• Q3 shouldn’t cost too much to run
• Diesels are punchy yet economical
• Wheel size impacts fuel economy

The Q3’s compact size and reasonably-sized engines mean it’s not going to cost a bomb to run, but it’s worth knowing that there are factors involved that have an impact on official fuel economy claims.

The main one is the size of the wheels – go for bigger wheels and economy claims can vary quite a bit.

Choosing larger wheels tends to increase CO2 emissions and also have a negative impact on fuel economy, so we’re listing the range of fuel economy claims.

TFSI petrol running costs

Picking the 1.4 TFSI engine means owners can expect up to 48.7-51.4mpg from their Q3 in manual form. Choose the S tronic gearbox and it ranges from 45.6-47.9mpg claimed economy.

Go for the more powerful 2.0 TFSI Quattro with an S tronic gearbox, and claimed fuel economy stands between 40.4 and 42.8mpg depending on the size of the alloys.

TDI diesel running costs

The entry-level 2.0-litre TDI 150 is the most economical Q3, especially when fitted with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, claiming between 60.1 and 62.8mpg.

Add Quattro all-wheel drive into the mix and it falls to 54.3-57.6mpg. And if you want an S tronic gearbox, you can expect up to 53.3-56.5mpg, again depending on the size of the wheels.

The 184hp 2.0-litre TDI isn’t far behind, despite the extra power and torque on offer. With a six-speed manual ‘box, it’ll return a claimed 50.4mpg with the biggest wheels, and up to 53.3mpg with the smallest 17-inch alloys.

Buy it with an S tronic gearbox and it’s more efficient – returning between 51.4 and 54.3mpg. 

The amount of CO2 an Audi Q3 emits – like the fuel economy – is dependent on the size of wheels fitted to the car.

TFSI petrol CO2 emissions

The 1.4 TFSI emits between 127g/km and 143g/km of CO2, and that covers wheels between 17 and 20 inches in size, as well as whether you go for a manual or S tronic auto. Manual cars boast the lowest figures, while the auto increases the emissions, as do larger wheels.

The 2.0 TFSI, available only with Quattro and an S tronic, emits between 152 and 161g/km of CO2.

TDI diesel CO2 emissions

As is often the case, diesels emit less CO2 than petrols, with the Q3 range following this trend.

The 150hp 2.0-litre TDI produces between 117g/km and 140g/km, with variations coming from choice of alloy wheel size, Quattro all-wheel drive and an S tronic gearbox. If you want the lowest CO2 in the range, stick to an entry-level front-wheel drive Q3 with 17-inch alloys.

The 184hp 2.0 TDI in Quattro, manual form emits between 138 and 146g/km, while adding an S tronic gearbox into the mix brings figures down slightly, producing between 136 and 144g/km of CO2. 

• Q3 proving to be a reliable car
• Uses proven mechanical parts
• No recalls in its lifetime

Sharing the majority of components with other models in the Audi range, the Q3 is proving to be a reliable car to own.

The firm’s reputation for making solid and well-built cars has been backed up by the fact that the Q3 hasn’t been the subject of any recalls by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), so there should be little to be concerned about too much.