COMPARISON – Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3

The Indian subsidiary of Skoda Auto, the renowned Volkswagen Group-owned Czech carmaker, recently came up with the Skoda Kodiaq 7-seater SUV. The latest offering from the company has gone on sale at an ex-showroom price of Rs 34.49 lakh. With this, the new offering from the Aurangabad-based manufacturer not only ends up rivaling similar models like the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour but also premium crossovers such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA. Well, we can draw a rather interesting comparison between the Q3 and the Kodiaq. Both these models come from VW-owned companies and share the globally-acclaimed 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. Hence, we have decided to compare the two models in our Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 comparison here.

See Also- Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan | Skoda Kodiaq vs Toyota Fortuner | Skoda Kodiaq vs Ford Endeavour

Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 Price Comparison

The new SUV from the Czech car company has gone on sale in India in just the ‘Style’ trim. Also, the Kodiaq has gone on sale with just one engine and one transmission option. 4×4 comes as standard. In comparison, the Audi Q3 is available with 4×4 only on the high-end trims. Even the Q3 is currently available with the 2.0-litre TDI engine, but it also gets the 1.4-litre Turbo Petrol motor. While the entry-level Q3, which comes with a petrol engine, is slightly cheaper than the Kodiaq, the top-end model is considerably more expensive. Compared to the Rs 34.49 ex-showroom price of the latest Skoda, the top-end Q3 costs Rs 41.54 lakh. That’s quite a vast difference, especially if you consider that the Kodiaq offers more kit, the same engine, and 4×4 hardware, too.

Also See – Skoda Karoq to Replace Yeti | Upcoming Skoda Cars in India

Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 Specifications

Well, the Q3 has a clear edge here. Firstly, it offers a petrol engine variant, which is something that is conspicuous by its absence on the Kodiaq. Secondly, its Diesel engine is considerably more powerful than that of the latest Czech offering. Also, the Q3 is at least 300 KGs lighter. All this means that the smaller SUV here ends up offering a considerably higher performance. To the newcomer’s credit, it also offers a 7-speed DSG and 4×4.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 Mileage

We have taken into account mileage of only the Diesel Q3 in this comparison here. This is simply because the latest SUV from Skoda doesn’t offer a petrol mill. Talking about the Diesel engines of the two models, it’s the pricier SUV here that has a considerably more powerful engine. However, let’s not forget that both the cars have the same engine, but in different states of tuning. While the Audi gets more power, the fuel mileage is only marginally lesser. This is simply because of the fact that the newer model here is at least 300 KGs heavier than all the trims of the German competition.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 Dimensions

The Kodiaq is clearly a bigger car here. The latest from the Czechoslovakian car manufacturer is longer, wider, and taller than the German rival. Most importantly, the Kodiaq offers a seating capacity of seven. In comparison, the Q3 has a seating capacity of only five. However, the Q3’s boot space, at 420-litres, is a lot higher than the 270-litres of the Kodiaq. But let’s not forget that you can always fold the last two seats of the Kodiaq to free up a lot more space. There’s absolutely no doubt here; the Kodiaq is the clear winner of this part of the comparison.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 Features

Both the cars offer a really very long list of features. Both the models here come with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, electric tailgate, and keyless entry with push-button start/stop. But the Audi Q3 misses out on headlamp washers, cornering lights, and even paddle shifts. These are glaring omissions for a car that costs so much more than the Kodiaq. Hence, the Kodiaq gets a slight edge in this part of the comparison.

The Kodiaq receives the Skoda Connect touchscreen infotainment system with features such as WiFi, Google Earth, etc. Other than this, the infotainment unit also provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other noteworthy features include electric tailgate, umbrella holders, dual-zone automatic climate control, start/stop button and electric adjustments for the front seats.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 Safety Features

The new Skoda Kodiaq 7-seater SUV comes with many safety features. The car offers modern safety features such as electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, and Skoda’s multi-collision braking. Multi Collision Brake is a system that applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a subsequent impact when a vehicle has been involved in a collision. If the airbag is fired in response to a primary collision, information is sent to the electronic stability control system to brake the vehicle. The Kodiaq also comes with traffic jam assist, auto light assist, blind spot detection, hill-hold control, tire pressure monitoring, nine airbags, and ABS with EBD.

Even the Audi Q3 goes on to offer many safety features. The most important ones of these include as many as six airbags, vehicle stability control, brake assist, hill-hold assist and ABS with EBD. You also get ISOFIX child seat anchors. However, you get only six airbags in comparison to the 9 airbags available on the Kodiaq. The car also misses out on some other safety features such as cornering headlamps and fully retractable seat belt for the middle rear passenger.

Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 Comparison Verdict

Price- The Kodiaq has a definite price advantage here. The Q3 does offer a more powerful engine, but even the Skoda has a 4×4 system. It even offers more features. Some of you might argue that the Q3 does justice to the higher price tag through its brand image. Well, that’s true to an extent. But putting the brand values apart for a moment, the Kodiaq offers much higher value for money.

Specifications- Both the models offer a 4×4 system. However, it is the Q3 that is more powerful. Also, the Audi model here is lighter by at least 300 KGs. All this leads to a much better on-road performance. The Q3 is the winner of this part of the comparison.

Mileage- The Kodiaq is the winner of this comparison, but only by a small margin. This is because it is much heavier than the German rival. Hence, in spite of having a less powerful engine, it ends up being only slightly more fuel efficient.

Dimensions- The Kodiaq is longer, wider, and taller than the Q3. It’s clearly a much larger car.

Features- Well, the Kodiaq is the clear winner here. It not only offers more comfort and convenience features but also offers more safety equipment.

VERDICT- The Skoda Kodiaq ends up being a much higher value-for-money product than the Audi Q3. Some of you might argue that the Q3 enjoys a much higher brand reputation, but that’s just one way to look at it. Keeping brand images aside, the Kodiaq is clearly a better product of the two.

So, what do you think of our Skoda Kodiaq vs Audi Q3 comparison? Do you agree to our verdict on how these two compare with each other? Share your views with us by penning them down in the comments section below.