By Ané Theron

Between the petrol and the diesel models, which Q3 engine is the most efficient, and will give you the most mileage for your money?

 

In our hearts we all want superior performance and fantastic efficiency, but usually there's a trade-off; mostly you can't have your cake and eat it too. However, huge technological advancements are being made with downsized engines that are becoming more and more powerful. But, for the purpose of this exercise, we've omitted the Audi RS Q3 quattro with its ultra-potent 5-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, with 228kW and 430 kW, since it's a no-brainer that the performance model will guzzle the most fuel. 

 

If you glance at the power/efficiency spec sheet below, you will see that it's the mid-spec Audi Q3 2.0TDI that's giving you more litres per every 100 km driven. You can also see from its emissions tax that this engine is your efficiency winner, as its Co2 emissions are the lowest. The Q3 2.0TDI quattro, being all-wheel drive, will be slightly heavier on diesel. Its engine also has more grunt with 135kW and 380 Nm vs. the front-wheel drive Audi Q3 2.0TDI with 110kW and 240 Nm.

 

Do bear in mind that the manufacturers' claims are usually very ambitious, and mostly don't reflect real-life driving conditions. Don't be surprised if your actual l/100 km figure on the average cycle (for the Audi Q3 2.0TDI) is closer to the 5-7 litres per 100km mark, which is still excellent.  

 

• Read more about the Audi Q3 pitted against the BMW X1 and Merc GLA here.
• Read about the fashionable Audi Q2 here.
• Made your mind up? Look for used and new Audi Q3 2.0 TDIs here.

Please note that the launch of the new Audi Q3 is imminent, so some good deals may be yours for the taking.

 

Name	Audi Q3 1.4TFSI	Audi Q3 2.0TDI	Audi Q3 2.0TDI quattro
price (excl. emissions tax)	R 530 223	R 547 988	R624 097
emissions tax (included in price)	R 2 277	R 1 012	R 2 404
price	R532 500	R549 000	R 626 500
engine capacity (cc)	1395	1968	1968
engine + detail	1.4 turbo	2.0 turbo-diesel	2.0 turbo-diesel
cylinder layout	inline	inline	inline
cylinders	4	4	4
fuel type	petrol	diesel	diesel
engine eco-stop/start	std	std	std
power maximum (total)	110 kW	110 kW	135 kW
power peak revs	5000-6000	3500-4000	3500-4000
torque peak revs	1500-3500	1750-3000	1800-3250
torque maximum (total)	250 Nm	340 Nm	380 Nm
fuel consumption: urban	7.1	5.6	6.4
fuel consumption: extra-urban	5.1	4.2	4.6
fuel consumption: average	5.8	4.7	5.3
CO2 emissions: average	138	128	139
fuel range: average	1103 km	1362 km	1208 km
acceleration 0-100km/h	8.9	9.3	7.9
top speed	204	204	219
driven wheels	front	front	all