Audi Q3 Sportback SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2
Running costs are almost identical to the Q3
While its stylish design will attract customers, the Audi Q3 Sportback needs to be economical too - especially as many buyers will upgrade to it from brands that are traditionally perceived as less upmarket. The entry-level diesel and the 1.5-litre petrol available from October, have reasonable running costs but the quickest models are much more expensive to run.
Audi Q3 Sportback MPG & CO2
As you’d expect, the most economical model is the lower-powered version of the 2.0-litre diesel. Badged 35 TDI, it manages up to 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions starting from 134g/km with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, while ordering four-wheel-drive and an automatic gearbox will increase fuel consumption to 45.6mpg with emissions from 164g/km. The more powerful version of the engine, named 40 TDI, officially returns just over 45mpg, with a CO2 output starting from 163g/km.
The range-topping 45 TFSI 2.0-litre petrol is thirsty; Audi quotes a figure of up to 32.8mpg. CO2 emissions stand at 195g/km. The mid-range 40 TFSI petrol uses a less powerful version of the same 2.0-litre engine, returning up to 36.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 174g/km. A 35 TFSI 1.5-litre petrol engine has now joined the lineup, with mild-hybrid technology on models with an automatic gearbox. Both versions are officially capable of up to 43.5mpg and emissions starting from 148g/km. The smallest petrol will be the cheapest engine for company-car drivers, as its Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating is the lowest in the range.
Insurance
Insurance groups are very similar to the Q3. The 1.5-litre petrol will be cheapest to insure - from group 23 - while the 45 TFSI in Vorsprung trim occupies group 36. This is very similar to the BMW X2, so it shouldn’t be much costlier or cheaper to insure.
Servicing
When you need to get a Q3 Sportback serviced depends on the number of miles you’ll do in a year. Variable and fixed servicing is available - the latter will apply if you’ll cover less than 12,000 miles in a year, while variable servicing is for higher-mileage drivers and uses sensors to measure oil quality and other factors. If this applies to you, you may find you only need to get the car serviced once every two years.
Audi will sell you a fixed-price service plan, which covers the first two services. As all current Q3 Sportback models (besides the RS Q3) have engines that are 2.0 litres or smaller, you’ll pay £468 upfront or £19.50 per month for 24 months.
Warranty
Audi offers a three-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the first two years and cover that’s capped at 60,000 miles in the third year. You can extend it for up to five years at extra cost but Mercedes and BMW both offer three years of unlimited-mileage cover. Some of the more mainstream manufacturers, like Hyundai, Kia and Toyota, offer five or even seven years of warranty as standard.
