@ Audi AG
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
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Audi A3 Sportback vs SEAT Ateca – Performance, range & efficiency compared

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

Audi A3 Sportback

SEAT Ateca

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Dynamic Duo: Audi A3 Sportback vs. SEAT Ateca

In the crowded world of compact cars, the Audi A3 Sportback and the SEAT Ateca stand out for their unique blend of performance, design, and innovation. While the A3 Sportback commands attention with its luxurious hatchback design, the SEAT Ateca offers a sturdy SUV appeal. Let's delve into what makes each of these vehicles a fascinating choice for potential buyers.

Ateca @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Power and Performance

The Audi A3 Sportback offers a versatile range of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and even a plug-in hybrid. Its power output ranges from a modest 116 HP to a robust 400 HP, catering to a wide spectrum of driving preferences. With an impressive acceleration time of 3.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h in its top variant, it blends sportiness with efficiency.

In comparison, the SEAT Ateca, with its maximum power of 150 HP and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds, prioritizes steady power delivery. While it may not reach the sheer speed of the Sportback, its 4-cylinder engine ensures a balanced drive suited for both city cruising and highway travels.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-friendliness

The A3 Sportback leads in fuel efficiency, especially with its plug-in hybrid variant featuring an electric range of up to 143 km and a consumption as low as 0.3 L/100km. This makes it a strong contender for those looking to cut fuel costs and minimize carbon footprints. Its CO2 emissions also range significantly less than Ateca's, offering a maximum of 211 g/km.

On the other hand, the SEAT Ateca holds its ground with a respectable consumption range at a minimum of 4.9 L/100km. With an efficiency class of D and E, the Ateca provides a sustainable option that manages to keep fuel consumption efficient for an SUV of its size.

Ateca @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Size and Practicality

The Audi A3 Sportback is built with compact efficiency in mind, measuring 4353 mm in length with a trunk capacity up to 380 liters. While not as capacious as the Ateca, it offers premium appeal in a tight package, perfect for urban environments.

The SEAT Ateca, however, can boast superior practicality with a trunk capacity of 510 liters, ideal for those family road trips or weekend adventures. At 4381 mm long and 1601 mm high, it exudes presence, providing ample room for passengers and cargo alike.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Transmission and Drive

Both models offer manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, catering to different driver preferences. However, the A3 Sportback goes one step further with an all-wheel-drive option, providing an edge in terms of handling and control, particularly in less ideal road conditions.

Ateca @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

The choice between the Audi A3 Sportback and the SEAT Ateca hinges on what the buyer values most. For those drawn to luxury, performance, and cutting-edge automotive technology, the A3 Sportback offers a thrilling ride with enviable efficiency. Meanwhile, the Ateca presents an appealing alternative for practical-minded drivers seeking an SUV with significant carrying capacity and a comfortable ride.

Both models stand as testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship within the Volkswagen Group, showcasing varied strengths but united in offering exceptional value to their drivers.

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.

SEAT Ateca has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25100 £, while the Audi A3 Sportback costs 26800 £. That’s a price difference of around 1723 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the SEAT Ateca with 4.90 L. The difference is about 3.80 L per 100 km.

Ateca @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Engine and Performance:

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 has a significantly edge – offering 400 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 250 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 SEAT Ateca takes 9 s. That’s about 5.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback performs to a small extent better – reaching 250 km/h, while the SEAT Ateca tops out at 202 km/h. The difference is around 48 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A3 Sportback pulls clearly perceptible stronger with 500 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 140 Nm difference.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

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, SEAT Ateca is minimal lighter – 1345 kg compared to 1360 kg. The difference is around 15 kg.

In terms of boot space, the SEAT Ateca offers evident more room – 510 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 130 L.

In maximum load capacity, the SEAT Ateca performs noticeable better – up to 1604 L, which is about 404 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, SEAT Ateca hardly perceptible takes the win – 525 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 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.

Audi A3 Sportback
SEAT Ateca

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
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.

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SEAT Ateca

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The SEAT Ateca blends sharp, purposeful styling with practical space that turns everyday errands into something a bit more enjoyable. It’s poised and engaging to drive for its segment, offers solid value, and has just enough personality to make you smile on the school run.

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Audi A3 Sportback
SEAT Ateca
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG
Ateca @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Costs and Consumption

Price
26800 - 56600 £
Price
25100 - 36900 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 6.4 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
129 - 144 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 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
1345 - 1514 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
510 L
Length
4352 - 4381 mm
Length
4381 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1841 mm
Height
1415 - 1470 mm
Height
1601 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1604 L
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
516 - 525 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
116 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 11 s
Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
183 - 202 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
200 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
85 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1968 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D
Brand
Audi
Brand
SEAT
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.

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