Jackson Reid
The Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 are both family hatchbacks with similar features and specifications. They share many component parts, but the Audi A3 is more expensive. This comparison will look at the design, practicality, price, features, engine, transmission, fuel consumption, driving, safety, and ownership of both models to determine which is better.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | Audi A3 is more expensive than the Volkswagen Golf |
| Engine | Both have similar TFSI and TDI engines with high power and fuel efficiency. The 1.5-litre engine in the Golf packs more punch and is cheaper. |
| Fuel Economy | Comparable, with Audi's petrol engines averaging 48.5 mpg and Volkswagen's 1.5eTSI 150 achieving over 42 mpg. |
| Driveline | Audi A3 has a mild-hybrid driveline. |
| Handling | The Golf handles predictably, composedly, and competently, with precise steering. The A3 is more agile, responding quickly to steering inputs and gripping harder. |
| Suspension | The Golf has standard rear suspension, which can be upgraded. The A3 has better rear suspension as standard, but the Sports suspension is not recommended. |
| Interior Space | Comparable headroom and legroom. The A3 Saloon has more boot space (425 litres) than the Golf (380 litres). |
| Infotainment | The A3 has a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a swivel wheel control, which is easier to use than the Golf's touchscreen. The Golf has a larger 12.9-inch screen but with fiddly touch-only controls. |
| Safety | Both received 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests and 95% for adult occupants. The A3 scored 87% for child occupants. |
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What You'll Learn
Price
When it comes to price, the Audi A3 is generally more expensive than the VW Golf. This is to be expected, as Audi is traditionally considered the more premium brand. However, the price difference between the two cars might be smaller than you think. As brand-new cars, the A3 typically costs around £1,000 to £3,000 more than a comparable Golf.
For example, an entry-level Audi A3 Sportback, which is the five-door version, is priced at £21,805. This comes with a 1.0-litre petrol engine with 115 hp, a manual gearbox, satellite navigation, xenon headlights, and rear parking sensors. On the other hand, the entry-level five-door Golf costs £18,885, with the same engine size but offering 85 hp. To match the Audi's power, you can opt for the Golf with 110 hp, which costs £19,975, still £1,850 less than the Audi. It's worth noting that while the Golf doesn't include satellite navigation as standard, it does offer smartphone mirroring, allowing you to use your phone's navigation and media apps on the car's screen.
The price gap narrows even further when considering the used market, especially for cars in the one-to-four-year range. In some cases, savvy shoppers might even find an A3 that costs less than a comparable Golf, particularly when looking at PCP finance options where the Audi's strong residual values come into play.
In terms of running costs, both cars have similar fuel consumption figures. The Audi A3, with its 2.0-litre engine, boasts 6.7 litres per 100 km, while the Golf GTI is rated at 7.0 litres per 100 km for the same engine size. Audi has equipped the A3 with a slightly larger 55-litre fuel tank to accommodate its higher fuel consumption.
While the Audi A3 commands a higher price tag, it justifies the extra cost with its posh interior, impressive passenger space, and powerful yet economical engines. The A3's interior is more premium and intuitive than the Golf's, offering a smooth infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen, physical climate control buttons, and quality materials throughout. The Golf, on the other hand, boasts a slightly larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen, but its touch-only controls can be fiddly, and the overall design is more functional than eye-catching.
In summary, the Audi A3 carries a higher price tag than the VW Golf, reflecting its position as a more premium brand. However, the price difference is not as significant as one might expect, especially when considering used options or PCP finance deals. The A3 justifies its higher price with a more luxurious interior, advanced technology, and efficient engine options.
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Engine and fuel economy
The Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf share many of the same parts, as they are built on the same platform and use some of the same engines. However, there are some differences in their engine offerings.
The entry-level Audi A3 Sportback is equipped with a 1.0-litre petrol engine that produces 115hp, while the base Golf features a 1.0-litre engine with 85hp. To match the power of the Audi, the Golf can be upgraded to a 1.0-litre engine with 110hp. Additionally, the Golf offers a 1.5-litre engine option, which is smoother, faster, and more economical than the Audi's 1.0-litre engine.
The Audi A3 also has a 1.5-litre engine option, the 35 TFSI, which is a mild hybrid with a cylinder-on-demand feature. This engine has a fuel economy figure of 5.0 litres per 100km and a potential range of 1000km on its 50-litre tank. The 2.0-litre variant of the A3 boasts a credible 6.7 litres per 100km. The A3's engine has a zingy feel and delivers power with plenty of flexibility and a sophisticated, refined feel.
Both the Golf (GTE) and the A3 (TFSI e) offer plug-in hybrid versions, with combined mpg figures of up to 246 and 256, respectively. The Golf also offers a range of sporty options, including the petrol-powered GTI, diesel GTD, and the four-wheel-drive Golf R. The Audi A3's sporty variants include the S3, which has similar performance to the Golf R, and the ultra-rare RS3, which boasts a 2.5-litre turbo engine with 400hp and impressive acceleration.
While both cars offer a range of engine options, the Audi A3 may have a slight edge in terms of engine refinement and performance, especially with its higher-end models. However, the Golf's 1.5-litre engine is praised for its smoothness, speed, and fuel economy. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and priorities.
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Interior and infotainment
The Audi A3 and VW Golf are similar in many ways, but the A3 is more expensive. The Audi A3 has a more premium and posh interior than the Golf. The A3's cabin feels more special, with a minimalist design and an infotainment screen that rises out of the dashboard. The infotainment system in the Audi A3 is also easier to use, with physical climate control buttons, whereas the Golf has a touchscreen-based setup. The Audi A3's infotainment screen is integrated into the dash, and it has high-mounted cockpit-like vents flanking its driver's screen. The Audi A3 also has a broader choice of trim levels to pick from.
The Audi A3 has a 10.25-inch landscape infotainment screen in the centre of the dash, while the Golf has a slightly larger 12.9-inch screen that is backlit and easy to see at night. However, the touch-only controls on the Golf can be a bit fiddly. The Audi A3 also gets the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is something that is not available in the Golf.
The Audi A3 has an entry-level model that boasts a large touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. The cabin, including the screens, is more intuitive than the Golf's. The A3 feels well built with quality materials, cool metal trim, and soft leather in all the areas you will touch. There are no squeaks or rattles. The material quality is marginally better in the A3, and it has more interior space than the Golf, with more legroom for adult passengers.
The VW Golf's interior is understated and functional, with a plain dashboard and a small panel of shortcut buttons. It has a large touchscreen infotainment system that controls most of the car's functions and a separate screen behind the wheel for the driver. The Golf gives you more for your money and will have lower monthly finance repayments than the Audi A3.
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Handling and suspension
When it comes to handling and suspension, both the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf have their strengths. The A3 has been designed to steer, handle, and communicate with the driver in a clear and precise manner. It feels ultra-stable and safe, with a high level of feedback that suggests the car was designed by people who enjoy driving. The Golf, on the other hand, is known for its predictable, composed, and competent handling. It grips well, steers precisely, and is generally a pleasure to drive.
In terms of agility, the A3 takes the lead. It responds more quickly to steering inputs, grips harder, and stays more upright through tight corners. The Golf, while not lacking in handling, may not provide the same level of feedback and agility as the A3. It is worth noting that the Golf has standard rear suspension, which can make for a slightly choppy ride at times. However, Volkswagen offers an upgrade to Dynamic Chassis Control, their version of adaptive suspension.
The A3, in contrast, comes with better rear suspension as standard. While the basic suspension setup on the A3 is superior to the Golf's, the optional Sports suspension for the A3 is reported to be less desirable, so it is recommended to avoid this option if possible. The A3's suspension contributes to its overall stability and agile handling characteristics.
In terms of ride comfort, the Golf excels at gliding over bumps and providing a comfortable ride. It has the quietest road manners, with minimal tyre noise intruding into the cabin. The A3, while not as exceptional as the Golf in this regard, still performs better than some of its competitors, such as the Honda Civic. The A3 is also quite effective at reducing wind noise, making it noticeably quieter at higher speeds.
Overall, both vehicles offer distinct advantages in terms of handling and suspension. The A3 shines with its agile handling, precise steering, and superior standard suspension. On the other hand, the Golf provides a comfortable ride, excellent grip, and predictable handling characteristics, along with the option to upgrade to adaptive suspension. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and the specific features that align with the driver's needs and expectations.
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Design and practicality
When it comes to design, Audi developed the A3 as a rival to the Volkswagen Golf, aiming to claim a slice of the family hatchback market for themselves. The A3 is more expensive than the Golf, but there is not much difference in terms of practicality. Both models offer comparable headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats, and both are available with a choice of three or five doors. Taller individuals will find sufficient space in both cars.
The A3 Saloon is the most practical option, with a boot space of 425 litres, while the A3 Sportback holds 380 litres. The VW Golf is almost identical in terms of boot space to the Sportback, and the A3 Cabriolet has a smaller boot at 320 litres. The Golf has the quietest road manners, with minimal noise from its tyres. However, the A3 is better at shutting out wind flutter and is noticeably quieter at a steady 70mph.
The Golf's 1.5-litre engine packs more punch than the Audi's 1.0-litre engine, which is a little noisy, and the Golf GTI is one of the most liveable sporty hatchbacks on the market. The Audi A3, however, feels ultra-stable and safe, with excellent feedback for the driver. The Audi also has the edge in terms of prestige, feeling slightly fancier. The A3's infotainment system is controlled by a swivel wheel, which many find easier to use than the Golf's touchscreen. The Golf, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen that is backlit for night-time use, but the touch-only controls can be fiddly.
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Frequently asked questions
The Audi A3 is more agile and responsive to steering, while the Golf is more stable and predictable. The A3 has a better fuel economy due to its aluminium and high-strength steel body, but it is more expensive to buy and insure. The Golf has a quieter ride and more comfortable suspension.
The Audi A3 has a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, which is smooth and easy to use. The Golf has a larger 12.9-inch screen, but the touch-only controls can be fiddly. Audi's infotainment system is controlled by a swivel wheel, which many find easier to use than the Golf's touchscreen.
Yes, the Golf and A3 share many component parts and have similar engines and fuel consumption. Both cars offer comparable headroom and legroom, and are available with a choice of 3 or 5 doors. They both received 5 stars in their Euro NCAP tests and 95% for adult occupants.
The Audi A3 has the edge when it comes to prestige as it feels a bit fancier. The Golf is still premium but doesn't feel quite as posh.
