Premium performance feels like the dominant theme inside with a typically Audi  tech-focused approach including high-quality brushed metal elements, matt carbon inserts and quilted leather trim on the heavily bolstered front seats. A meticulous attention to detail is obvious and the bottom line is it’s all about the driver. A grippy, flat-bottom, leather-trimmed steering wheel looks as good as it feels, sleek screens enhance the racy vibe and the mix of physical and digital controls is sensible.

The RS Q3 Sportback is powered by a 2.5-litre in-line five-cylinder intercooled turbo-petrol engine sending drive to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Audi says the RS Q3 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5sec before reaching a top speed of 250km/h.

The RS Q3’s standard features list includes, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, Nappa leather trim, ambient lighting, an RS sport contour leather-trimmed steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch multimedia display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, sat-nav and wireless device charging. There’s also a Bang & Olufsen ‘3D Sound System’ digital radio, 21-inch alloys, electronically-controlled adaptive dampers, auto Matrix LED headlights and a hands-free power tailgate. Metallic and pearl effect paint finishes are offered at no extra cost.

The Audi RS Q3 accommodates five with heated and electrically-adjustable seats for those in front. 

The fuel tank requires 63 litres of 98 RON premium unleaded to fill it which translates to a range of around 650km based on our real-world economy figure.