
The Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf are both premium hatchback options for motorists. While the A3 is more expensive, it is considered more luxurious and has a more grown-up feel. The Golf, on the other hand, is sportier and has a more youthful vibe. Both cars offer similar practicality, with ample rear headroom and legroom, decent boot space, and good visibility. They are also easy to drive and handle tight corners well. However, the A3 has a more high-tech interior and is considered more prestigious. The Golf has a larger infotainment screen, but the A3's infotainment system is considered easier to use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Audi A3: 434.3 cm; Volkswagen Golf: 463.3 cm |
| Width | Audi A3: 178.9 cm; Volkswagen Golf: 198.4 cm |
| Width including mirrors | Audi A3: 207.3 cm; Volkswagen Golf: N/A |
| Height | Audi A3: 144.9 cm; Volkswagen Golf: 149.8 cm |
| Wheelbase | Audi A3: 263.6 cm; Volkswagen Golf: 266.9 cm |
| Ground clearance | Audi A3: N/A; Volkswagen Golf: 12.5 cm |
| Weight | Audi A3: 1355 kg; Volkswagen Golf: 1317 kg |
| Engine | Audi A3: 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, 1.5-litre, 2.0-litre; Volkswagen Golf: 1.5-litre, 2.0-litre TSI |
| Fuel tank capacity | Audi A3: 55 litres; Volkswagen Golf: N/A |
| Fuel consumption | Audi A3: 6.7 litres per 100 km; Volkswagen Golf: 7.0 litres per 100 km |
| Number of doors | Audi A3: 5; Volkswagen Golf: 5 |
| Boot capacity | Audi A3: 380 litres; Volkswagen Golf: 381 litres |
| Interior quality | Audi A3: High-tech, glossy infotainment screen, physical climate control buttons; Volkswagen Golf: Understated, touchscreen infotainment system, separate screen behind the wheel |
| Exterior design | Audi A3: Sporty, imposing front grille; Volkswagen Golf: Understated, longer and thinner grille |
| Price | Audi A3: More expensive; Volkswagen Golf: Cheaper |
| Target audience | Audi A3: Motorists looking for something serious yet premium and fun; Volkswagen Golf: Younger audience seeking a laid-back experience |
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What You'll Learn

Audi A3 is more expensive and luxurious
The Audi A3 and the VW Golf are similar in many ways, but the Audi A3 is more expensive and luxurious. The A3 has a reputation for being a slightly more premium brand than VW, and its models tend to be more expensive. The A3 is described as having a more grown-up feel, and its interior is more minimalist and high-tech than the Golf's. The A3's infotainment system is also considered easier to use, with physical climate control buttons, while the Golf's system is controlled via a touchscreen.
The A3 has a chunkier grille at the front, giving it a more imposing appearance than the Golf's thinner, longer grille. The A3's suspension is also considered superior to the Golf's, with some markets offering three different suspension types for the A3. The A3 is also said to be ultra-stable and safe, with excellent feedback and handling.
In terms of engine options, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in the Audi A3 is noisier than the 1.5-litre engine in the Golf, which is smoother, faster, and more economical. However, the A3's 2.0-litre variant boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with a small-capacity engine that reduces pumping losses at small throttle openings.
When it comes to size, the Golf is around 7cm shorter than the A3, making better use of its space. Both cars offer similar headroom, legroom, and boot space, although the Golf has a slightly larger boot capacity of 381 litres compared to the A3's 380 litres.
While the Golf offers excellent features and a youthful feel, the A3 is more expensive and luxurious, catering to motorists seeking something more serious yet still premium and fun. The price difference between the two cars can range from £1,000 to £3,000, with the A3 being the pricier option.
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VW Golf has a larger touchscreen
When it comes to choosing between the Audi A3 and the VW Golf, there are several factors to consider. Both cars offer a range of features and provide a premium driving experience. However, one notable difference is that the VW Golf has a larger touchscreen infotainment system compared to the Audi A3.
The VW Golf boasts a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, which is slightly larger than the Audi A3's 10.25-inch screen. This additional screen size can be advantageous for drivers who want a clearer view of the display, especially when navigating or accessing other infotainment features. The larger screen in the Golf can also enhance the overall visual experience for both the driver and passengers.
The touchscreen system in the VW Golf is designed to control most of the car's functions. Its larger size may offer improved usability and responsiveness, making it easier for drivers to access various features and settings. The touchscreen interface in the Golf is backlit, providing better visibility at night or in low-light conditions. This can improve the overall driving experience and make it safer to adjust settings while driving in darker environments.
On the other hand, the Audi A3's infotainment system, while slightly smaller, also offers a smooth and user-friendly experience. The A3's infotainment screen is integrated into the dashboard, giving it a sleek and high-tech appearance. Additionally, Audi has retained physical climate control buttons, which some users may prefer over the Golf's screen-based setup. The A3's infotainment system has been praised for its ease of use, and it may offer a more intuitive and efficient user experience.
While the VW Golf has a larger touchscreen, it's important to consider other aspects of the infotainment systems in both cars. The Audi A3's infotainment technology allows the driver to tailor the information displayed at any given time. This customization can be beneficial for drivers who want to prioritize specific information during their journey, such as a city map or driving statistics. Additionally, the A3's infotainment screen rises up out of the dashboard, adding a unique design element to the overall interior aesthetic.
In summary, while the VW Golf offers a larger touchscreen infotainment system, both cars provide a premium experience with advanced features. The decision between the two vehicles depends on individual preferences, as both the VW Golf and Audi A3 offer distinct advantages and appeal to different drivers.
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Audi A3 has better suspension
The Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf are both premium hatchback options. While the Golf is a great choice, the Audi A3 has better suspension.
The A3 has a reputation as the more premium brand, and its models tend to be more expensive. The A3 feels more grown-up and might appeal to an older audience than the Golf. The A3's suspension is better than the Golf's, and it feels ultra-stable and safe. The feedback from the A3 gives the impression that it was designed by people who enjoy driving. The A3 is also easy to drive, with light steering that is not too heavy or light, sharp brakes, and comfort over bumps. The A3 is also more agile than the Golf, with a firmer ride that handles rough surfaces and corners well.
In Germany, you can get three different suspension types in a regular A3. The default suspension setup in the A3 is as soft as the default in the Golf. However, the A3's sport suspension may feel better, even if it is just hard and bumpy. You can also order sport suspensions for the Golf.
The A3 is a good choice for motorists looking for something serious but still premium and fun. The A3 has the edge for prestige and feels fancier. The A3 also has a more high-tech interior, with a glossy infotainment screen integrated into the dash and cockpit-like vents flanking the driver's screen. Audi has also kept physical climate control buttons, which are easier to use than the Golf's screen-based setup.
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VW Golf has more engine options
The Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 are both premium hatchback options. While the Audi A3 is the more expensive and luxurious option, the VW Golf has more engine options.
The VW Golf offers a 1.5-litre engine option, which is not only faster but also more economical than the Audi A3's 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. The Golf's engine is smoother and does not require as much revving to accelerate. Additionally, the Golf GTI is one of the most liveable sporty hatchbacks on the market, offering a comfortable and agile driving experience.
The Audi A3, despite being a more expensive option, provides a nippy driving experience with its 1.0-litre engine. However, this engine tends to make a noticeable grumbling noise during acceleration. The A3 is also praised for its suspension, which contributes to a comfortable ride, although it may transmit more high-frequency vibrations into the cabin over rough surfaces.
When it comes to engine options, the VW Golf offers a broader range to cater to different preferences and requirements. The Golf's 1.5-litre engine stands out as a more efficient and responsive choice, enhancing the overall driving experience.
In conclusion, while both the VW Golf and Audi A3 are competent hatchback options, the Golf's advantage lies in its expanded engine offerings, particularly the notable 1.5-litre variant. This engine's combination of performance and economy positions the VW Golf as a compelling choice in the competitive hatchback segment.
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Audi A3 is more stable
The Audi A3 and the VW Golf are both premium hatchback options. While the Golf is a good choice, the Audi A3 is more stable. The A3 has a reputation for being a slightly more premium brand, and its models tend to be more expensive. The A3 is a more grown-up car and might appeal to an older audience than the Golf.
The A3 is ultra-stable and safe, and the levels of feedback give the impression that the car was designed by people who enjoy driving. The A3 is also easy to drive, with light steering that is not too heavy or light, sharp brakes that are not grabby, and a smooth ride over bumps. The A3 also handles tight corners with ease and is nippy even with smaller engines.
The A3's suspension is better than the Golf's, and it has a slightly bigger fuel tank. The A3's infotainment system is also better, with a 10.25-inch landscape infotainment screen in the centre of the dash that is smooth and very usable. The A3 also has physical climate control buttons, which are easier to use than the Golf's screen-based setup.
The A3 has a more imposing front grille and stylish headlights, giving it a posher and sharper look than the Golf. The A3's cabin also feels more special, with a minimalist design and a unique infotainment screen that rises out of the dashboard. The A3's material quality is also marginally better, with soft-touch plastics across the dashboard.
In summary, the Audi A3 is a more stable option than the VW Golf due to its ultra-stable and safe feel, easy drivability, improved suspension, larger fuel tank, superior infotainment system, and overall higher-quality design and materials.
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Frequently asked questions
The Audi A3 is around 7cm longer than the VW Golf, but the Golf makes marginally better use of its space. The VW Golf is also a little wider than the Audi A3.
The Audi A3 is more expensive than the VW Golf. As a brand-new car, the A3 can cost between £1,000-£3,000 more than a comparable Golf. However, the price difference narrows as the cars get older.
The Audi A3 is considered more luxurious than the VW Golf, with a fancier and more minimalist interior. The A3 also has more advanced infotainment features. However, the Golf has a larger infotainment screen.



















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