Audi‘s attempt to take on BMW‘s X1 small 4×4 has spawned a third entry in its Q-branded range of off-roaders, with the new Q3 joining the larger Q5 and Q7 models.
Driven here in quattro four-wheel drive 177hp 2.0 TDI auto form, the Q3 is slightly cheaper than the BMW, and crucially comes in just below 160g/km, something the X3 fails to do. Audi also scores a significant RV victory at 42.4% against the X3’s 38.7%, and the shorter Q3 also has a boot 40 litres larger at 460 litres.
It drives as well as its A3 hatchback sibling, with all the interior quality and solidity expected from the premium German brand. And the cost and efficiency advantages it holds over the X3 mean its 62.0p per mile is 3.6p to the good.
For those looking for a small 4×4, the baby Q3 is an appealing option that makes you question the need to jump more than £4000 to the larger Q5.
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