BMW X2 vs Audi Q3 vs Alfa Romeo Tonale: Here's our winner!
We compare the new BMW X2 against the established Audi Q3 and the relatively new Alfa Romeo Tonale to see which one is the best choice. Comparing drivetrains, prices and standard features, you'll get a better idea of what lies in store for you.
The second-generation BMW X2 is a striking example of what is on offer in the premium compact SUV segment, although BMW prefers to refer to the X2 as a Sports Activity Coupé. Etymology aside, the new BMW X2 is geared towards the young, vibrant individual who refuses to compromise on aesthetics and prides themselves on their appearance. For that reason alone, both the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Audi Q3 Black Edition fit the bill. The fact that they're similarly priced and perform similarly, means that they're even more appealing, making deciding between the three rather tricky.
Related: How much are car repayments on a new BMW X2?
All three brands are known for their luxury appointments and forward approach to design. Deciding which one will partially be a personal choice with brand preference coming into play as well; some will like the refined nature of the Audi while the BMW badge carries a considerable social status. Those with a bold approach to motoring will appreciate the Italian flair offered by the Alfa Romeo. Here's how these three compare.
BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport
More than just a sportily styled X1, the BMW X2 is a bespoke SAC and is immediately identifiable and easily distinguished from its stablemates. It wears an aggressive front bumper with prominent kidney grilles. The X2 is currently only available in M Sport trim, giving it a racier look with larger wheels and a hearty front air dam.
Powertrain
The BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport is equipped with a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 115 kW of power and a respectable 230 Nm torque. It sends the power to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. BMW claims that it will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 9.0 seconds as if goes on to a top speed of 213 km/h.
Standard Trim
You get a fair amount of standard equipment in the BMW X2, including 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive suspension. The interior appointments see the BMW curved widescreen cockpit with OS9 installed, giving you native navigation and connected services. The X2 also comes standard with convenience features such as cruise control, auto wipers and auto lights.
Safety
The BMW X2 comes standard with a complement of 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, and includes ESC and TCS. It has a front collision warning system as well as lane departure warning as standard.
Practicality
The BMW X2 has seating for 5 adults and has a 560-litre boot that can be expanded to 1 470-litres when the rear seats are folded forward.
Price
The BMW X2 sDrive18i will cost R869 738 incl. VAT before options are added.
Audi Q3 35TFSI Black Edition
The Audi Q3 is the oldest option of the three selected here but it has been updated in recent years to ensure that it remains at the forefront of automotive technology. The latest updates see the addition of the Black Edition to complement the Urban Edition - limited runs both of them. The Black Edition selected here dresses the Q3 up with gloss black trimmings for a RS-feel.
Powertrain
In the Q3 35TFSI, you get a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110 kW and 250 Nm torque, the most torque of all three. It send the power to the front wheels through a 6-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox, to help the Q3 35TFSI get to 100 km/h from a standstill in 9.3 seconds.
Standard Trim
Rolling on 19-inch alloy wheels, the Audi Q3 is substantially specced from the factory with a panoramic sunroof, climate control, cruise control, 10-speaker audio system and Audi's MMI infotainment system. It features two screens, on 10.25-inch unit for the driver display, and an 8.8-inch screen for vehicle controls and entertainment. It comes with heated seats, auto wipers and auto LED headlights.
Safety
The Audi Q3 is fitted with a total of 6 airbags, has ABS with EBD, and a traction control and stability program. Park distance control is standard with a camera for reversing as well.
Practicality
The Q3 offers seating for 5 adults and has a 550-litre boot that can be expanded to 1 525-litres when you fold the rear seats flat.
Price
The retail price for the Audi Q3 35TFSI Black Edition is R868 050 incl. VAT but before options and accessories.
Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the newest entry into the Alfa Romeo fray and is also the only hybrid option of the three here. It's also only available as a hybrid. Two trims are on offer and the range-topping Veloce is the nearest match in terms of price. This stylish and svelte Italian is perfect for the driver who wants to make a statement and enjoys doing things a little differently.
Powertrain
Under the bonnet of the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder with 48V mild-hybrid electric assistance. It produces 118 kW, making it the most powerful of the trio, and it has 240 Nm torque. It sends power to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox to help the Tonale accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, making it the quickest of the three as well.
Standard Trim
You get a host of creature comforts and convenience features as standard in the Veloce trim. Aside from the standard 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive suspension, there's a dual-screen infotainment and driver display that gives you a total of 22.5-inches of screen real estate. This system includes native navigation. The Veloce is equipped with Matrix LED headlights and directional signals, adaptive cruise control, and auto wipers amongst others.
Safety
The Tonale comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, has Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lande departure warning with assist. It also has, as standard, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera.
Practicality
You get 500-litre boot in the Tonale, the smallest of the three in the standard configuration. With the seats folded flat though, it is the most spacious with a load volume of 1 550-litres. There is seating for 5 adults inside with the front passengers getting body hugging sport seats.
Price
The Alfa Romeo Tonale Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce will cost you R868 900 incl. VAT.
Verdict
The BMW X2 poses a compelling argument in this case, with an attractive host of features and standard equipment. Several items are optional extras which when specified, will add to the final price. We're particularly fond of the Alfa Romeo and like the somewhat different approach to the segment. Its standard equipment is as impressive and has a few niceties that don't cost extra. The Audi is the only one that comes with a panoramic sunroof as standard though.
All three are fairly evenly matched but we feel that the BMW offers the most compelling package. The state-of-the-art technology sets it apart from its peers and the styling is fresh and attractive to boot.
