Not only is the ID.4 a brand new nameplate for the Volkswagen brand, it's also the first in a series of all-electric model which will combine to create the ID subbrand.The ID.4 is a practical electric alternative to gas-powered SUVs but lacks the excitement you might expect from an EV.
PROS Roomy cabin, smooth ride, decent driving range.
CONS Lacks driving verve, fussy infotainment interface, anonymous styling.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is all-new all-electric SUV,about as much interior space as VW's Tiguan, an estimated range for rear-wheel-drive models of 250 miles and Kicks off the first generation of the ID.4 for 2021.
Pros Lots of helpful safety and technology features come standard Spacious interior with lots of small-item storage Impressive real-world range and electrical efficiency
Cons Some controls can be difficult to operate Low-quality cabin plastics cheapen the experience
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 gives families the right formula for saying farewell to tailpipe emissions, but the cabin tech could use some smoothing over.
PROS Good passenger and cargo space Quiet, smooth ride Lots of features for the money Free road-trip charging for three years
CONS Laggy infotainment Clumsy capacitive controls Grabby brakes
The Audi RS Q3 Sportback is a fast SUV with a distinctive five-cylinder petrol engine and a lovely interior. The lower, lighter hatchback RS 3 will be even more fun to drive, mind you.A couple of things help the Audi RS Q3 Sportback stand out amongst performance SUVs – its sharp looks and that characterful five-cylinder engine. It just sounds better than the rest.
This latest addition to Audi Sport’s growing stable of RS models is also one part of a dual-pronged attack on the small performance SUV market. While the RS Q3 should appease those wanting a little extra headroom for rear passengers, the Sportback earns extra style points with its sloping rear end. The Sportback delivers the kind of assured handling we associate with the RS range, letting you make rapid point-to-point progress while remaining predictable at all times, if lacking in true driver engagement. The progressive steering rack doesn’t give much sense of what the front tyres are doing through corners, and there’s little playfulness to be found from the rear end when pushed. On the smoothest roads and the optional adaptive dampers set to their most comfortable, the Sportback is just about relaxed enough, but still jostles on rougher surfaces. Dynamic mode is a lot more brittle, picking up even the smallest of abrasions. Ride refinement is merely average for the class, though our test drive didn’t provide an opportunity to see what effect smaller 20in alloy wheels would have on comfort.
Audi's cheeky little SUV offers exactly what we expected from the tech-loving German automaker in a handsome and mostly practical package.
Pros Sharp styling, plentiful tech features, spunky driving demeanor.
Cons Tight rear quarters, noticeable turbo lag, a few cheap interior materials.