Audi Q3 F3 vs Renault Captur MK1

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

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

Renault Captur

MK1 · 2013 – 2019

The first Captur (MK1), on a modified B platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the roomy, tech-rich Q3 with the Virtual Cockpit and the smooth 1.5 TFSI — ideally a full-history example.

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

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Captur

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	Audi Q3	Renault Captur
Power	150 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,2 s Winner	12,7 s
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	171 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t Winner	83,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	105 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Renault Captur
Boot	530 L Winner	377 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.235 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,61 m
Length	4,50 m	4,12 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Renault Captur
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	B (modified)
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	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
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 Captur

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Pros

Audi Q3

Roomy interior & big boot
Modern tech (Virtual Cockpit)
Modular EA engines

Renault Captur

Flexible sliding rear bench
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Cons

Audi Q3

Firm ride on S line
Some hard plastics

Renault Captur

1.2 TCe carries chain risk
Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2

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 Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.