Audi Q3

Audi Q3

Recommended. With the Q3 Audi pulls off its attempt at entering the growing small SUV sector with style

It should be obvious to even a casual observer that the average car size over recent years has been on the steady increase. However, one section of the market has been adding ever smaller models - that of the premium 4x4.

Audi's Q range started out with the monster that is the Q7 in 2006 before adding the mid-sized Q5, and now this baby of the range - the Q3 - has arrived to complete the trio. It is not the first in the sector thanks to the BMW X1, and Audi has naturally named its fellow German as its main rival, while also expecting sales to come from current A3 and A4 owners, as well as from those considering the likes of the VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga and new Range Rover Evoque.

But even though it is small sat next to its considerably chunkier stablemates, it is no supermini. It is based on the A3 hatchback in many ways, but offers that bit more in the way of interior space, ride height and off-roading practicality for the odd occasion it is required, particularly if you specify the quattro version and chose the optional hill-descent system.

It comes with both a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S-tronic transmission, but it is the latter that offers the neatest trick. Chose the 'Efficiency' mode in the Audi drive select function and the Q3 will disengage the clutch when you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal to coast at speed. It is something that will require some getting used to, as seeing the engine revs drop right down to around 1,000rpm without losing much if any road speed is bizarre.

This should enable the Q3 to keep emissions and fuel consumption down, but with no diesel engine below 2.0-litres in capacity there is no true eco model to set a new standard in the class. However, with emissions below 140g/km for the lowest powered diesel it does compete with its closest rival, the BMW X1.

But it is the styling and packaging that edges the Audi ahead of its premium rival, it comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, an electronic limited slip differential, air con and leather details all as standard, making a more subtly attractive proposition all round.