VW Tiguan VS Audi Q3 Comparison

Audi Q3
Audi Q3
VS

VW Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan

This is the new Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan comparison for 2020. The Q3 was recently refreshed in 2018 so worth a comparison and was also one of the last SUV we could check out in the showroom before the global lockdown. In comparison the Tiguan has been around since 2016 and haven’t really looked at it for a little while for various reasons.

Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan exterior design : They are based on the same platform hence the design language is the same. Both share conservative lines according to their brand but with a more ‘aggressive’ front end. Both are not interesting to look at and with the badge taken off can be described as looking like any other brand. Sure understatement is the core elements of both brands but this is a rather extreme and shows flaws in the shared platform if they end up looking similar.

Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan interior: Thankfully the interior of the Audi has been given and updated interior according to it it’s higher price tag and makes the Tiguan interior look and feel more ordinary. However both require optional trim packages to look their best. For example the Audi’s Bang and Olson stereo and suspension is worth the upgrade. The ‘premium’ package is another 4000 extra…

Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan engines and technology: Both share engines and safety tech but presumably the ultimately has less features. Since many features are optional in both we don;t see any difference in either model.

Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan street cred : The value of the brand is where the two differ. Audi is considered by many more a luxury brand. We could never consider it a prestige brand though. This is indicated by the heavy depreciation for used Audi cars and SUVs. Their patchy reliability and well known necessary high running costs are also an issue. Volkswagen is not a luxury brand in most parts of the world only gaining cred by not being sold in Australia for example for many years. VW has cred on certain models and specific model grades, other than that it’s just regarded and a nice but overpriced with lower reliability than Japanese brands. However we don’t regard Audi as a luxury brand being based on an equivalent VW model and likewise VW is not considered any better then it’s competitors even with it’s association with Audi. On the other hand we think it’s a detriment.

The conclusion and winner of the Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan comparison is a draw. The reduction in base pricing for the Tiguan is a good thing but with lots of things optional and rip of turbo tuning we wouldn’t consider buying one. So the Tiguan seems better choice unfortunately the ‘dishonest’ baggage and DCT problems still hang over the brand.  In comparison the Audi being so similar to the Tiguan yet costs approximately $12,000 more – to be completely honest can’t justify the price difference and the badge certainly doesn’t do anything for us either. Sure the basic Audi’s interior is nicer but the optional packages are essential to make it look and feel what the brand inspires. The Q3 is also slower than the equivalent Tiguan which is a little embarrassing. Considering that the newest Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has all the same features and better reliability and running cost than either, without the perceived badge snobbery is something you should ‘please consider’.

Audi Q3 Volkswagen Tiguan
Engines
4 Cylinder Petrol (110TSI)
1.4 Litre (1395cc) 95 Octane
Turbo IC DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 110Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 250Nm @1500RPM
IL 4 Cylinder Petrol
1.4 Litre (1395cc) 95 Octane
Turbo IC DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 110Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 250Nm @ 1500RPM
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
2.0 Litre (1984cc) 95 Octane
Turbo IC DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 132Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 320Nm @ 1500RPM
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
2.0 Litre (1984cc) 95 Octane
Turbo IC DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 132Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 320Nm @ 1500RPM
IL4 Cylinder Petrol
2.0 Litre (1984cc) 95 Octane
Turbo IC DOHC EFI VVT
Claimed 162Kw @4500RPM
Claimed 350 Nm @ 1500RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1575Kg
Towing capacity up to 1800kg
Kerb weight FROM 1499 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1800kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 58 litres
IL4 1.4 litre turbo Petrol 7.2 litres per 100km
IL4 2.0 litre turbo Petrol 8.3 litres per 100km
Up to 60 litres
110TSI Turbo Petrol: 7.1 litres per 100km
132TSI Turbo Petrol: 7.9 litres per 100km
162TSI Turbo Petrol: 8.3 litres per 100km
Other specifications
6 speed DSG Auto
Overall height/width 1640/1849
Overall length/wheelbase 4485/2677
4WD system: 2WD or AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
7 Speed DSG Auto
Overall height/width 1685/1839
Overall length/wheelbase 4486-4701/2681
Drive system: FWD or On Demand AWD
NCAP safety rating 5/5
Capability 
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 191mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 191 mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
110TSI  0-100km 8.8 seconds
132TSI  0-100km 7.3 seconds
110TSI  0-100km 9.2 seconds
132TSI  0-100km 8.2 seconds
162TSI  0-100km 6.8 seconds
Pricing
2020 FROM $46,990 – 61,900 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2020 FROM $34,990 – $53,190AUD
2019 FROM $43,150 – $51,650 AUD
2017 $30,690 – $44,290 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…