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Audi Q3 vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (38,200 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi Q3 or VW Golf Variant?

Audi Q3 vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Audi Q3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
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VW Golf Variant

  • noticeably cheaper
  • moderately lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Q3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Golf Variant is noticeably cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Audi Q3 costs 38,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,381 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi Q3 uses 1.7 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 2.6 L/100km.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi Q3 offers markedly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 68 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi Q3 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.7 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi Q3 delivers barely more torque with 400 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

Q3

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is moderately lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,635 kg. The difference is around 269 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers clearly more boot space – 611 L compared to 488 L. That’s a difference of about 123 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries only slightly more – 547 kg compared to 535 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi Q3 holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £38,200
Q3

Audi Q3

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.7 - 8.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 118 - 119 km
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Frequently compared as well

Audi Q3
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is a compact premium crossover that blends sharp styling with a well-crafted interior, making it an appealing choice for urban drivers who want a touch of luxury. It delivers a composed ride, intuitive tech features and a practical cabin, so it works well as a comfortable daily driver with an upscale feel.

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Reviews Audi Q3

5 (1 Reviews)
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dd
2 Nov 2025, 22:05:04

Very comfortable. Precise steering. E35 petrol engine, 150 hp — sufficient. Manual gearbox very good and well-geared. Looks very handsome. Very large boot. Premium interior.

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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Reviews VW Golf Variant

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Audi Q3
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,200 - 52,900 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
1.7 - 8.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
118 - 119 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
39 - 195 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,635 - 1,900 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 488 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,859 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
505 - 535 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 272 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 200 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, G, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Audi
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Audi Q3 have?

The Audi Q3 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.