VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
250 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
10.5
Towing
1800 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
9.3 s
7.9
Engine
1395 cc
2457
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q3 delivers 110 kW while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Q3 returns 7.3 l/100km while the FORESTER uses 10.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R879 050 for the Q3 and R420 000 for the FORESTER. 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
110 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
250 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
9.3 s
7.9
Top Speed
207 Km/h
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1395 cc
2457
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
10.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
60
CO2 Emissions
167 g/km
248
Dimensions
Length
4484 mm
4560
Width
1849-2024 mm
1780
Height
1585 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2615
Ground Clearance
—
215
Kerb Weight
1545 Kg
1525
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
550-620-1525 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
—
1660
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Q3
Fuel Economy
Q3
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R420 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or FORESTER?
The Q3 uses 7.3 l/100km and the FORESTER uses 10.5 on the combined cycle. The Q3 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 FORESTER?
The Q3 produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the FORESTER delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and FORESTER?
The Q3 starts from R879 050 and the FORESTER from R420 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R459 050 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q3 or FORESTER?
The Q3 has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the FORESTER can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q3 or the FORESTER?
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.