Compare performance (400 HP vs 340 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 45,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or CUPRA Tavascan?
In the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, the Audi A3 Sportback and the CUPRA Tavascan stand as formidable contenders, each showcasing the forefront of engineering and design. Though catering to different niches—a hatchback versus an electric SUV—their battle represents the broader shift in consumer preferences and technological advancements.
The Audi A3 Sportback, a hatchback that epitomizes compact elegance, boasts a streamlined design that is quintessentially Audi. With a length of 4353-4381 mm, width of 1816-1851 mm, and height ranging from 1415-1470 mm, it offers a sleek silhouette enhanced by state-of-the-art aerodynamics.
On the other hand, the CUPRA Tavascan embodies bold futurism in the SUV segment. With dimensions of 4644 mm in length, 1861 mm in width, and 1597 mm in height, the Tavascan is designed to make a statement. Its design is a nod to the future of SUVs, combining aerodynamic principles with an assertive road presence.
The A3 Sportback offers a diverse range of engine options, including petrol, petrol mild-hybrids, diesel, and plug-in hybrids. With power outputs spanning 116 HP to a remarkable 400 HP, it caters to a variety of driving styles. The top-performing models boast acceleration from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds and reach max speeds of up to 250 km/h.
Alternatively, the CUPRA Tavascan is an all-electric power unit, with two engine options producing 286 HP and 340 HP, respectively. It features impressive acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h between 6.8 and 5.5 seconds, with a top speed capped at 180 km/h. The Tavascan excels in efficiency as well, with a range stretching up to 569 km on a single charge.
The A3 Sportback shines with its hybrid options and a cutting-edge dual-clutch transmission system. The inclusion of various engine types and a rigid structure ensure a versatile driving experience that remains highly efficient, with a CO2 efficiency class ranging from B to D.
CUPRA, however, takes an entirely electric approach with the Tavascan, embraced for its zero-emissions performance. The high-capacity 77 kWh battery propels the vehicle with an efficient energy consumption of 15.1-16.5 kWh/100km, reflecting CUPRA's commitment to a sustainable future on wheels.
Despite its compact nature, the Audi A3 Sportback offers ample space with a trunk capacity of 280-380 L and seating for five. It's a testament to intelligent design in a small package.
The Tavascan appeals to those needing more cargo space, offering a 540 L trunk. Its SUV body type does not compromise interior room, presenting a compelling choice for family-oriented drivers or those needing extra space.
The Audi A3 Sportback and the CUPRA Tavascan represent different challenges to the status quo. Audi offers a broader powertrain selection and sportier performance across varied engine types, while CUPRA leads the charge in electrification with enduring range and bold design. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether the consumer values hybrid versatility and traditional performance, or all-electric efficiency and cutting-edge style.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Audi A3 Sportback is significantly cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the CUPRA Tavascan costs 45,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 18,720 £.
As for electric range, the CUPRA Tavascan offers substantially more range – reaching up to 553 km, about 412 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.
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 offers slightly more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 340 HP. That’s roughly 60 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the CUPRA Tavascan takes 5.5 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback is visibly faster – reaching 237 km/h, while the CUPRA Tavascan tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 57 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Tavascan delivers clearly more torque with 679 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 179 Nm more.
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 Sportback is substantially lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 2,178 kg. The difference is around 818 kg.
Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Tavascan offers markedly more boot space – 540 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 160 L.
When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Tavascan carries only slightly more – 522 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.
The CUPRA Tavascan is far ahead overall 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.
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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The CUPRA Tavascan is a striking electric crossover that blends aggressive, sporty design with surprising everyday practicality, pairing a coupe-like silhouette with SUV versatility. It feels lively and engaging on the road while offering premium touches inside, making it a compelling choice for buyers who want attitude without sacrificing comfort.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
27,000 - 56,600 £
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Price
45,700 - 49,600 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 - 17.1 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
134 - 141 km
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Electric Range
513 - 553 km
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Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
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Battery Capacity
77 kWh
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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co2
0 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
40 L
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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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
1,360 - 1,685 kg
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Curb weight
2,178 - 2,273 kg
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
540 L
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Length
4,352 - 4,353 mm
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Length
4,644 mm
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Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
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Width
1,861 mm
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Height
1,441 - 1,470 mm
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Height
1,597 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,100 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
410 - 480 kg
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Payload
507 - 522 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Electric
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 400 HP
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Power HP
286 - 340 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 6.8 s
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Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Torque
220 - 500 Nm
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Torque
545 - 679 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Power kW
85 - 294 kW
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Power kW
210 - 250 kW
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
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Engine capacity
-
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General |
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Model Year
2,025
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Model Year
2,024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
CUPRA
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
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Sverige
Danmark
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