VS
At a Glance
Power
132 kW
140 kW
Torque
320 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
—
Engine
1984 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the Isuzu mu-X is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q3 delivers 132 kW while the Isuzu mu-X produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Q3 returns 8.2 l/100km while the mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R830 300 for the Q3 and R886 700 for the mu-X. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
132 kW
140 kW
Torque
320 Nm
450 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8 s
—
Top Speed
220 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
199 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4484 mm
4850 mm
Width
1849-2024 mm
1870 mm
Height
1585 mm
1820 mm
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2855 mm
Ground Clearance
—
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1695 Kg
1980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
550-620-1525 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
659 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu mu-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
mu-X
Value
Q3
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Lower starting price (R830 300)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (132 kW vs 140 kW)
No factory service plan
Isuzu mu-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or mu-X?
The Q3 uses 8.2 l/100km and the mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The mu-X is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q3 or mu-X?
The Q3 produces 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the mu-X delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The mu-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and mu-X?
The Q3 starts from R830 300 and the mu-X from R886 700. The Q3 is cheaper by R56 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q3 or mu-X?
The Q3 has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the mu-X can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q3 or the mu-X?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.