Browse over 9,000 car reviews

2018 Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A3
Audi A3

$14,950 - $38,888

2018 price

BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series

$16,090 - $51,490

2018 price

Summary

2018 Audi A3
2018 BMW 1 Series
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.5L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.8L/100km (combined)

5.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Plain standard interior
  • Limited rear legroom
  • Low on standard features

  • Low on standard features
  • Run-flat tyres
  • Limited rear legroom
2018 Audi A3 Summary

Audi’s A3 is one of the most affordable ways into this prestige German brand. But like some amusement park mirror maze you’ll find with so many A3 variations there are numerous, seemingly identical ways into the model. 

Which one do you choose? There’s a sedan, a hatch, and a convertible with four different engines, not to mention front- or all-wheel drive.
 
That’s why this range review is here – to guide you through the A3 hall of mirrors, and identify the right model for you.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in an Audi A3?
2018 BMW 1 Series Summary

If you think it’s a Mercedes-Benz A-Class you want or maybe an Audi A3 Sportback or even a Volkswagen Golf, then stop and read this first before making a purchase.

The BMW 1 Series alternative isn’t just another prestige little car, because there are some fundamental differences between this 1 and those others, and they could cause you to totally rethink your decision.

If you’re already keen on getting a 1 Series then you need to read this, too, not only to help you find the right one, but also to alert you to what might be a couple of uncomfortable truths.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a BMW 1 Series?

Deep dive comparison

2018 Audi A3 2018 BMW 1 Series

Change vehicle