Audi Q3 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

Fuel economy is respectable across the Q3 range although, of course, if you pick one of the hotter models and drive it hard, you can expect a penalty at the pumps.

The diesel engines are the most frugal, and the lower power 148bhp diesel found in the 35 TDI Technik will reach up to 56.5mpg on a WLTP test. The punchiest 187bhp diesel engine is capable of returning 42.8mpg - thanks to the 4x4 penalty.

CO2 ratings across the range are average at best. The 148bhp 35 TDI engine with the automatic S tronic gearbox offers the lowest emissions at 131g/km, although the 35 TFSI Sport auto version isn’t too far behind producing 146g/km of CO2. The highest ratings are unsurprisingly for the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI which emit from 184g/km and 195g/km respectively.

If you opt for the new 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid, you can look forward to cheaper company car Benefit-in-Kind tax thanks to its low 44-45g/km CO2 emissions, and if you keep the battery charged you'll get up to 31 miles in electric-only mode. Quoted fuel economy is 176.6mpg, but as soon as the battery runs down you can expect overall economy to plummet.

23

Insurance groups

The entry-level 35 TFSI in Technik specification falls into group 23 for insurance, which should mean reasonable premiums. Moving up through the range brings significantly more expensive insurance costs, however. The 227bhp 45 TFSI, in fashionable S line trim, sees a rise to group 33, while the same car with the top Vorsprung equipment level is in group 36.

Those spending between £50k-£60k on the RS Q3 model probably won't be put off by group 41-42 insurance.

Depreciation

The Audi Q3 will hold onto a decent chunk of its original value, retaining around 56-60 per cent of its original value over three years and 36,000 miles of ownership. The Sportback models fare a little better at 60-63 per cent.