@ Audi AG
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VS

Audi Q3 vs VW Golf Variant – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Audi Q3 or VW Golf Variant fits your lifestyle better.

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

Q3 @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Golf Variant has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26100 £, while the Audi Q3 costs 38200 £. That’s a price difference of around 12090 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi Q3 manages with 1.70 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.30 L. The difference is about 2.60 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf Variant has a to a small extent edge – offering 333 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 61 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 4.80 s, while the Audi Q3 takes 5.70 s. That’s about 0.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf Variant performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Audi Q3 tops out at 240 km/h. The difference is around 10 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf Variant pulls barely noticeable stronger with 420 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm difference.

Q3 @ Audi AG

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 curb weight, VW Golf Variant is somewhat lighter – 1366 kg compared to 1635 kg. The difference is around 269 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers noticeable more room – 611 L compared to 488 L. That’s a difference of about 123 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant performs somewhat better – up to 1642 L, which is about 256 L more than the Audi Q3.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf Variant minimal takes the win – 547 kg compared to 535 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Audi Q3 shows itself to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £38,200
Q3 @ Audi AG

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
  • Electric Range : 118 - 119 km
details

Audi Q3

5 (1)
rate

The Audi Q3 feels like a grown-up compact SUV with premium polish and city-friendly agility, the sort of car that makes weekend escapes and daily commutes equally satisfying. Inside, you get quality materials and smart packaging that keep things practical without skimping on style, so it’s an easy pick for buyers who want luxury without the drama.

details
A188605_overfull @ Audi AG
A188610_overfull @ Audi AG
A188613_overfull @ Audi AG
A1814467_overfull @ Audi AG
A188626_overfull @ Audi AG

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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DB2021AU00446_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00624_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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DB2021AU00641_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00910_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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Costs and Consumption
Price
38200 - 52900 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
1.7 - 8.6 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
118 - 119 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
39 - 195 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 60 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1635 - 1900 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 488 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4531 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1859 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1559 - 1601 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1196 - 1386 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
505 - 535 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 272 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
208 - 240 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 200 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
Audi
Brand
VW

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Is the Audi Q3 offered with different drivetrains?

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

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.