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By Jonathan Crouch

Audi's third generation Q3 makes a lot of sense in e-hybrid PHEV form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 41

Audi pushes the boundaries of what customers might be prepared to pay for a compact Plug-in Hybrid SUV with this car, the Q3 e-hybrid. But it might be a better choice than that compact premium EV crossover you were thinking about.

Backgroundword count: 77

Compact plug-in hybrid SUVs have got pricey. But they've also got a lot better. For proof, check out this one, Audi's Q3 e-hybrid. This is the MK3 model Q3. There was a PHEV version of the MK2 version but it wasn't much chosen because it cost a lot and only went 32 miles between spells of battery replenishment. This replacement design also costs a lot but now claims to go a genuinely useful 70 miles between charges.

Driving Experienceword count: 200

Disappointingly, the Q3 doesn't get the advanced 2.0-litre Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain we've seen in the larger Q5. Just a further developed version of the previous PHEV petrol set-up borrowed from the A3, which sees the TFSI model's 1.5-litre four cylinder unit mated with six-speed dual clutch transmission and a 25.7kWh battery offering an EV range of up to 74.4 miles - a huge increase over the feeble 32 mile figure of the previous MK2 Q3 TFSI e model. As usual in a VW Group PHEV, you can save battery charge for later in your trip when you might need it. The Q3 e-hybrid's peak power is 272PS, with 400Nm of torque. 0-62mph takes 6.8s en route to 134mph, so it's not slow. On all Q3s, the standard 'comfort' suspension set-up seems well-judged over tarmac tears and potholes; if you regularly encounter those, we'd steer clear of the firmer passive 'sport suspension' set-up found on pricier variants. Beyond the city limits, the light, accurate steering feels good and body roll's kept well in check, though you'll feel this e-hybrid version's extra 150kg of kerb weight through the turns. On the highway, refinement's excellent, but overtaking means working the engine quite hard.

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