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Audi A3 vs Volkswagen Golf

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A3
Audi A3

$50,600 - $60,200

2025 price

Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf

$32,995 - $69,800

2023 price

Summary

2025 Audi A3
2023 Volkswagen Golf
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
-

-
Fuel Efficiency
5.3L/100km (combined)

7.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Ride is a bit stiff
  • Back seat is tight
  • Lacks some modern features

  • Too much road noise
  • Annoying touchscreen
  • Pricey
2025 Audi A3 Summary

Can a hatchback still be a fun and fashionable way to get around when the SUV has become such a status trend?

The facelifted Audi A3 certainly makes a case for it.

The refreshed 2025 A3 is, as Audi puts it, more competitive than before when it comes to not only value but also, you might agree, style.

Last year, before the update even arrived, the A3 sold almost as well as its Volkswagen Golf corporate sibling. In fact, it’s Audi’s third most popular model behind the Q3 and Q5 SUVs.

It’s also third in its segment of ‘Small cars under $40,000’, behind only the MG4 electric car and, you guessed it, the VW Golf.

As such, it also outsells its actual closest rivals the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, both of which are close to the A3 on price.

Now that it’s been given a bit more razzle dazzle, let’s see if the A3 can keep that momentum going.

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Interested in an Audi A3?
2023 Volkswagen Golf Summary

In a world where hatchbacks are being cancelled left, right and centre, it was super refreshing to get into the Volkswagen Golf GTI hot-hatch recently.

I’d driven other Mk 8 Golf models including the R flagship wagon, but this was my go in the car I’d long considered to be the best Golf for the money.

But with prices continuously cruising north - this car is now a $54,990 prospect before on-road costs - does it still make dollars and sense? And what’s it like to live with in the daily grind?

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Interested in a Volkswagen Golf?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi A3 2023 Volkswagen Golf

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