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Audi A3 Limousine vs DS Automobiles DS 4 comparison

Compare performance (400 HP vs 130 HP), boot space and price (27,700 £ vs 34,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Limousine or DS Automobiles DS 4?

Audi A3 Limousine vs DS Automobiles DS 4: Key differences

Audi A3 Limousine

  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • slightly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit lighter

DS Automobiles DS 4

  • very slightly more trunk space

By Achim Sedelmaier

A3 Limousine

Audi A3 Limousine vs. DS 4: A Battle of Elegance and Innovation

The Audi A3 Limousine and the DS Automobiles DS 4 represent two distinct philosophies within the compact premium car segment. Each offers a unique blend of design, technology, and driving dynamics. Let's delve into how these models stack up against each other in terms of technical specifications and innovations.

DS 4

Design and Dimensions

The Audi A3 Limousine presents itself as a sleek sedan with dimensions that emphasize its sporty stance. At 4,533 mm in length, 1,851 mm in width, and 1,391 mm in height, the A3 Limousine exudes a refined silhouette. On the other hand, the DS 4 is a sophisticated hatchback, slightly shorter at 4,400 mm in length but slightly taller at 1,470 mm. The DS 4's design leans towards a bold, avant-garde appeal, which is a hallmark of the DS brand.

A3 Limousine

Engine Options and Performance

The Audi A3 Limousine offers a diverse range of engines, including diesel and petrol variants, as well as a petrol Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) option. Power outputs range from 116 HP to a formidable 400 HP, ensuring there is a choice for all drivers. The A3 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a dazzling 3.8 seconds, making it a serious contender in the performance stakes.

Conversely, the DS 4 embraces fuel efficiency and innovation with its lineup that includes diesel, petrol MHEV, and a Plug-in Hybrid version. The standout here is the Plug-in Hybrid, which offers an electric range of 62 km—perfect for eco-conscious urban driving. The DS 4's top power output is 224 HP, and it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.

DS 4

Fuel Efficiency and CO2 Emissions

For those prioritizing fuel economy, the DS 4's Plug-in Hybrid boasts a mere 1.4 L/100 km consumption, paired with a remarkably low CO2 output of 32 g/km, marking it as a leader in eco-friendly driving. The Audi A3 is competitive, particularly with its diesel variant consuming just 4.8 L/100 km and CO2 emissions as low as 118 g/km, promising efficiency without sacrificing performance.

A3 Limousine

Interior Space and Practicality

Inside, both vehicles accommodate five passengers. The Audi A3 Limousine provides a trunk capacity ranging from 321 to 425 liters, depending on the configuration, offering practicality for daily use. The DS 4 counters with a slightly larger trunk capacity of 430 liters, proving that its hatchback design doesn’t compromise on cargo space.

DS 4

Technological Innovations

Audi’s MMI infotainment system, virtual cockpit, and advanced driver assistance systems underscore its commitment to tech-driven innovation, offering drivers a connected and intuitive experience. Meanwhile, the DS 4 places emphasis on French luxury and cutting-edge features, including a refined interior with high-quality materials and an impressive suite of digital interfaces.

A3 Limousine

Conclusion

Both the Audi A3 Limousine and the DS 4 offer compelling packages that cater to different tastes and preferences. The A3 Limousine shines with its range of powerful engines and sporty elegance, while the DS 4 appeals with its eco-friendly hybrid technology and distinctive styling. Whether your priority is raw performance or innovative efficiency, these vehicles represent the epitome of modern automotive engineering.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A3 Limousine

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Audi A3 Limousine is clearly cheaper – starting at 27,700 £ , while the DS Automobiles DS 4 costs 34,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,292 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Limousine uses 4.4 L/100km and is slightly more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 4 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

DS 4

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Limousine offers significantly more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 270 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Limousine is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 4 takes 10.9 s. That’s about 7.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A3 Limousine delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm more.

A3 Limousine

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A3 Limousine is a bit lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 1,558 kg. The difference is around 198 kg.

Looking at boot space, the DS Automobiles DS 4 offers very slightly more boot space – 430 L compared to 425 L. That’s a difference of about 5 L.

When it comes to payload, the Audi A3 Limousine carries very slightly more – 480 kg compared to 442 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Limousine stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £27,700
A3 Limousine

Audi A3 Limousine

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.4 - 9.2 L/100km
Audi A3 Limousine
DS Automobiles DS 4

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Audi A3 Limousine

The Audi A3 sedan dresses up compact practicality in clean, premium lines, giving you the feel of an upscale small car with a proper boot. Inside it’s neat, driver-focused and nicely finished — a sensible, enjoyable daily companion that prefers poise over showy theatrics.

details

DS Automobiles DS 4

The DS 4 is a striking compact that wears couture-inspired styling like a tailored suit, and its cabin feels more boutique hotel than ordinary hatchback with premium materials and clever detailing. On the road it mixes poise with comfort, rewarding drivers who want a refined, characterful alternative to the usual suspects — and enjoy the odd admiring glance at the lights.

details
Audi A3 Limousine
DS Automobiles DS 4

Costs and Consumption

Price
27,700 - 58,300 £
Price
34,000 - 41,700 £
Consumption L/100km
4.4 - 9.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
115 - 208 g/km
co2
137 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
53 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,360 - 1,640 kg
Curb weight
1,558 kg
Trunk capacity
321 - 425 L
Trunk capacity
430 L
Length
-
Length
4,400 mm
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
1,470 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,240 L
Payload
415 - 480 kg
Payload
442 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
130 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
203 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
96 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Audi
Brand
DS Automobiles
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.