Verdict
The Audi Q3 takes on the BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque for the right to be called the most desirable small 4x4. It's certainly one of the most advanced and efficient.

Expert rating: 3.9

Pros
• Appeals to a wide audience
• Economical diesel engines
• Quiet, comfortable cabin

Cons
• Limited off-road ability
• S line suspension gives a hard ride
• Design is a little conservative

1. Exterior: 4/5
Designed to take on the BMW X1, Land Rover Freelander and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, the Q3 is a small 4x4 that'll be chosen for its style and design. So there's a "coupe-like" roofline, flattened rear window, snazzy alloy wheels and LED lights. It's more successful than the X1, but its looks can't quite compete with the ultra-cool Evoque.

2. Interior: 4/5
It's business as usual at Audi, which can now add another fine interior to its portfolio with high-quality materials, and an excellent seating position. UK customers will get a Concert hi-fi as standard, with a 6.5-inch screen which rises from the dashboard. The range-topping MMI navigation plus replaces the standard maps for satellite images - a sure-fire way of impressing passengers.

3. Practicality: 4/5
With enough room for five adults and a boot which expands from 460 to 1,365-litres, some may question the need to buy the more expensive Audi Q5 over the Q3. Indeed, for couples who rarely carry many passengers and luggage, we'd agree the Q3 is all the car you'll ever need.

4. Ride and handling: 3/5
The basic 140bhp diesel is available with front-wheel drive, while all the other engines get quattro four-wheel drive. Ride and handling are also different if you choose S line suspension, which firms up the chassis and adds larger alloy wheels. The most basic diesel is the best to drive; the steering is light but predictable. If you go for S line trim, stick with the standard suspension. A car that'll spend most of its life on tarmac, with quattro four-wheel drive fitted and increased ground clearance the Q3 should cope with snow easily enough.

5. Performance: 4/5
The 175bhp diesel doesn't feel much quicker than the 138bhp model, partly because the addition of four-wheel drive makes it heavier. So the top diesel makes sense only if you want its seven-speed paddle-shift S tronic automatic gearbox over the six-speed manual of the entry-level car. We can see why you might; it shifts smoothly and efficiently. The 168bhp 2-litre petrol is the quietest engine, but its high-revving power delivery doesn't feel as well suited to the Q3 as the grunty diesels.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
S tronic brings a fuel-saving technology which disconnects the engine from the gearbox when coasting; it's imperceptible from behind the wheel, but helps reduce costs slightly. Most impressive is the lower powered diesel, with provisional figures of 54.3mpg for average fuel consumption and 138g/km of CO2 emissions.

7. Reliability: 4/5
Audi is building cars with exceptional build quality at the moment and the Q3 certainly feels no different. Its engines are all tried and tested, as are its gearboxes and legendary quattro four-wheel drive system. The level of fit and finish in the cabin of our test cars was impressive - even the prototype we tried.

8. Safety: 4/5
The Q3 has front, side and curtain airbags while rear side airbags are optional. ISOFIX child seat anchor points are located along the rear bench seat and the front passenger airbag can be deactivated.

9. Equipment: 4/5
In Britain we'll get SE and S line trim levels, the first offering 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, iPod connection, auto lights and wipers and a Concert stereo with 6.5-inch retractable screen. S line adds 18-inch alloys, exterior and interior styling enhancements, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, LED rear lights and the no cost option of firmer suspension. Options include headlights which turn into corners, 3D mapping for the sat-nav, WiFi, blind spot warning and lane assist.

10. Why buy? 4/5
The Q3 offers all the economy and versatility of a hatchback, with the style and luxury of a premium 4x4. It's a better all-rounder than the BMW X1 and should appeal to a different market than the off-roading Land Rover Freelander. It's likely to be the Range Rover Evoque which will be its stiffest competitor.