the Audi Q3 is a very impressive entrant into the premium small SUV segment, and one that makes the BMW X1 look awkward. Not quite as cool or capable as the Range Rover Evoque, the Q3 is cheaper and pretty good on a dirt road.

The hot hatches of yore were usually nothing more than a great big engine stuffed between the chassis rails of a tiny car. Not so, the current crop of angry little super-minis which rely on small engines and turbocharging for maximum grunt and go. Enter the Skoda Fabia RS Wagon.

With its sharp looking design, inside and out, and its off-road ability, the D40 Navara appealed to those looking for a dual-cab that could serve the, and pardon the pun, dual purpose of being a weekday workhorse and weekend warrior. Bigger, more comfortable, and a lot more refined than its D22 sibling, and plenty of its competitors too, the D40 Navara has built up a legion of followers.

VW Group has told Practical Motoring this morning (November 18) that only a small number of Skodas and Audis fitted with the companies’ seven-speed DSG gearbox (DQ200), will be getting recall notices for replacement of synthetic oil.

VW’s seven-speed DSG problems do not appear to be over as the company also announces separate recalls of Amarok and Tiguan models.

The Volkswagen Amarok has a massive tray (the biggest in the class) and yet inside, and to drive, offers the quality and feel of a family SUV, says Isaac Bober.

Audi claims it created the premium compact segment. But does the Audi badge have sufficient clout to defeat the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series?

It’s reckoned to be the world’s biggest and glitziest car show, and Frankfurt certainly didn’t disappoint this time round as the wraps were taken off a host of new and exciting cars, many of which are headed this way, reports Tony Bosworth.

Volkswagen’s oddly-named up! lists for just $13,990 (+ORC) is well built, safe, and offers enough room and oomph for a family of four, says Tony Bosworth.

The Veloster SR Turbo represents an impressive step for Hyundai. It’s loaded with kit and while it might not rival some established hot hatches it’s still a lot of fun drive, and the matte paint helps give it a bit of street cred.

The Hyundai i30 offers good looks (inside and out), an impressive list of standard equipment for the money, good ride and handling with a level of refinement neither the Toyota Corolla or Mazda3 can match, and enough room for a family of four.

Subaru pretty much had the all-wheel drive wagon field to itself for years thanks to the capable Outback, but now VW is getting a proper grip with the hugely capable Passat Alltrack.