@ Audi AG
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Audi A3 Sportback vs VW Golf Variant – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or VW Golf Variant?

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

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf Variant has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26100 £, while the Audi A3 Sportback costs 26800 £. That’s a price difference of around 690 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.30 L. The difference is about 3.20 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 to a small extent edge – offering 400 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 67 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 4.80 s. That’s about 1 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 to a small extent stronger with 500 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 80 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, Audi A3 Sportback is minimal lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1366 kg. The difference is around 6 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers evident more room – 611 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 231 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant performs noticeable better – up to 1642 L, which is about 442 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf Variant slightly takes the win – 547 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 67 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Audi A3 Sportback shows itself to be outperforms in nearly all aspects 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.

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A202267_overfull @ Audi AG
A202258_overfull @ Audi AG
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A202227_overfull @ Audi AG

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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DB2021AU00910_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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A3 Sportback @ Audi AG
Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption
Price
26800 - 56600 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 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
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4352 - 4381 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1415 - 1470 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
Audi
Brand
VW

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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.