Well we had a test drive in the Q3 yesterday. We are running a 2017 X1 1.8D s drive at the moment. It was an interesting test, Initial impressions is that the car looks a bit smaller overall ( but is in fact slightly larger. Boot space is very similar to X1 with the three level boot floor on the highest setting it is pretty much level access, the length is sufficient for our rollator (just) as is the X1. There is less under floor bootspace and the folding seats have manual release but fold flatter than the BMW.
Seats are Much Much more comfortable, controls well laid out and the Audi infotainment is excellent made our car look old fashioned and a bit dull. The ride was a lot more comfortable with little tyre noise which was always a complaint on the Beemer.
Auto box, really in normal driving didnt seem any worse or better than the X1 I was a bit disconcerted when slowing down on closed throttle for a roundabout at the end of a stretch of dual carriageway there was a sort of hesitation which seems to be the mild hybrid starting the engine as the speed dropped down to about 10 mph
Handling and steering seemed more positive and better weighted, engine performance was adequate not startling but sufficient for modern traffic, pulls quite briskly from 70 for overtaking on the Motorway, whether it would run out of puff over 80 I wouldnt know. Interestingly it has more power and torque than the early BMW 323i which at the time was considered a fast car. It is 600 kg heavier though!!
Lastly and maybe most importantly the seat belt hanger is adjustable! no more strangling short drivers or passengers.
Overall a very good impression which managed to sway Mrs Oatie away from a lifelong loyalty to BMW.
We had extended our lease in March this year and were intending to keep the car for the full 5 years but considering the uncertainty of brexit we decided to order a Black edition with the comfort pack. As the delivery time is three to four months which gives us a safety net if there is a better deal in Q1 or if as seems likely the AP will leap up