@ Audi AG
@ MINI / BMW Group Press
VS

Audi A3 Sportback vs MINI Countryman – 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 MINI Countryman fits your lifestyle better.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Compact Yet Distinct: Audi A3 Sportback vs MINI Countryman

The automotive world is no stranger to the charming allure of compact cars that promise a blend of style, efficiency, and performance. The 2024 Audi A3 Sportback and MINI Countryman are prime examples, each carving out a distinctive spot in the hearts of car enthusiasts. So, how do these two icons stack up against each other in a comparison of technical prowess and innovative features?

Countryman @ MINI / BMW Group Press

Style and Dimensions

While the A3 Sportback is designed as a hatchback, which measures between 4352mm to 4381mm in length, the MINI Countryman takes on the stature of a compact SUV with a length ranging from 4444mm to 4447mm. These dimensions hint at a slightly more spacious feel inside the Countryman, aided also by its taller height (up to 1661mm compared to the A3’s 1470mm maximum). Yet, the A3 Sportback’s streamlined hatchback design offers a lower center of gravity, lending itself to more dynamic driving characteristics.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Engine Options and Performance

The Audi A3 Sportback comes with a range of engine options, including petrol, petrol MHEV, diesel, and even a plug-in hybrid. Its power outputs range from a docile 116 HP to a thrilling 400 HP. For those interested in speed, the A3 can blitz from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.8 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 250 km/h.

On the other hand, the MINI Countryman’s engine roster includes petrol MHEV, diesel MHEV, and electric versions, with the top-end variant delivering up to 313 HP. While not as quick off the line as the top A3 Sportback, the Countryman offers a competitive acceleration time, capable of hitting 100 km/h in as little as 5.4 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

Countryman @ MINI / BMW Group Press

Fuel Consumption and Efficiency

Both vehicles emphasize efficiency, albeit through different strengths. The A3 Sportback’s range of engines achieves consumption rates starting at an impressive 4.8 L/100km for the diesel variant. The plug-in hybrid model boasts an electric range of up to 143 km with a 19.7 kWh battery capacity.

The MINI Countryman embraces hybrid and electric technologies more fully, with its electric variant offering a significant 462 km range and a consumption of 15.7 kWh/100km. For traditionalists, its petrol engines deliver a minimum fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100km.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Interior and Trunk Space

Both cars prioritize practicality. The A3 Sportback offers trunk capacities ranging from 280L to 380L, suitable for everyday needs and more. The MINI Countryman, however, provides even more storage flexibility with a trunk capacity of up to 505L, enhancing its appeal for family outings or longer trips.

Countryman @ MINI / BMW Group Press

Innovations and Features

Technological innovation is at the forefront of both models. The Audi A3 Sportback is equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems and connectivity features, ensuring safety and convenience at every mile. Meanwhile, the MINI Countryman integrates MINI’s hallmark design quirks with modern infotainment systems, providing a playful yet sophisticated driving experience.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

In the realm of environmental consciousness, these vehicles display their green credentials through hybrid and electric options. The A3 Sportback achieves a CO2 efficiency class ranging from B to G, reflecting its diverse engine offerings. The Countryman, with its all-electric variant, reaches an impressive A class in CO2 efficiency, symbolizing a commitment to reducing emissions.

Countryman @ MINI / BMW Group Press

Conclusion

Choosing between the Audi A3 Sportback and the MINI Countryman truly depends on the driver's preference for either the sporty elegance of a hatchback or the versatile charm of a compact SUV. Both models lead with impressive performance, advanced technology, and commendable efficiency, shaping them as standout options in the compact segment for 2024.

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

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

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 has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26800 £, while the MINI Countryman costs 31500 £. That’s a price difference of around 4714 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the MINI Countryman with 4.60 L. The difference is about 3.50 L per 100 km.

As for range, the MINI Countryman performs decisively better – achieving up to 462 km, about 321 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

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 Sportback has a distinct edge – offering 400 HP compared to 313 HP. That’s roughly 87 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the MINI Countryman takes 5.40 s. That’s about 1.60 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 barely noticeable stronger with 500 Nm compared to 494 Nm. That’s about 6 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 a bit lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1620 kg. The difference is around 260 kg.

In terms of boot space, the MINI Countryman offers distinct more room – 505 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 125 L.

In maximum load capacity, the MINI Countryman performs noticeable better – up to 1530 L, which is about 330 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, MINI Countryman hardly perceptible takes the win – 500 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Audi A3 Sportback shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance 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
details

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
A202267_overfull @ Audi AG
A202258_overfull @ Audi AG
A202235_overfull @ Audi AG
A202271_overfull @ Audi AG
A201906_overfull @ Audi AG
A202227_overfull @ Audi AG

MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman turns the cheeky charm of a classic MINI into a proper all-rounder, blending playful styling with surprisingly usable space for everyday life. It still grins at city lights but will happily tackle muddy lanes, perfect for buyers who want character without sacrificing practicality.

details
P90484775_highRes_mini-cooper-se-count @ MINI / BMW Group Press
P90484787_highRes_mini-cooper-se-count @ MINI / BMW Group Press
P90484779_highRes_mini-cooper-se-count @ MINI / BMW Group Press
P90454013_highRes_mini-cooper-s-countr @ MINI / BMW Group Press

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Costs and Consumption
Price
26800 - 56600 £
Price
31500 - 45300 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
4.6 - 7.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.7 - 16.8 kWh
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
432 - 462 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
64.60 kWh
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
0 - 177 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 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
1620 - 2075 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
450 - 505 L
Length
4352 - 4381 mm
Length
4444 - 4447 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1843 mm
Height
1415 - 1470 mm
Height
1635 - 1661 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1450 - 1530 L
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
460 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Electric, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
163 - 313 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
170 - 250 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
250 - 494 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
120 - 230 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1499 - 1998 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, A, G
Brand
Audi
Brand
MINI

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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.