Audi Q3

The old phrase “time goes fast when you’re having a good time” must apply to cars, too, as it doesn’t seem like three and a half years since the Q3 first went on sale. In car terms, that’s quite old, and so here we are looking at the first examples of the facelifted baby SUV, hitting UK shores now. And while many of Audi’s mid-life updates tend to be subtle, this revised Q3 is instantly recognisable thanks to the redesigned grille which extends outwards at the top to encompass the new LED headlights on the S line model tested. The front bumper has been reprofiled, too, to give a bolder, more dramatic look. At the rear there’s redesigned tail lights with LED technology for the first time, and this edition has a natty scrolling effect that sweeps in the direction that the driver intends to move.

There’s a new range of alloy wheels, and for the first time, owners can choose a selection of different modes to suit their driving style. All of the diesel engines are more powerful than before, with the entry-level 2.0-litre TDI unit now boasting 148bhp up from 138bhp and the more powerful engine now produces 181bhp, up 6bhp. Both units now meet the latest Euro 6 emissions requirements and in the case of our test car, emits 15g/km less CO2 and is 4.4mpg more efficient. There is a downside, however, and that’s the fact that the price tag has been inflated by £1,135, compared to the outgoing car.

Standard quattro all-wheel-drive equips the Q3 with a hefty dose of grip, feeling surefooted through the bends. The precise, responsive steering gives a feeling of agility, and thanks to well controlled body lean, there’s a healthy dose of fun to be had. The combination of 20-inch alloy wheels and the firmly sprung S line suspension isn’t a happy marriage, feeling too bouncy at low speeds, while crashing in and out of every rough surface and pothole. Things get calmer at a faster pace, but we can’t help feel that smaller wheels may improve the ride comfort greatly. Opting for the automatic transmission over the comparable six-speed manual car actually results in an efficiency saving, with 2g/km lopped off the CO2 and 0.9mpg better fuel economy figures, not to mention a more relaxing driving style. The gearbox swaps cogs efficiently, and the 181bhp 2.0-litre TDI delivers excellent performance with a hefty dose of mid-range grunt.

The cabin of the Q3 is as good as it has always been, with a simple, easy-to-understand layout, and attractive design. The chunky S line-badged steering wheel is a delight to hold, and items like the ventilation controls have a lovely sense of durability about them, clicking nicely as they alter the temperature. The instruments are a model of clarity, and the positioning of the infotainment screen is exactly where you want it, within your field of vision, with clear, colourful, easy to read graphics. With such thoughtful design going on elsewhere, we wonder why Audi designers chose such a small lozenge-shaped rear view mirror, which hinders rearward vision. The space inside the Q3 belies its compact footprint, with plenty of head and legroom both front and back. Boot space is usefully more than you’ll find in a mid-sized family hatchback, with 420 litres of space on tap, and this can be opened out further by folding the rear chairs down.