HEAD OR HEART?

Audi's new Mk3 Q3 faces stiff competition from within the VW Group. How does it fare against Cupra's Formentor?

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AUDI Q3 vs CUPRA FORMENTOR

Can all-new 03 see off challenge of recently refreshed Formentor?

ARE you looking for a compact SUV from the Volkswagen Group? Then you're spoiled for choice.

VW, SEAT and Skoda have a wide range of options available, but at the sportier, more premium end of the spectrum there are offerings from Audi and Cupra.

One of the big sellers in the premium compact SUV sector is the Audi Q3, and the all-new Mk3 model is now in dealers. It's bigger than its predecessor, better to drive and has more tech than ever, so is bound to be a popular choice with buyers once more. But can you get all of the same qualities in the even sportier shape of the Cupra Formentor?

The Formentor was the first Cupra model to be launched that wasn't offered as a SEAT first, while an update in 2025 introduced improved technology on board and replaced the grille with the sporty Spanish marque's corporate 'bullnose' front end.

While the Formentor is an older design than the Q3, it comes with a similar range of powertrains, including high-performance petrol and plugin hybrids, while prices are similar, too. Does the Q3 do enough to take victory here? Or does the Formentor's sporting edge give it an advantage?

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Audi Q3

PRICES for the Audi Q3 start at around £39,000 and climb to more than £50,000 at the top of the range. There are three trims – Sport, S line and Edition 1 – as well as 1.5 and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines on offer, with the latter available in two power outputs and with quattro four-wheel drive.

A 2.0 TDI diesel is also available, while the 1.5 e-hybrid featured here in S line trim adds an electric motor and battery combo for lower emissions. All cars are equipped with an automatic transmission as standard.

Cupra Formentor