It could just be our cynical thinking but we get the impression that the rumours surrounding an Audi Q3 RS model are about giving the new compact crossover/SUV a helping hand with an early performance version. In any case, a Q3 RS is a very interesting proposition, and the video above claims to be a pre-production test drive of a Q3 with a five-cylinder (but detuned) engine.

The video would seem to contradict recent statements by Stephan Reil, head of Quattro GmbH, about the difficulties of installing the five-cylinder powertrain in the Q3 bonnet. The guys taking the video say that this pre-production Q3 has 300 hp, down from the 340 of the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback, and was equipped with the seven-speed S-tronic gearbox.

The video further reveals that despite the sporty engine, this particular pre-production model might not be called “R” or “RS” in the future. The engine has a really great sound so frankly, they can call it what they will as long as they give us a chance to have a play, too.

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