Audi's Q3 35 TDI

Audi South Africa is pulling out all the stops by answering customer demand and adding some turbocharged flair to their Q3 lineup. Meet the new Q3 35 TDI and its Sportback sibling—compact SUVs with enough style, swagger, and fuel-sipping efficiency to make you question why you didn’t consider a diesel sooner. (No, this isn’t the same diesel your dad’s pickup truck ran on in the 90s.)

The 35 TDI models are not just here to take up space in Audi’s stable; they’re like that chic cousin who shows up to family events in all black, exuding effortless cool and sipping on a kale smoothie. These new additions join the Q3 and Q3 Sportback ranges with some serious upgrades, including 110kW of power, a modest 340Nm of torque, and a claimed fuel consumption so low (4.9L/100km) you might need to double-check if your tank is even getting used. Oh, and did we mention they can hit 100km/h in just 9.2 seconds? It’s not quite ‘Formula 1,’ but it's enough to leave your morning commute looking a bit more exciting. Plus, with a top speed of 207km/h, it’s just begging to show off on the long stretches of South African highways.

What’s Under the Hood?

In true Audi fashion, the 2.0-litre TDI engine comes with some fancy engineering wizardry that makes it smoother than your attempts at flirting after a glass of wine. Thanks to two balancer shafts (fancy car talk for "things that keep it from vibrating like a washing machine"), this engine is more refined than a celebrity chef’s Instagram feed. Coupled with Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, this car is an experience. And, yes, it’s front-wheel drive, but with performance figures like these, you won’t be too worried about what’s going on behind you.

Urban Edition vs. Black Edition: Choose Your Character

Audi’s giving you the kind of decision that feels like choosing between your two favorite types of chocolate—either way, you win. But let's break it down for the indecisive among us.

Urban Edition: The Subtle Sophisticate

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys their cappuccino with a dusting of chocolate and reads books about “finding your zen,” the Urban Edition is probably calling your name. With chrome highlights and 18-inch alloy wheels, it’s the “classic” choice, perfect for rolling into the office parking lot like the VIP you are.

Other features include:

• Panoramic glass sunroof (for stargazing or showing off)

• Rear-view camera (because no one likes awkward parking moments)

• Electric tailgate (because lifting things is so last year)

For all of this refined elegance, you’re looking at R832,270 for the Q3 35 TDI and R857,870 for the Sportback. Think of it as an investment in style.

Black Edition: The All-Black Everything

For those who want their car to match their wardrobe (or soul), the Black Edition is basically a Batmobile for the everyday superhero. Black mirror housings, black headliner, black styling package—if it can be blacked out, it is. You’ll be the envy of all your friends when they see those 19-inch alloy wheels gleaming in the sunlight (and your flat-bottom steering wheel is just waiting for you to pretend you’re in a race car).

Here’s what else you get:

• Electrically adjustable sport front seats (for when you need to feel like a race car driver)

• Flat-bottom steering wheel (because why not?)

• Black everything (seriously, it’s a vibe)

This masterpiece of monochrome is priced at R908,450 for the Q3 35 TDI and R934,050 for the Sportback version. Worth every blacked-out cent.

Why Go Diesel?

Let’s talk about that elephant in the room: Diesel has had a bit of a rough PR campaign over the years. But with fuel prices fluctuating faster than fashion trends, the Q3 35 TDI’s frugal fuel consumption might just be your best-kept secret. Plus, with Audi’s legendary engineering, you’ll get the torque without the smoke (or the noise that reminds you of construction sites).

And when you’re looking this good behind the wheel, who’s going to ask you about fuel economy anyway?

Finance Made Fancy

Audi isn’t just handing you the keys and saying, “good luck.” No, they’ve rolled out the Audi Financial Services magic carpet, giving you tailored finance options that make the deal even sweeter. With Audi Assured, you even get a guaranteed future value for your diesel beast at the end of your contract term. It’s like predicting the future, except it’s your car’s resale value. That’s peace of mind wrapped in shiny metallic paint.

Ready to Join the Cool Kids?

The new Audi Q3 35 TDI models are here to turn heads, sip fuel, and generally make you feel like a boss on the road. Whether you go Urban or Black, these compact SUVs will have you looking and feeling good from the driver’s seat. Visit your nearest Audi dealer, because these beauties are waiting for you—just don’t forget to wear your coolest pair of shades.

Conclusion: Diesel never looked this good.