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By Craig Hale
If you’re comparing the Audi A1 vs. Audi A3, then there are plenty of considerations to factor in, like size, fuel economy and price.
But if you’re most focused on Audi A1 vs. A3 price, then let us explain what makes each model different and which one offers more for you.
Both the Audi A1 and Audi A3 are hatchbacks, and while they’ve previously been available in three-door forms, they’re both now five-door-only (since 2019).
The biggest difference is in size – the A1 is a ‘supermini’, which means it’s in the ‘B’ or ‘subcompact’ segment. It’s great for solo drivers and young families thanks to its more manageable dimensions.
In comparison, the A3 is a regular family hatchback, known as a ‘C segment’ car. In other words, it’s a class above, so you get more space as well as more features in general.
This means the A1 is the cheaper option, and the A3 sits above as the pricier option.
Size difference is the biggest factor here, separating how each model plays into different lifestyles.
Consider the Audi A1 if:
Consider the Audi A3 if:
Audi A1 vs. A3 size is a major difference between these two cars, with the A1 being smaller than the A3. This isn’t just about exterior dimensions, it’s also about interior space and boot volume.
Audi A1:
Audi A3:
As for the specific Audi A1 vs. A3 dimensions, you’ll want to focus on the actual cabin space as well as boot space.
The A3 has a 380-litre boot, which is generally considered an industry average. A 335-litre boot in the A1 is smaller, but it’s above average for this size car, so is a strong offering.
Fold the seats down and you get 1,090 litres in the A1 or 1,200 litres in the A3 – again, the A1 excels in its class. Both have 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
Though there aren’t any specific figures, the back seats of an A3 are guaranteed to give you more space. This includes shoulder room, head room and leg room, which are all better in the A3.
What this means in day-to-day terms is that carrying two adults in the back of the A3 will be fine, but taller adults might be less comfortable in the back of an A1. The middle seat is narrower, as is the case in all hatchbacks.
Comparing the Audi A1 Sportback vs. A3 Sportback, both are five-door hatchbacks, but the A3 is generally more family-friendly.
For example, it has wider rear doors to make loading child seats easier, and rear passengers will generally have more space.
The A3’s boot is also better suited to carrying all your family’s baggage, like prams and pushchairs, sports equipment and bags.
Both cars serve different purposes despite being five-door hatchbacks. We think the A3 is worth the extra cash if you need more interior space.
If you’re a solo driver, then there’s no need to upgrade to the bigger car and you can instead focus on upgrading engines and trim levels in the smaller A1.
Both models hold their values well compared with rivals from many other companies because of the premium badge appeal.
So far, the A1 has seen strong demand as an entry-level premium car, giving drivers big-car tech in a small footprint.
The A3 is also highly desirable because it ticks so many boxes and is loved by all types of drivers, from couples to young families and everyone in between.
The fundamentals of both cars are generally similar, for example they both have Audi’s MMI infotainment system. So don’t think that by buying an A1 you'll get an inferior system.
However, being the bigger car, the A3 generally comes with bigger screens, more driver assistance and extra features like upgraded sound systems.
In short, yes, the Audi A3 has better tech and features than the A1, however trim levels and upgrade options can certainly narrow that gap.
This one is clear, because the Audi A1 wins on running costs. Most buyers opt for one of the 1.0-litre petrols, which can deliver upwards of 50mpg on a long run.
On the flip side, the 1.5-litre petrol is the most popular in the A3, which is marginally less efficient around town (and largely similar on a motorway run).
Though servicing and maintenance costs will generally be similar, insurance and tax can cost more in an A3 than an A1.
It depends on which type of driving you’re doing, because the Audi A1’s smaller dimensions help it feel more agile, which is great for zipping around city side streets with ease.
If you’re spending more time on quicker roads, the A3’s longer wheelbase will help it feel more planted around country lanes and on the motorway.
Sporty models, like S line trims, tend to have stiffer suspension to help firm the ride up a bit – it means more direct handling for quicker direction changes, without being too firm over speed bumps.
Whether you’re leaning towards the small A1 or the bigger A3, both offer the solid Audi feel and premium finish you’d expect, so all you need to consider is how you plan on using the car day-to-day.
Explore our range of used Audi A1 and Audi A3 models to find the one that suits you best, or if you want to be in charge of the exact trim, engine and colour, why not configure a new Audi?
By Craig Hale
If you’re comparing the Audi A1 vs. Audi A3, then there are plenty of considerations to factor in, like size, fuel economy and price.
But if you’re most focused on Audi A1 vs. A3 price, then let us explain what makes each model different and which one offers more for you.
Both the Audi A1 and Audi A3 are hatchbacks, and while they’ve previously been available in three-door forms, they’re both now five-door-only (since 2019).
The biggest difference is in size – the A1 is a ‘supermini’, which means it’s in the ‘B’ or ‘subcompact’ segment. It’s great for solo drivers and young families thanks to its more manageable dimensions.
In comparison, the A3 is a regular family hatchback, known as a ‘C segment’ car. In other words, it’s a class above, so you get more space as well as more features in general.
This means the A1 is the cheaper option, and the A3 sits above as the pricier option.
Size difference is the biggest factor here, separating how each model plays into different lifestyles.
Consider the Audi A1 if:
Consider the Audi A3 if:
Audi A1 vs. A3 size is a major difference between these two cars, with the A1 being smaller than the A3. This isn’t just about exterior dimensions, it’s also about interior space and boot volume.
Audi A1:
Audi A3:
As for the specific Audi A1 vs. A3 dimensions, you’ll want to focus on the actual cabin space as well as boot space.
The A3 has a 380-litre boot, which is generally considered an industry average. A 335-litre boot in the A1 is smaller, but it’s above average for this size car, so is a strong offering.
Fold the seats down and you get 1,090 litres in the A1 or 1,200 litres in the A3 – again, the A1 excels in its class. Both have 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
Though there aren’t any specific figures, the back seats of an A3 are guaranteed to give you more space. This includes shoulder room, head room and leg room, which are all better in the A3.
What this means in day-to-day terms is that carrying two adults in the back of the A3 will be fine, but taller adults might be less comfortable in the back of an A1. The middle seat is narrower, as is the case in all hatchbacks.
Comparing the Audi A1 Sportback vs. A3 Sportback, both are five-door hatchbacks, but the A3 is generally more family-friendly.
For example, it has wider rear doors to make loading child seats easier, and rear passengers will generally have more space.
The A3’s boot is also better suited to carrying all your family’s baggage, like prams and pushchairs, sports equipment and bags.
Both cars serve different purposes despite being five-door hatchbacks. We think the A3 is worth the extra cash if you need more interior space.
If you’re a solo driver, then there’s no need to upgrade to the bigger car and you can instead focus on upgrading engines and trim levels in the smaller A1.
Both models hold their values well compared with rivals from many other companies because of the premium badge appeal.
So far, the A1 has seen strong demand as an entry-level premium car, giving drivers big-car tech in a small footprint.
The A3 is also highly desirable because it ticks so many boxes and is loved by all types of drivers, from couples to young families and everyone in between.
The fundamentals of both cars are generally similar, for example they both have Audi’s MMI infotainment system. So don’t think that by buying an A1 you'll get an inferior system.
However, being the bigger car, the A3 generally comes with bigger screens, more driver assistance and extra features like upgraded sound systems.
In short, yes, the Audi A3 has better tech and features than the A1, however trim levels and upgrade options can certainly narrow that gap.
This one is clear, because the Audi A1 wins on running costs. Most buyers opt for one of the 1.0-litre petrols, which can deliver upwards of 50mpg on a long run.
On the flip side, the 1.5-litre petrol is the most popular in the A3, which is marginally less efficient around town (and largely similar on a motorway run).
Though servicing and maintenance costs will generally be similar, insurance and tax can cost more in an A3 than an A1.
It depends on which type of driving you’re doing, because the Audi A1’s smaller dimensions help it feel more agile, which is great for zipping around city side streets with ease.
If you’re spending more time on quicker roads, the A3’s longer wheelbase will help it feel more planted around country lanes and on the motorway.
Sporty models, like S line trims, tend to have stiffer suspension to help firm the ride up a bit – it means more direct handling for quicker direction changes, without being too firm over speed bumps.
Whether you’re leaning towards the small A1 or the bigger A3, both offer the solid Audi feel and premium finish you’d expect, so all you need to consider is how you plan on using the car day-to-day.
Explore our range of used Audi A1 and Audi A3 models to find the one that suits you best, or if you want to be in charge of the exact trim, engine and colour, why not configure a new Audi?
