While churning the world's media through the international launch of the Q3 last year (due in SA this week), Audi presented them with a one-off prototype fitted with a detuned, 220kW version of the five-cylinder turbopetrol engine that powers the TT RS.
Now Audi has made it official with the presentation of the RS Q3 concept, which will make its world debut at the Auto China show in Beijing shortly.
Not only has Audi liberated more ponies from the engine, but the presentation of a concept shows that Audi is a bit more serious about actually building it for the public.
The 2480cc five-pot motor has been tuned up to 265kW, which allegedly allows this potent little SUV to run from standstill to 100km/h in only 5.2 seconds and to a top speed of 265km/h.
Audi's seven-speed S tronic gearbox transfers the power to the wheels via the quattro all-wheel drive system, which powers the car through the front wheels until slip is detected.
To fit its new role as a performance SUV, the RS has been lowered by around 25mm and is fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels wearing 255/30 tyres.
Also setting it apart on the street is a redesigned front bumper with bigger air intakes, a matt black and blue spoiler made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer and honeycomb grille. The matt black and blue carbon theme also extends to the exterior mirrors and rear diffuser, while those two colours are also used throughout the unashamedly RS-themed cabin.
Now all that's left to see is whether Audi sees a gap in the market for a trendy shopping trolley that doubles as a sports car. Would you like to see Audi build it?