Audi Q3 verdict

With Audi in the final stage of gearing up to launch this second-generation Q3’s replacement model, plenty of related VW Group PHEVS coming through with the second-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain, and no particularly motivating on-paper reason to buy it, now might seem a strange time to be considering an Audi Q3. 

But, despite this car’s age, its undistinguished practicality and versatility, and an electrified powertrain that probably won’t do much for your company car tax bill, this car has still got real-world strengths that might make it better to live with than key rivals. It has good drivability and refinement, and a robust electrified powertrain that doesn’t run out of puff when the battery goes flat. It has supportive and adjustable seats, well laid-out controls and instruments, and cabin quality to uphold Audi’s established reputation, too.

Audi-typical composed, contained and secure handling, and a controlled power delivery that’s easy to keep mastery of, complete the picture of what feels like well-engineered electrified compact SUV, that would be easy to overlook but - even so close to retirement - would still serve its owners and purposes well.