Two cars, one duel: Audi A3 Sportback meets CUPRA Formentor.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!
When it comes to the compact car segment, the Audi A3 Sportback and the CUPRA Formentor represent two distinct philosophies in automotive design. Both vehicles offer a blend of performance, practicality, and innovative technology, but they cater to slightly different markets. In this comparison, we will look at the technical specifications, innovations, and overall driving experience of these two remarkable models.
The Audi A3 Sportback is a hatchback that encapsulates Audi's signature design language with a sleek silhouette and clean lines. It boasts a length of approximately 4,353 mm and a width of 1,816 mm, providing a sporty yet functional exterior.
On the other hand, the CUPRA Formentor takes the form of a compact SUV, longer at 4,451 mm and wider at 1,839 mm. Its aggressive styling is complemented by a higher stance, appealing to buyers looking for a blend of sporty design and the practicality of an SUV.
The Audi A3 Sportback offers a diverse range of powertrains, including petrol (150 to 400 HP), diesel, and hybrid options, complemented by both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. With a 0-100 km/h time of as low as 3.8 seconds in the top-tier model and a maximum speed of 250 km/h, it promises exhilarating performance.
Conversely, the CUPRA Formentor's lineup is equally impressive, featuring petrol engines with power outputs ranging from 150 HP to 333 HP. Its acceleration is notable, reaching 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.8 seconds. The Formentor also offers a plug-in hybrid model, appealing to the environmentally conscious driver seeking both power and efficiency.
Fuel efficiency is essential in today's automotive landscape, and both models perform admirably. The A3 Sportback achieves consumption rates as low as 4.8 L/100 km, while its electric range for hybrids extends to 143 km. Meanwhile, the Formentor boasts a slightly higher consumption of up to 6.1 L/100 km but offers a competitive electric range of 125 km for its hybrid configuration.
In terms of emissions, the A3 Sportback has CO2 figures ranging from 120 to 211 g/km, while the Formentor presents a range from 138 to 199 g/km. The compact hatchback slightly outperforms its SUV counterpart in overall efficiency.
Inside the A3 Sportback, Audi is known for its high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The cabin is ergonomically designed, focusing on driver convenience with a minimalist dashboard that incorporates the latest technology. The digital cockpit and MMI infotainment system provide intuitive controls and connectivity options.
The CUPRA Formentor, while still upscale, takes a more sporty approach with its interior design. The layout is driver-focused, featuring distinct CUPRA accents and an advanced infotainment system that emphasizes performance metrics. Both vehicles come standard with modern safety features, ensuring a secure driving experience.
Driving dynamics are crucial to both models’ identities. The A3 Sportback delivers a balanced ride, combining comfort and agility, making it ideal for urban environments and long-distance cruising alike. With options for all-wheel drive, it also excels in various driving conditions.
The Formentor stands out with its sportier characteristics, offering a more engaging driving experience. The combination of a higher ground clearance and a wider stance allows it to tackle corners confidently while still providing the comfort expected from an SUV.
Both the Audi A3 Sportback and CUPRA Formentor offer compelling attributes and cater to different preferences in the compact segment. The A3 Sportback excels in refinement, technology, and efficiency, making it an outstanding choice for those prioritizing comfort and sophistication.
Meanwhile, the Formentor appeals to buyers seeking a sportier and more aggressive compact SUV experience, blending performance with distinct style. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual needs and preferences, but either vehicle is sure to provide an exhilarating driving experience.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Audi A3 Sportback has a evident advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26800 £, while the CUPRA Formentor costs 35200 £. That’s a price difference of around 8413 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore noticeable more efficient than the CUPRA Formentor with 1.40 L. The difference is about 0.30 L per 100 km.
As for range, the Audi A3 Sportback performs to a small extent better – achieving up to 141 km, about 15 km more than the CUPRA Formentor.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback has a to a small extent edge – offering 400 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 67 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the CUPRA Formentor takes 4.80 s. That’s about 1 s faster.
There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 250 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A3 Sportback pulls somewhat stronger with 500 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm difference.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is barely noticeable lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1434 kg. The difference is around 74 kg.
In terms of boot space, the CUPRA Formentor offers to a small extent more room – 450 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.
In maximum load capacity, the CUPRA Formentor performs noticeable better – up to 1505 L, which is about 305 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.
When it comes to payload, CUPRA Formentor barely noticeable takes the win – 526 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 46 kg.
The Audi A3 Sportback proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Audi A3 Sportback is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
@ Audi AG
The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.
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@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
With coupe-like lines and a muscular stance the Cupra Formentor blends sporty drama with everyday sense, so it looks like it’s in motion even at a standstill. Inside and out it’s tuned for drivers who want engaging handling and a grown-up cabin — practical enough for daily life, playful enough to make the commute feel like a short track session.
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@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
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@ Audi AG
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@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
26800 - 56600 £
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Price
35200 - 55000 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
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Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.8 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
134 - 141 km
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Electric Range
117 - 126 km
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Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
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Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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co2
32 - 199 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
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Curb weight
1434 - 1742 kg
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
345 - 450 L
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Length
4352 - 4381 mm
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Length
4451 mm
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Width
1816 - 1851 mm
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Width
1839 mm
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Height
1415 - 1470 mm
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Height
1511 - 1537 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 L
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Max trunk capacity
1415 - 1505 L
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Payload
410 - 480 kg
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Payload
458 - 526 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 400 HP
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Power HP
150 - 333 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 9 s
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Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
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Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
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Torque
220 - 500 Nm
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Torque
250 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 294 kW
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Power kW
110 - 245 kW
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Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
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Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, D, F, B
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
CUPRA
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The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.
The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.
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Great Britain
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