Review Audi Q3 SUV

"The Audi Q3 brings the firm's first-class build quality and efficient engines to the crossover sector." With the launch of the Audi Q3, the firm has entered the growing market for crossovers - cars which look like big, chunky off-roaders, but are as easy to drive and economical as a family hatchback. The Q3 is a direct rival for the BMW X1, MINI Countryman and Range Rover Evoque, and is built to Audi's usual high standards. Interior quality is excellent, and there's space for five inside. All cars, whether petrol or diesel, come with stop-start, which cuts the engine when you put the car into neutral. Audi's quattro four-wheel drive is offered across the range, but front-wheel drive versions offer class-leading economy and emissions figures. Drive4.4 /5 Engines offer good mix of performance and economy Engine options include 2.0 TFSI petrol and a 2.0 TDI diesel. Both come with two levels of power – 138bhp or 175bhp for the diesel and 168bhp and 208bhp for the petrol. All feature stop-start, which cuts the engine when the car is in neutral. The two lower-powered engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the top models get a new more efficient seven-speed semi automatic. Comfort4.7 /5 SE models are very comfortable, S line cars less so Audi has a reputation for building cars with firm suspension, but the Q3 is an exception to the rule. The entry-level SE model with standard suspension and 17-inch wheels is extremely comfortable. The trade-off is a hint of body lean in corners when driving quickly. An option on sportier S line models is lower and stiffer suspension. This improves the car's cornering ability, but means the car is uncomfortable over bumps and cracks in the road. The high seating position gives you and excellent view of the road ahead. Reliability4.5 /5 Engines are reliable and build quality first class Reliability and build quality are two cornerstones of Audi's business, and the Q3 is built to the firm's high standards. All the materials used in the interior are first-rate and will stand up well to the rigours of family life, while the tried and tested engines are unlikely to let you down. Practicality4.2 /5 It's compact, but there's room for five and luggage inside The Q3 is smaller than the Q5, but it's still spacious inside. There's room for five adults, with legroom on a par with the Audi A4 saloon in the rear, and a 460-litre boot. That space increases to 1,365 litres with the split-folding rear bench folded flat – more than a Ford Kuga. Four-wheel-drive models aren’t designed for extreme off-roading, but they will handle securely in bad weather. Value for money4.2 /5 Decent kit for your money, but options are pricey Prices start from around £10,000 less than the cheapest Range Rover Evoque, so the Q3 represents reasonable value. Two versions are available, SE and S line, and even entry level cars come with 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, automatic lights and wipers and an iPod connection as standard. But be careful, as adding optional extras, such as sat-nav, can become expensive. Compared to the equivalent BMW X1, the Q3 works out at almost £1,000 more expensive across the range. Running costs4.7 /5 Front-wheel-drive versions offer class-leading economy and emissions The front-wheel drive 138bhp 2.0 TDI diesel model is the cleanest Q3, with fuel economy of 54.3mpg and emissions of 138g/km. In fact, Audi claims that the entire Q3 range has the lowest running costs in its class. We’d go for the 175bhp 2.0 TDI. It costs slightly less than the 208bhp 2.0 TFSI petrol, offers similar performance and has better fuel economy. Diesel models will hold their value better when it comes to resale time, which is why Audi predicts 85 per cent of UK Q3 sales to be diesels.