Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI S-tronic (A) vs BMW X1 sDrive18i X Line (A)
16 Dec 2016|31,248 views
Five years ago, BMW decided to ship a compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), the first generation X1 to Singapore, bringing a sporty, premium face to the segment.
And, as it turned out, the X1 became a hot favourite on our roads. Its achievements in Singapore was ensued by the awakening of a dozing giant - its arch nemesis from Ingolstadt, Audi. The original Audi Q3 joined the party for a slice of the pie a year later, giving Performance Motors a run for its money.
German premium compact rivals go toe-to-toe
Fast forward to 2016 and we have the X1 in its second generation, continuing its crusade against the updated Q3. The Q3 has proven to be a competent, quiet and comfortable runabout, but can BMW's new baby X show Audi who's on top?
A question of styles
The X1's angular body lines and sharper contours overshadow the Q3's tamer body shape. From afar, and to untrained eyes, the X1 is even easily mistaken for its larger sibling, the X5. In some ways, the X1's long front end also gives it the guise of an estate rather than an SUV.
The BMW X1 has a sportier and more interesting exterior design over the Audi Q3
What's more, the X1's more stylish set of 18-inchers also edge out the Q3's dinkier 17-inch set, which may be considered relatively monotonous and predictable by modern standards, to some.
And, as it turned out, the X1 became a hot favourite on our roads. Its achievements in Singapore was ensued by the awakening of a dozing giant - its arch nemesis from Ingolstadt, Audi. The original Audi Q3 joined the party for a slice of the pie a year later, giving Performance Motors a run for its money.
Fast forward to 2016 and we have the X1 in its second generation, continuing its crusade against the updated Q3. The Q3 has proven to be a competent, quiet and comfortable runabout, but can BMW's new baby X show Audi who's on top?
A question of styles
The X1's angular body lines and sharper contours overshadow the Q3's tamer body shape. From afar, and to untrained eyes, the X1 is even easily mistaken for its larger sibling, the X5. In some ways, the X1's long front end also gives it the guise of an estate rather than an SUV.
What's more, the X1's more stylish set of 18-inchers also edge out the Q3's dinkier 17-inch set, which may be considered relatively monotonous and predictable by modern standards, to some.
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But, we aren't saying the plainer Q3 is ugly by any means. To many car buyers, a clean design goes a long way, and minimalistic styling is one of Audi's strong-points, which car buyers have come to love.
The Q3's present-day display may be just a slight nip-and-tuck of what it was five years ago, but that's because Audi has decided that maybe it's best not to ruin a proven, working formula.
And, one thing's for sure, Audi certainly knows its way around designing a pair of headlamps.
Lives on the inside
Inside, the X1 is typical BMW - a sensible, mature cabin design, warm ambient lighting and a rock-solid build, which leaves almost nothing to complain about except for a few plastic panels. But, as questionable as those shiny black bits are, quality in general ranks high.
However, one of the things we noticed when in the driver's seat is how low the position is.
Seating position in the Q3 is higher, and that's a trait most buyers of such cars might prefer because a greater view of the road ahead makes for a more confident drive.
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That aside, life elsewhere in the Q3 is just as comfortable as in the X1. Cabin structure is superb thanks to great ergonomics and high-quality plastics, leather and chrome materials.
However, in terms of people-moving competence, the X1 does score a few extra points because it presents a little more legroom for rear passengers due to its longer wheelbase.
More trunk for your junk in the X1 - a total of 505 litres with the seats up
Where storage is concerned, the X1 also triumphs with 505 litres of trunk space when the rear bench remains upright, and 1,550 litres when it's folded down. In comparison, the Q3 offers 460 litres to 1,365 litres respectively.
One's for fun, the other's for everyone
Both cars are powered by small turbocharged engines. In the X1 is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo, which churns 134 Bavarian horses and 220Nm of torque. The Q3's 1.4-litre four-cylinder makes slightly more power - rated at 150bhp and 250Nm.
Because of its power advantage, the Q3 completes the century sprint faster - 8.9 seconds compared to the X1's 9.7 seconds.
The Q3 is blessed with a stronger and smoother powertrain
However, in terms of people-moving competence, the X1 does score a few extra points because it presents a little more legroom for rear passengers due to its longer wheelbase.
Where storage is concerned, the X1 also triumphs with 505 litres of trunk space when the rear bench remains upright, and 1,550 litres when it's folded down. In comparison, the Q3 offers 460 litres to 1,365 litres respectively.
One's for fun, the other's for everyone
Both cars are powered by small turbocharged engines. In the X1 is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo, which churns 134 Bavarian horses and 220Nm of torque. The Q3's 1.4-litre four-cylinder makes slightly more power - rated at 150bhp and 250Nm.
Because of its power advantage, the Q3 completes the century sprint faster - 8.9 seconds compared to the X1's 9.7 seconds.
Credit for this also goes to Audi's six-speed dual-clutch S-tronic, allowing the Q3 to get up to speed with more pace and grace.
The Q3's lighter-weighted steering is also easier to live with when driving in the city; the X1's in comparison, ensures your arms get a mild workout whilst driving.
The tighter and heavier steering feel in the BMW is great for twisty spirted driving - it's direct and noticeably more communicative. But for regular day-to-day usage, most buyers would prefer to be in the Audi.
Which one's for who?
The Bavarian is more fun and has more space but the Ingolstadtian is easier to live with in general
The X1 pleases enthusiastic drivers, has more space and a sharper design.
The Q3, on the other hand, may not be as fun to drive or have as much space for people and things, but plays the role of a comfortable, quieter cruiser thanks to great ride-and-handling compromise.
Its $166,250 (as of 20th October 2016) price tag is also $2,550 cheaper that the BMW, but then again, we suspect that could be mere chump change for people considering cars in this segment.
Undoubtably, the X1 does make the more interesting and practical (for storage) choice. But somewhere in our minds, we've got a soft spot for that Audi.
The Q3's lighter-weighted steering is also easier to live with when driving in the city; the X1's in comparison, ensures your arms get a mild workout whilst driving.
The tighter and heavier steering feel in the BMW is great for twisty spirted driving - it's direct and noticeably more communicative. But for regular day-to-day usage, most buyers would prefer to be in the Audi.
Which one's for who?
The X1 pleases enthusiastic drivers, has more space and a sharper design.
The Q3, on the other hand, may not be as fun to drive or have as much space for people and things, but plays the role of a comfortable, quieter cruiser thanks to great ride-and-handling compromise.
Its $166,250 (as of 20th October 2016) price tag is also $2,550 cheaper that the BMW, but then again, we suspect that could be mere chump change for people considering cars in this segment.
Undoubtably, the X1 does make the more interesting and practical (for storage) choice. But somewhere in our minds, we've got a soft spot for that Audi.
Five years ago, BMW decided to ship a compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), the first generation X1 to Singapore, bringing a sporty, premium face to the segment.
And, as it turned out, the X1 became a hot favourite on our roads. Its achievements in Singapore was ensued by the awakening of a dozing giant - its arch nemesis from Ingolstadt, Audi. The original Audi Q3 joined the party for a slice of the pie a year later, giving Performance Motors a run for its money.
Fast forward to 2016 and we have the X1 in its second generation, continuing its crusade against the updated Q3. The Q3 has proven to be a competent, quiet and comfortable runabout, but can BMW's new baby X show Audi who's on top?
A question of styles
The X1's angular body lines and sharper contours overshadow the Q3's tamer body shape. From afar, and to untrained eyes, the X1 is even easily mistaken for its larger sibling, the X5. In some ways, the X1's long front end also gives it the guise of an estate rather than an SUV.
What's more, the X1's more stylish set of 18-inchers also edge out the Q3's dinkier 17-inch set, which may be considered relatively monotonous and predictable by modern standards, to some.
And, as it turned out, the X1 became a hot favourite on our roads. Its achievements in Singapore was ensued by the awakening of a dozing giant - its arch nemesis from Ingolstadt, Audi. The original Audi Q3 joined the party for a slice of the pie a year later, giving Performance Motors a run for its money.
Fast forward to 2016 and we have the X1 in its second generation, continuing its crusade against the updated Q3. The Q3 has proven to be a competent, quiet and comfortable runabout, but can BMW's new baby X show Audi who's on top?
A question of styles
The X1's angular body lines and sharper contours overshadow the Q3's tamer body shape. From afar, and to untrained eyes, the X1 is even easily mistaken for its larger sibling, the X5. In some ways, the X1's long front end also gives it the guise of an estate rather than an SUV.
What's more, the X1's more stylish set of 18-inchers also edge out the Q3's dinkier 17-inch set, which may be considered relatively monotonous and predictable by modern standards, to some.
But, we aren't saying the plainer Q3 is ugly by any means. To many car buyers, a clean design goes a long way, and minimalistic styling is one of Audi's strong-points, which car buyers have come to love.
The Q3's present-day display may be just a slight nip-and-tuck of what it was five years ago, but that's because Audi has decided that maybe it's best not to ruin a proven, working formula.
And, one thing's for sure, Audi certainly knows its way around designing a pair of headlamps.
Lives on the inside
Inside, the X1 is typical BMW - a sensible, mature cabin design, warm ambient lighting and a rock-solid build, which leaves almost nothing to complain about except for a few plastic panels. But, as questionable as those shiny black bits are, quality in general ranks high.
However, one of the things we noticed when in the driver's seat is how low the position is.
Seating position in the Q3 is higher, and that's a trait most buyers of such cars might prefer because a greater view of the road ahead makes for a more confident drive.
The Q3's present-day display may be just a slight nip-and-tuck of what it was five years ago, but that's because Audi has decided that maybe it's best not to ruin a proven, working formula.
And, one thing's for sure, Audi certainly knows its way around designing a pair of headlamps.
Lives on the inside
Inside, the X1 is typical BMW - a sensible, mature cabin design, warm ambient lighting and a rock-solid build, which leaves almost nothing to complain about except for a few plastic panels. But, as questionable as those shiny black bits are, quality in general ranks high.
However, one of the things we noticed when in the driver's seat is how low the position is.
Seating position in the Q3 is higher, and that's a trait most buyers of such cars might prefer because a greater view of the road ahead makes for a more confident drive.
That aside, life elsewhere in the Q3 is just as comfortable as in the X1. Cabin structure is superb thanks to great ergonomics and high-quality plastics, leather and chrome materials.
However, in terms of people-moving competence, the X1 does score a few extra points because it presents a little more legroom for rear passengers due to its longer wheelbase.
Where storage is concerned, the X1 also triumphs with 505 litres of trunk space when the rear bench remains upright, and 1,550 litres when it's folded down. In comparison, the Q3 offers 460 litres to 1,365 litres respectively.
One's for fun, the other's for everyone
Both cars are powered by small turbocharged engines. In the X1 is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo, which churns 134 Bavarian horses and 220Nm of torque. The Q3's 1.4-litre four-cylinder makes slightly more power - rated at 150bhp and 250Nm.
Because of its power advantage, the Q3 completes the century sprint faster - 8.9 seconds compared to the X1's 9.7 seconds.
However, in terms of people-moving competence, the X1 does score a few extra points because it presents a little more legroom for rear passengers due to its longer wheelbase.
Where storage is concerned, the X1 also triumphs with 505 litres of trunk space when the rear bench remains upright, and 1,550 litres when it's folded down. In comparison, the Q3 offers 460 litres to 1,365 litres respectively.
One's for fun, the other's for everyone
Both cars are powered by small turbocharged engines. In the X1 is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo, which churns 134 Bavarian horses and 220Nm of torque. The Q3's 1.4-litre four-cylinder makes slightly more power - rated at 150bhp and 250Nm.
Because of its power advantage, the Q3 completes the century sprint faster - 8.9 seconds compared to the X1's 9.7 seconds.
Credit for this also goes to Audi's six-speed dual-clutch S-tronic, allowing the Q3 to get up to speed with more pace and grace.
The Q3's lighter-weighted steering is also easier to live with when driving in the city; the X1's in comparison, ensures your arms get a mild workout whilst driving.
The tighter and heavier steering feel in the BMW is great for twisty spirted driving - it's direct and noticeably more communicative. But for regular day-to-day usage, most buyers would prefer to be in the Audi.
Which one's for who?
The X1 pleases enthusiastic drivers, has more space and a sharper design.
The Q3, on the other hand, may not be as fun to drive or have as much space for people and things, but plays the role of a comfortable, quieter cruiser thanks to great ride-and-handling compromise.
Its $166,250 (as of 20th October 2016) price tag is also $2,550 cheaper that the BMW, but then again, we suspect that could be mere chump change for people considering cars in this segment.
Undoubtably, the X1 does make the more interesting and practical (for storage) choice. But somewhere in our minds, we've got a soft spot for that Audi.
The Q3's lighter-weighted steering is also easier to live with when driving in the city; the X1's in comparison, ensures your arms get a mild workout whilst driving.
The tighter and heavier steering feel in the BMW is great for twisty spirted driving - it's direct and noticeably more communicative. But for regular day-to-day usage, most buyers would prefer to be in the Audi.
Which one's for who?
The X1 pleases enthusiastic drivers, has more space and a sharper design.
The Q3, on the other hand, may not be as fun to drive or have as much space for people and things, but plays the role of a comfortable, quieter cruiser thanks to great ride-and-handling compromise.
Its $166,250 (as of 20th October 2016) price tag is also $2,550 cheaper that the BMW, but then again, we suspect that could be mere chump change for people considering cars in this segment.
Undoubtably, the X1 does make the more interesting and practical (for storage) choice. But somewhere in our minds, we've got a soft spot for that Audi.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
BMW X1 sDrive18i X Line (A)
CAT B|Petrol|17.9km/L
Horsepower
100kW (134 bhp)
Torque
220 Nm
Acceleration
9.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW X1Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI S tronic (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.7km/L
Horsepower
112kW (150 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
8.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi Q3
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