Audi Q3 F3 vs Renault Austral AUS

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 (F3), on the MQB A2 platform.

Renault Austral

AUS · 2022 – 2026

The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid if you want 380 litres of boot space and city EV driving — ideally models from 2021 onwards.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Austral

Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Full Hybrid 200.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid

	Audi Q3	Renault Austral
Power	150 hp	200 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	—
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	8,4 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	175 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	128,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	108 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Renault Austral
Boot	530 L Winner	430 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L	1.525 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,50 m	4,51 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Renault Austral
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	CMF-CD3
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	E-Tech automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Hybrid
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

Infotainment software bugs on early cars
DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
DPF/AdBlue on diesels with mainly short trips

Renault Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Pros

Audi Q3

45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
2.0 TDI (40): 190 hp and 400 Nm
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments available

Renault Austral

Modern interior with a big screen
Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)

Cons

Audi Q3

6-speed manual is restricted to entry-level 35 TFSI and 35 TDI models; all others are S tronic automatic
45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid battery reduces boot space from 530 down to 380 litres

Renault Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

Driving experience

Audi Q3

Comfortable, quiet and easy to place. The Q3 rides well over poor surfaces, stays settled at motorway speed, and steers accurately with light, consistent weighting. 2.0-litre cars use quattro, which adds strong traction in wet conditions and inspires confidence. The 1.5 TFSI is adequate but nothing more; the 45 TFSI is genuinely quick; the 2.0 TDI is the best all-rounder — torquey, economical and smooth at a cruise. The S tronic is sharp around town. Body control is good for a high-riding SUV, though the Q3 is set up for comfort rather than driver involvement.

Renault Austral

A refined long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, helped by optional rear-axle steering (4Control) that tightens the turning circle in town. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily use, with Sport mode adding more weight. The ride is firmer than many rivals, especially on larger wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is reasonable. The E-Tech full hybrid feels responsive in mixed driving and can cover short distances on electric power alone, while the 1.3 mild hybrid is adequate once moving. Low-speed transmission behaviour can show hesitation or judder on early hybrid examples.