Don’t dismiss the Audi Q3 as a Volkswagen Tiguan in its Sunday best. There are reasons to consider the Audi over the VW other than badge snobbery.

There’s no doubt that the cabin finish in the Audi is of a higher standard, with precise fit and lots of soft-touch plastics.

More importantly, most of our test drivers felt that the Q3 had a slight but noticeable edge over the Tiguan in terms of stability. It bullied the caravan in the lane-change test, even at high speeds, with very little movement in crosswinds.

It’s a quicker car, too, thanks to the 177PS version of the VW Group’s 2.0-litre diesel, although it is worth noting that the VW is also available with this more powerful engine.

The Q3 may be stable when towing and fun to drive, but our practicality team couldn’t squeeze as much luggage in the boot of the Audi as they could in the Volkswagen. For an SUV with a price tag the wrong side of £30k, there’s no getting away from the relatively small cabin.

If you don’t need more space, though, the Q3 makes a stable and entertaining tow car. But for our money the cheaper VW Tiguan is better value.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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