You have the choice here, Nick, of getting a good deal on the current model or waiting for the new one which is I believe imminent.

Two friends have had Q3s, both diesels: both have been reasonably happy but one, who thought it 'a bit of a lump', has recently changed it for a Q2, which he much prefers.

I'd say the best of the competition would be the BMW X1 and Mazda CX-5. You can get entry-level 2.0 petrol versions of these for under £30k. You'd probably persuade a dealer to discount a Q3 2.0 petrol to below £30k: I'd personally go for a 2.0, but the 1.4 is perfectly adequate, and Skidpan who has a 1.4 Skoda Superb doesn't find it underpowered.

We have a Q3 1.4 TFSi Sport S Tronic. It's just over a year old now and we are delighted with it.

The 1.4 engine is a marvel and is rarely wanting for power. Economy is not great (I can't get near skidpan's figures in his manual Skoda Superb with the same engine) so it's low 40's on a gentle run and high 30's overall.

The cylinder deactivation works well and is almost imperceptible.

We looked at a Q2 in the showroom when we were choosing the Q3, and just didn't like it as much. The main difference was in the lower quality of the interior and the less high up driving position. No offence to Avant who has one on order. I do think the shape of the current Q3 is a little dumpy though!

If you go to www.q3ownersclub.co.uk/forum you will see most Q3 owners think the same (but then they would, wouldn't they?!)

Downsides to the current Q3? New model in July will be lighter, slightly bigger with more up to date tech. The boot on the current one is not very big (but bigger than Q2). If you can, add the LED interior light package as the standard interior lights are miserly - two total, none in the footwells, door edges or vanity mirrors.(I've got more lights in my 11 year old A Class). The steering is over light in "Efficiency" mode but the coasting feature in this mode is good. Steering weight and feel is better in "Dynamic" mode and throttle response crisper.

The current Q3 rides very well, the 1.4 petrol is quiet (some owners of the 2.0 TFSi have complained about excessive induction noise) and is a very civilised place to spend time.

S Line and S line Black Edition ride on 18" plus wheels (Edit: and stiffer suspension), Sport uses 17" with sensible tyres, although S Line owners also report the ride is still comfortable.

Hope this helps with your decision.

Edited by 72 dudes on 20/03/2018 at 15:54

Oh dear, that went well.............not!

She wants to wait until the Evoque hybrid is available next year. I better get saving.

Edited by SLO76 on 21/03/2018 at 15:09

The school report on JLR's marketing director must have said 'He will go far - with someone's foot behind him'.

It's exactly the same with the new E-Pace - no entry-level petrol versions, no doubt because their marketing plans were made when most big-car buyers wanted diesel. Some still do, but other manufacturers seem to have grasped that there's also a demand for good-value petrol cars, especially ones with the new breed of efficient turbos.

The Evoque hybrid needn't be excessively expensive - Toyota have shown the way here - but if the same slow developers are still in charge of marketing, it will be.

Edited by Avant on 21/03/2018 at 22:52