BMW X2 vs Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Audi Q3 Sportback: Here's our winner
The coupe SUV segment is here to stay; it would appear, and the latest entrant into the premium compact sphere is the BMW X2, and from initial impressions, it's impressive, but would we choose it over two key rivals?
After a few delays, GWM has launched its Tank 300 into the local market. On the face of things, this ladder-frame SUV provides exceptional value for those looking for a capable overlander with boxy proportions. While the X2 appears to be a solid entrant, we must compare it with two key rivals in the form of the Alfa-Romeo Tonale and Audi Q3 Sportback to determine which is best!
Related: BMW X2 (2024) - First Drive Review
BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport
Powertrain and performance
The X2, in this guise, is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Power and torque are rated at 115kW and 230Nm. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 6.7 L/100km, and the 0-100km/h time is claimed at 9.0 seconds.
Standard equipment
The X2, sDrive 18i M Sport trim, gets 19-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction steering wheel, adaptive suspension, keyless start, digitised climate control, artificial leather covered seats/steering wheel, a digitised instrument cluster, colour screen infotainment system, cruise control, electrically adjustable side mirrors, LED headlights/daytime running lights, front and rear PDC with a rear-view camera, as well as roof rails and an electrically operated tailgate.
Safety
The X2 has not been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but the mechanically identical X1 has achieved a 5-star rating. Safety features include 7 airbags, as well as both traction and stability control.
Practicality
The X2 features the biggest boot in this test at 560-litres, while its braked towing capacity is 1700kg.
Price and value proposition
At R879 738, the sDrive 18i M Sport model represents good value in this comparison. Pricing includes a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
The competition
Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce
The Tonale is incredibly similar to the BMW on paper, also sporting a 1.5-litre engine, albeit a four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid set-up. Outputs are 118kW and 240Nm sent through the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.7 L/100km, and the 0-100km/h is said to be 8.8 seconds.
The Tonale is similar to the X2 in the specification department but does feature some semi-autonomous driving aids such as land departure/lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control, as well as matrix LED headlights and heated/folding side mirrors. The Tonale was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, achieving a 5-star rating. Practicality-wise, the Tonale features a 500-litre boot and a braked towing capacity of 1 250kg.
Audi Q3 Sportback 35TFSI Black Edition
Despite being the oldest car in the comparison, Audi has created new life into its Q3 range by adding the Black Edition models! The Q5, in this comparison, features a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. The Q3 will consume fuel at a claimed rate of 7.3 L/100km, and its 0-100km/h sprint time is 9.3 seconds.
The Q3, in Black Edition specification, is the priciest product in this comparison but has a solid set of features, including the Black Styling Plus Package, black mirrors, a panoramic glass sunroof, Parking aid Plus, door armrests in leatherette, Comfort key, Comfort package, electric tailgate, electrically adjustable front seats, front seat heaters, 4-way lumbar support, sports package, sports seats, black headlining, a flat-bottom steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels but misses on the adaptive suspension as seen in the X2 and Tonale, and the semi-autonomous driving aids from the Alfa-Romeo. The Q3 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, where it too, achieved a 5-star rating. The Audi has the smallest boot at 410-litres but the best braked towing capacity of 200kg.
Related: Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce (2023) Review
Facts and figures:
BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport |
Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce |
Audi Q3 Sportback 35TFSI Black Edition | |
Engine size (cyl/size) | 3-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol | 4-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol mild hybrid | 4-cyl, 1.4-litre turbo petrol |
Power/Torque | 155 kW/230 Nm | 118 kW/240 Nm | 110 kW/250 Nm |
CO2 emissions | 153 g/km | 130g/km | 167 g/km |
Airbag count | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Fuel tank capacity | 54 litres | 55 litres | 58 litres |
Ave Consumption * | 6.7 L/100 km | 5.7 L/100 km | 7.3 L/100 km |
Driven wheels | Front | Front | Front |
Boot volume | 560-litres | 500-litres | 410-litres |
Service plan | 5-yr/100 000km (maintenance) | 5-yr/100 000km (maintenance) | 5-yr/100 000km (maintenance) |
Price | R879 738 | R868 900 | R893 650 |
* Manufacturer's claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having examined the data, the trio assembled here are all strong products; however, there can be only one winner, and we're going for the newbie, the BMW X2, because it is the most up-to-date product in this comparison with the drivetrain, specification and pricing to elevate its position. The Alfa-Romeo loses out on account of our experience with the press unit we tested, where the drivetrain was decidedly underwhelming, while the Audi, despite providing a solid package, is getting on in age now.
