Audi Q3 F3 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

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

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 platform.

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…

Volkswagen Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Audi Q3	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	150 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,2 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	530 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,50 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	MQB A0 (transverse)
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	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
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

Volkswagen Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

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.

Volkswagen Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.