audi Q3 sales will be its bread-and-butter 2.0-litre TDI model, though for some, all that matters is performance. At the Q3 launch Audi rolled out a handful of pre-production Q3s with a de-tuned version of the RS 3's 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine. That should do nicely.

Key Facts

Pricing: About £40,000
Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol, five-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Body style: five-door SUV
Rivals: Range Rover Evoque, BMW X1
0-62mph: 6.0 seconds (estimate)
Power: 300bhp

In the Metal:

Externally there's little to give the game away that this Audi Q3 is packing a little bit more punch than its 2.0-litre siblings. Wearing the S line looks the as yet unnamed model only really gives a clue to its performance when the engine starts.

Likewise inside, there's little to denote that this car is more than a nicely specified regular model. That'll undoubtedly change with the production version, with more sporting seats and a smattering of badges and sport-suggesting materials like Alcantara, perforated leather, brushed metals and perhaps carbon-fibre trim parts giving a racier look to match the increased performance.

Driving it:

The off-beat warble of a five-cylinder unit is unmistakable, its engine note unsurprisingly sounding near identical to that from the RS 3 and TTRS. That's because it is the same engine, only here the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder has been de-tuned to around 300bhp, around 10% less than its output in other Audis. The word is that's to improve driveability in the heavier Q3, with the torque improving as a result.

Forewarned that it's still very much a pre-production, development model it's unfair to criticise the regular strange noises emanating from underneath and the sometimes jerky transmission. There's little to find fault with regarding the performance though, which, although suffering from a touch of initial lag in response, does translate to big speed. No numbers exist to benchmark it, but the 2.5-litre turbocharged five feels like it'd be capable of getting the Audi Q3 to 62mph in around six seconds - it certainly sounds that fast.

Like the standard car the body control is good and the ride surprisingly supple for an Audi - particularly a performance one. The steering is nicely weighted, though this go-faster model lacks the delicacy of feel on offer from the lowliest 2.0-litre TDI front-drive model. What it does offer is easy speed and a hugely entertaining soundtrack, though it needs a touch more work on the involvement front to really endear itself to more demanding drivers.

What you get for your Money:

Aside from the engine you'll be certain of quattro four-wheel drive, a seven-speed S tronic, paddle-shifted automatic transmission, bigger brakes, alloy wheels and climate control. Other niceties like leather sports seats and satnav are also likely to be on the standard rather than options list.

Worth Noting

Production numbers for this high performance flagship will be tiny, with only a handful selling compared to the diesel and petrol four-cylinder models. We're not sure what badge it'll wear either; RS seems a bit incongruous, though an S badge would suit. Take whatever badge it does wear, off, and you'll have a very 'Q' Q3.

Summary

An interesting glimpse into Audi's high performance intentions with its new Q3 shows some real promise. Don't expect to see a production version until next year though, as the standard models won't reach UK showrooms until November. If a high performance Q3 sounds like your thing, best get your order in now.