Compare performance (400 HP vs 280 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 27,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Ford Focus?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The compact hatchback market is filled with exciting options for those seeking both performance and practicality. Among this competitive segment, two names stand out: the Audi A3 Sportback and the Ford Focus. This article delves into the technical specifications and innovative features of these models, offering a detailed comparison for potential buyers.
The Audi A3 Sportback offers a diverse range of engine types, including petrol, mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV), diesel, and plug-in hybrid. It boasts a plethora of power outputs from 150 HP to a striking 400 HP, catering to varied tastes and needs. With up to 333 HP in its hybrid variant, the A3 Sportback doesn't compromise on performance regardless of environmental considerations.
In contrast, the Ford Focus simplifies choices with petrol, diesel, and MHEV engine types. Power outputs range from 125 HP to a robust 280 HP, particularly in the sportier ST variant. The Focus positions itself as a balanced performer with a focus on efficiency and performance.
Both the Audi A3 Sportback and the Ford Focus come equipped with manual and automatic transmission options. The Audi offers a choice between a manual gearbox and a premium dual-clutch automatic, which enhances driving smoothness and efficiency. Furthermore, the Audi A3 provides options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive, offering flexibility for different driving conditions.
The Ford Focus, while solely a front-wheel-drive machine, does not skimp on excitement. It offers a manual gearbox as well as a seamless automatic transmission, ensuring an engaging driving experience across its variants.
Acceleration and top speed are critical metrics for performance enthusiasts. The Audi A3 Sportback impressively accelerates from 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.8 seconds, depending on the selected engine, with a top speed peaking at 250 km/h. Additionally, it maintains CO2 emissions as low as 6 g/km in its plug-in hybrid configuration.
The Ford Focus is no slouch either, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in a competitive 5.7 seconds in its performance-focused model. Its top speed reaches up to 250 km/h, reinforcing its sporty credentials while maintaining respectable efficiency with CO2 emissions recorded from 117 g/km.
Practicality is a defining feature of hatchbacks, and here both cars demonstrate their prowess. The Audi A3 Sportback offers a trunk capacity ranging from 280 to 380 liters, complemented by a sleek, luxurious interior design typical of Audi's craftsmanship.
The Ford Focus edges slightly ahead with a 392-liter trunk capacity, catering to families and adventurers needing extra space. It combines practicality with comfort, highlighting Ford's commitment to user-friendly design and spaciousness.
The Audi A3 Sportback and Ford Focus cater to different buyers. The A3 offers a premium experience with a wide range of engine choices and advanced driving dynamics. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus presents itself as a practical, efficient, and slightly more affordable alternative, without sacrificing the thrill of driving.
For those seeking luxury, variety, and exceptional performance, the Audi A3 Sportback is a compelling choice. Conversely, the Ford Focus remains a versatile, family-friendly vehicle ideal for those who value efficiency and practicality without forfeiting excitement.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Audi A3 Sportback is very slightly cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Ford Focus costs 27,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 514 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Ford Focus with 4.9 L/100km. The difference is about 3.8 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback offers markedly more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 280 HP. That’s roughly 120 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Ford Focus takes 5.7 s. That’s about 1.9 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A3 Sportback delivers slightly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Ford Focus is marginally lighter – 1,330 kg compared to 1,360 kg. The difference is around 30 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Ford Focus offers marginally more boot space – 392 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 12 L.
When it comes to payload, the Ford Focus carries somewhat more – 560 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 80 kg.
The Audi A3 Sportback holds a decisive overall lead 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 Ford Focus remains a clever all‑rounder that balances sharp handling with everyday comfort, making it a strong choice whether your commute is city streets or country lanes. Its practical cabin and sensible running costs mean you’ll spend more time enjoying the drive and less time worrying about ownership, with a playful streak underfoot that keeps things interesting.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
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Price
27,500 - 42,700 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 8 L/100km
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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
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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co2
117 - 183 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
52 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
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Curb weight
1,330 - 1,529 kg
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
392 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,382 - 4,397 mm
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Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
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Width
1,825 - 1,844 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,438 - 1,482 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,354 L
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Payload
410 - 480 kg
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Payload
495 - 560 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
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 400 HP
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Power HP
115 - 280 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 11.8 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
186 - 250 km/h
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Torque
220 - 500 Nm
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Torque
170 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
85 - 294 kW
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Power kW
85 - 206 kW
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
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Engine capacity
999 - 2,261 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2,022 - 2,024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
Ford
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España