Asking price for this new Q3, with extras

for anyway ... but which upped the asking price to R773 000.

Why bother with the R8 900 extra for the Bang and Olufsen sound system, other than bragging rights, because the standard one is not bad?

The Comfort package at R27 500 includes heated seats, parking aid and electric tailgate …maybe, maybe not worth that.

The 20-inch alloy wheels, with accompanying low profile tyres, come as part of the sports package, which includes sports seats, gear shift paddles and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. R31 900? I don’t think so.

You’ve also got to pay R33 500 for the Technology package, which includes the stunning “Virtual Cockpit” instrument display, navigation and interior ambient lighting (which is pretty cool, I must admit).

I wouldn’t go as far as saying this is a bit like putting lipstick on a pig, but the mechanical package on which all this extravagance rides is, to be kind, underwhelming.

The 1.4 litre petrol turbo engine is good for 110kW and revs nicely and gives good urge.

But – and this is quite a big but – it is combined with a six-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. Normally, these units work very well and the 7-speed in the Audi A1 we tested recently was great.

However, maybe the six-speed has a higher first gear because, combined with the turbo lag from the motor (and the heavier weight of the vehicle, compared to the A1), it makes pull-off in normal Drive mode an unpleasant experience. There’s a marked turbo hole and then, suddenly, the thrust arrives. It can be a bit disconcerting, especially if you’re pulling away from the traffic lights.

According to Audi, the Q3 will get to 100km/h in about 9 seconds, which is more than enough for the requirements of most users. In the city, we got between 7 and 8 litres per 100km and on the highway at the national speed limit, saw just under 6l/100km.

Yet, the pull-away experience does spoil the whole Q3 experience.

In the end, you pay a premium for the Q3 because it makes a statement about you – that class is your middle name.

That’s quite a bit of money for some ego-stroking, though…