@ Audi AG
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
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Audi A3 Sportback vs Ford Kuga – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Audi A3 Sportback or Ford Kuga fits your lifestyle better.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

The Battle of Efficiency and Style: Audi A3 Sportback vs. Ford Kuga

In the ever-evolving world of automotive innovation, car enthusiasts often face the challenging decision of selecting between style and practicality. The Audi A3 Sportback and Ford Kuga, two robust contenders from the hatchback and SUV classes, present a blend of both aesthetics and functionality while offering varied driving experiences.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Design and Body Type

The Audi A3 Sportback exudes the classic elegance Audi is known for, with its hatchback style giving it a sleek and sporty appearance. Measuring at a length of 4353 mm, a width of 1851 mm, and a height of 1441 mm, the A3 Sportback is compact yet comfortable, ideal for urban settings. On the flip side, the Ford Kuga embodies the DNA of a modern SUV. Its dimensions (length of 4604 mm, width of 1882 mm, and height of 1675 mm) ensure a commanding road presence and provide ample cabin space.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Engine and Performance

When diving under the hood, the Audi A3 Sportback offers a range of engine types, including a 2.5L five-cylinder option delivering up to 400 HP. Its dual-clutch automatic or manual transmission options assure smooth driving regardless of the powertrain chosen. Boasting all-wheel drive possibilities, the A3 leverages its power and agility with peak torque reaching up to 500 Nm, allowing drivers to feel the thrill with an impressive acceleration of 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

Ford Kuga doesn't fall short in its offerings, with options for petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid engines. The available power output peaks at 243 HP. With a focus on efficiency, the Kuga's hybrid engine stands out with its electric range of 69 km and an eco-friendly CO2 release of 20 g/km. Its automatic CVT transmission further enhances the vehicle's driving smoothness, making it a versatile choice for diverse driving conditions.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Both models emphasize fuel efficiency, though through different means. The A3 Sportback can achieve a consumption rate as low as 4.8 liters per 100 km, with its plugin hybrid model boasting an exceptional electric consumption of 0.3 liters per 100 km. The Ford Kuga offers competitive efficiency with its hybrid models averaging 5.3 liters per 100 km on fuel consumption. Additionally, Kuga's plug-in hybrid impressively reduces the consumption to merely 0.9 liters per 100 km.

Environmentally conscious drivers will appreciate both models' CO2 efficiency ratings, with the A3 Sportback offering a range between class B and D, while the Kuga offers efficiency classes from B to E.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Comfort and Space

Audi A3 Sportback and Ford Kuga both prioritize passenger comfort with seating for five and a focus on superior interior finishes. The Audi A3 provides trunk capacity options ranging from 280 to 380 liters, promising sufficient space for daily commuting or leisure travel.

The Ford Kuga, being an SUV, slightly edges out on space with its larger trunk capacity of 412 liters, making it a favorite for those requiring additional room for storage.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Conclusion

The decision between the Audi A3 Sportback and Ford Kuga ultimately boils down to personal preference and lifestyle needs. The A3 Sportback is perfect for those who crave a stylish yet efficient ride in a compact size, whereas the Kuga serves those who seek a spacious, versatile driving experience with an eye on eco-friendliness. Both vehicles, marked by their distinctive German and American engineering prowess, encapsulate innovation, efficiency, and driving pleasure in their unique manner.

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

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Audi A3 Sportback has a evident advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26800 £, while the Ford Kuga costs 34200 £. That’s a price difference of around 7414 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Ford Kuga with 2.80 L. The difference is about 1.70 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Audi A3 Sportback performs significantly better – achieving up to 141 km, about 73 km more than the Ford Kuga.

Engine and Performance:

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 clearly perceptible edge – offering 400 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 157 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.30 s. That’s about 3.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback performs somewhat better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Ford Kuga tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 50 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A3 Sportback pulls clearly stronger with 500 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

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 slightly lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1526 kg. The difference is around 166 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Ford Kuga offers minimal more room – 412 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 32 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Kuga performs distinct better – up to 1534 L, which is about 334 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga slightly takes the win – 550 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 70 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Audi A3 Sportback shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £26,800
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 9.3 L
  • Electric Range : 134 - 141 km

Audi A3 Sportback

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.

details

Ford Kuga

3.5 (2)
rate

The Kuga is Ford’s adaptable family SUV that blends usable space with a surprisingly lively driving character, making daily commutes and weekend escapes equally enjoyable. With smart interior packaging, an easy-to-use infotainment setup and composed road manners, it’s a sensible choice for buyers who want a bit of fun without the fuss.

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Audi A3 Sportback
Ford Kuga
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Costs and Consumption

Price
26800 - 56600 £
Price
34200 - 46300 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
68 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
55 - 154 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1526 - 1859 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
412 L
Length
4352 - 4381 mm
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1882 mm
Height
1415 - 1470 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
541 - 550 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
Brand
Audi
Brand
Ford
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

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.