The Audi Q5->ke1666 and Q7->ke1083 understandably get all the love among Audi's roster of crossovers and SUVs. But let's not forget about the Q3->ke2666. This little brother got some spunk and it definitely deserves a path on the back, or in the case of German tuner MTM->ke1730, a dedicated aftermarket program.

We're all familiar with Audi->ke14's packaging of the Q3. It's an economic crossover that has plenty of sweet features combined with Audi's fabulous technical engineering. Then there's the RS Q3 - the subject of this program - that breathes a little more fire as a more performance-oriented model of the Q3. But still, even something "good" has a chance to be "better", and that's what MTM set out to accomplish with its new tuning kit for the RS Q3 2.5 TFSI quattro.

As a performance-heavy update, MTM is charging quite a lot for this program. The cost of the engine tune is €3,357, which is about $4,500 based on current exchange rates. Meanwhile, the new exhaust system and the carbon fiber rear diffuser will set you back €4,699, right around $6,400.

Then again, you can just opt for getting everything, car and tuning kit together. For that, you're gonna have to pay €76,650, or about $104,150 in American money.

That might be a steep a price to pay, but what you can get out of it is pretty awesome in its own right.

Click past the jump to read more about the Audi Q3 RS 2.5 TFSI Quattro By MTM.

2014 Audi RS Q3 2.5 TFSI Quattro By MTM

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi RS Q3 2.5 TFSI Quattro By MTM
  • Horsepower: 410
  • Torque: 420
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Audi Q3 RS 2.5 TFSI Quattro By MTM in detail

MTM didn't add a lot of cosmetic changes to the RS Q3. Instead, the tuner focused on turning the crossover into one that handles like a true rock star in any kind of road condition. That's why the tuner installed a chassis package into all the nuts and bolts of the RS Q3, successfully toughening up the crossover to create a good balance of comfort and performance that shouldn't be taken lightly.

The magic of this program isn't in the aesthetics, but rather tucked away under the hood. Yes, this is a performance-heavy program, and that's a good thing, especially when said program can generate up to 100 more delicious horsepower than the Q3's standard output.

See, MTM has the M-Cantronic, a modified engine management system that works wonders in pushing the Q3's 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine into producing 410 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. That's 100 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque more than the RS Q3's 310-horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque numbers.

A specially tuned exhaust system and a carbon fiber rear diffuser were also installed at the rear section of the RS Q3, creating an equitable tag-team partnership with the modified engine to boost the crossover's overall performance capabilities.

Apart from the impressive performance gains, MTM's program for the RS Q3 also includes wheels. A nice set of them, in fact. We're not going to disregard the OEM wheels on the RS Q3, but there's something to be said for a nicer option.

In this case, that "nicer option" is a set of 20-inch Bimoto wheels that has been wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Look past the front wheels and you'll also notice new internally ventilated MTM brakes fitted into the front axle.

Audi Q3