Macfivenews

Audi Q4 S line 45 e-tron

By Bill McCarthy

Audi’s enduring popularity is a tribute to a strategy developed over recent decades, built on premium quality, a comprehensive vehicle range and clever marketing. Who has never heard of the phrase “Vorsprung durch Technik”, even without understanding its meaning?

Many EVs lose their brand character, particularly with the disappearance of the traditional grille, but Audi remains an aspirational brand for many customers looking to move upmarket. There is, however, a premium to pay for a premium vehicle, with this mid-range S-Line model costing well over £50,000.

Sleek and aerodynamic

This Q4 e-tron also stands out not just as a handsome vehicle, but because, unusually in this segment, it is a rear-wheel-drive model powered by a single motor. Although the grille is now a smooth, flat panel, it still retains the signature Audi four-ring look.

Featuring modern LED headlights, the car’s slippery shape is designed for efficiency. To the rear, there is a full-width LED light strip and a built-in spoiler. The look is rounded off with smart alloys and integrated roof rails. Overall, the 0.28 drag coefficient improves its driving range and reduces road noise.

Hi-tech, premium cabin

As one of the smaller SUVs, sitting between the Q3 and Q5, it remains spacious, offering a 2.77-metre wheelbase that delivers decent rear legroom. Inside, the cabin offers a premium ambience with logically placed, intuitive controls and typical high-end, hi-tech equipment.

It is dominated by an 11.6-inch multifunction central screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The central screen controls major functions like smartphone connectivity, various apps, infotainment and navigation via the familiar Multi Media Interface (MMI) system.

Standard equipment on this version includes the usual electronic aids, camera-based traffic sign recognition, a digital radio, four-way lumbar support for the front seats, an auto-dimming frameless rear-view mirror, exterior folding door mirrors with an auto-dimming function, a front centre armrest and logo projectors in the exterior mirrors. This is not to mention more than £2,000 worth of optional extras fitted to our test car.

Performance and drive quality

Performance is decent. It is not the quickest off the mark, but hitting 60 mph in 6.7 seconds should provide enough pace for most. The powertrain consists of a 77 kWh battery and a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering 204 PS and a hefty 310 Nm of torque, which also provides great mid-range pull.

It handles well, feeling agile on sharp bends, and its responsive steering enhances the overall driving experience. On the motorway, it is a near-silent cruiser, with only tyre noise – depending on the road surface – becoming intrusive. There is little wind noise, and the car offers a refined driving experience. Adjustable regenerative braking helps to maximise efficiency during driving.

Real-world range

The official WLTP range is around 337 miles, a figure that proved impossible to match over a lengthy 400-odd mile drive. Conditions were appalling for the first part – heavy rain and murky weather – with wipers, de-misters and lights draining the battery at, at times, an alarming rate. The indicated range hovered around 210 miles. As conditions improved on the return leg, that figure increased to nearer 260 miles.

What was noticeable was that using the adaptive cruise control on the motorway and setting it to around 65 mph allowed the vehicle to run at its most efficient, with the range dropping at a much slower rate.

While range anxiety is always at the back of one’s mind with an EV, the vast improvement in charging infrastructure means longer journeys can be planned with confidence. Using a DC fast charger with a peak rate of 135 kW allows the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just under half an hour.

Practicality and safety

Like all SUVs, it is a practical vehicle and offers good stowage capacity. Accessed by a powered tailgate, the boot provides 520 litres of space, which can be expanded for larger loads by folding the 40:20:40 split rear seats, opening up to 1,490 litres.

All Audis are safe and this model includes the Audi pre sense front system, which provides autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. Other features include adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance and a full suite of airbags.

Verdict

In summary, this Q4 e-tron delivers a quality, tech-focused interior, practical space, and a refined, stable driving experience. While its real-world range is weather-dependent and its price is high for the class, it remains an upmarket choice for buyers prioritising brand prestige, cabin finish, and motorway comfort over outright efficiency or value.

Factfile

Audi Q4 S line 45 e-tron
Price: £56,580 (plus options)
Mechanical: 286 PS, single rear-mounted electric motor and 77 kWh battery driving rear wheels.
Max speed: 112 mph
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
Range (WLTP): Up to 332 miles
Insurance group: 34 tbc
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
BIK rating: 3 per cent
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles. Battery: 8 years/100,000 miles.

Mazda CX-80 Takumi 3.3D

By Bill McCarthy

In an era where the powertrain is increasingly seen as either electric or petrol, the diesel – or oil burner to many – powers this Mazda with the unmistakable hum of a straight-six 3.3-litre unit.

Mated to standard four-wheel drive, the CX-80 has huge road presence in Mazda’s march upmarket, offering space, quality finish and practicality with a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes – all built around an engine many rivals have abandoned.

While a 327 PS plug-in hybrid variant serves as the performance and eco-focused flagship for many buyers, a significant number will favour Mazda’s advanced, cleaner 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D.

Mazda states harmful NOx emissions have been reduced to one-third of the level required by the Euro 7 standard. CO₂ emissions are also low for a vehicle approaching 2.5 tonnes, at 148g/km.

Design and interior

Mazda says its Kodo design language gives the big SUV a sleek, sculpted silhouette, even with the integrated roof rails, sharp character lines, a prominent grille, and slender LED lighting for an eye-catching road presence.

The cabin is spacious, and all models feature leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display. The whole cabin has a high-end, light and airy feel, finished with a combination of soft-touch and harder plastics, while the fulllength panoramic roof on this model allows light to flood the cabin

A 12.3-inch screen acts as the vehicle’s brain, managing navigation and infotainment through a high-end Bose audio system. Innovations include connectivity via Mazda Connect, enabling app integration, vehicle setting control and smartphone mirroring on the touchscreen.

A further innovation is the inclusion of Amazon Alexa voice control for hands-free operation.

Versatile seating and stowage

The CX-80 offers three middle-row configurations: a standard three-person bench for a seven-seat layout, or two optional six-seat layouts with captain’s chairs. On this tested model, the captain’s chairs are available with either a walk-through aisle or a fixed centre console. Additional seat and equipment packs are available as further options.

That flexibility allows for multiple stowage solutions. With all seats in place, luggage space is practical. Folding the third-row seats creates a large, flat load bay. Capacity goes from modest to massive, with 258 litres available when the third-row seats are up, rising to 687 litres in two-row configuration and 1,971 litres with the middle folded. All models feature a hands-free power tailgate as standard, activated by a foot motion beneath the rear bumper.

Performance and driving dynamics

This inline six-cylinder diesel engine delivers 254 PS and is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system to improve low-end torque and overall efficiency.

Performance is brisk for a vehicle of this size, achieving 0-62 mph in 8.4 seconds. Power is delivered via a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be overridden via steering-wheel paddles. Engaging Sport mode sharpens throttle and transmission responses. Plenty of power, but economy is good with official figures of around 46mpg.

A large SUV, it handles confidently, though its sheer size means some body sway is inevitable. However, a tight turning circle makes it quite manoeuvrable. The ride is generally refined, but the large wheels can mean it feels unsettled over rough surfaces,.

Technology and safety

Mazda’s safety record is well documented. Measures include the i-Activsense suite with systems such as Cruising & Traffic Support and Smart Brake Support. Practical assists include a 360-degree monitor and a particularly clever Rear Seat Alert.

This system warns the driver if a rear door was used at the start of a journey but not reopened upon parking, helping to prevent children or belongings from being accidentally left behind.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-80 proves the modern diesel SUV remains a valid choice. It delivers a refined driving experience, a premium and practical interior, and strong efficiency – all wrapped in a polished, upmarket package. It’s a sophisticated and capable alternative for the large family SUV buyer.

Factfile

Mazda CX-80 Takumi 3.3D
Price: £56,875 (£58,625 with options)
Mechanical: 254PS, 3120cc, six-cylinder petrol engine and 48v electric motor driving all wheels via an automatic transmission
Max speed: 136mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 46.3 (WLTP)
Insurance group: 38A
CO2 emissions: 151g/km
BIK rating: 36%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

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Q4 e-tron: Performance meets elegance