Audi Q3 range gains TDI models in SA (as RSQ3 exits)

Audi South Africa has quietly expanded its Q3 range with new TDI models, while the 5-cylinder RSQ3 has left the local line-up. Here’s what the turbodiesel variants cost…

Since the 2nd-generation Audi Q3 arrived in South Africa in 2019, this model has been available exclusively in petrol-powered guise – until now, that is. Yes, the Ingolstadt-based firm’s local division has quietly expanded the range by adding a quartet of TDI models.

At the same time, the local Q3 line loses the high-performance RSQ3, with this 5-cylinder flagship – which churned out a heady 294 kW and 480 Nm courtesy of a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine – no longer available locally, in either the standard body style or as a Sportback.

*The pair of RSQ3 derivatives has been removed from Audi SA’s pricelist.*

But back to those fresh TDI derivatives. Thanks to a tip from our ever-watchful associates over at duoporta.com, we can confirm that Audi’s 35TDI powertrain has made local landfall. This 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder oil-burning motor makes 110 kW and 360 Nm, peak outputs that are sent to the front axle via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Audi claims a 0-100 kph time of 9.4 seconds for the TDI-equipped Q3, with this figure falling to 9.3 seconds in the case of the slightly sleeker Sportback version. Regardless of the chosen body style, however, the German firm lists a combined fuel-economy figure of 6.4 L/100 km. Interestingly, the turbodiesel motor is not available in the standard Advanced or S line specifications but rather only in up-specced Urban Edition and Black Edition trim.

Audi Q3 Sportback 35TDI Urban Edition — *The Q3 Sportback 35TDI Urban Edition.*

So, the Q3 35TDI Urban Edition is priced at R854 820, while the Q3 Sportback 35TDI Urban Edition comes in at R880 420. Then there’s the Q3 35TDI Black Edition for R921 250, with the Q3 Sportback 35TDI Black Edition topping the portfolio at R946 850.

As a reminder, the Q3 is also available with Audi’s 35TFSI powertrain (a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol mill offering 110 kW and 250 Nm) and in all-paw 40TFSI configuration (a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit making 132 kW and 320 Nm). The TFSI-badged Q3 range starts at R760 100 and runs through to R904 650.