The top 10 Audi A3 alternatives

The Audi A3 has long combined family car practicality with a sprinkling of luxury, and the latest version adds futuristic tech and a sophisticated driving experience. But an increasing number of carmakers are aiming to be more premium, so the popular Audi now has more rivals than ever. Below, we’ve listed the 10 best Audi A3 alternatives, from old favourites to interesting new models.

1. Mercedes A-Class

Better than the Audi A3 for: comfort

The Mercedes A-Class is the A3’s closest rival, and in many ways there’s little to differentiate the two Germans – despite having no shared parts. Each offers a selection of economical petrol and diesel engines, two fast hot hatchbacks, the availability of a saloon body style and even a plug-in hybrid. The A-Class arguably has the more theatrical interior, although the A3 just pips it for material quality and, while the Mercedes is more comfortable, the A3 is a little more spacious in the rear seats. The A-Class has sleeker styling, and that’s before you get to the related Mercedes CLA four-door coupe.

Shop used Mercedes A-Class cars for sale or read our Mercedes A-Class review

2. BMW 1 Series

Better than the Audi A3 for: sporty driving

If you want something a little sportier than the A3 then test-driving the BMW 1 Series should be on your to-do list. It’s the better choice for keen drivers, with a more immediate steering feel and almost no body roll through fast corners. The 128ti hot hatch is the pick of the 1 Series range for sweet handling, but even the lowliest 1 Series is great to drive. Like the A3, the 1 Series features a high-quality interior with super-sharp screens and the latest infotainment tech.

Shop used BMW 1 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 1 Series review

3. Volkswagen Golf

Better than the Audi A3 for: cash prices

Without the Volkswagen Golf there’d be no A3, and the Golf is still a strong contender in the premium hatchback market. A Golf is likely to be a little bit cheaper than the A3 and it still boasts a high-tech interior with a host of impressive online features. The Golf is just as practical as the A3 when it comes to carrying people and luggage, and offers many of the same economical petrol, diesel and hybrid engines.

Shop used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Golf review

4. DS 4

Better than the Audi A3 for: exclusivity

If the German hatchbacks above are just a bit too obvious or a little bit uninteresting, there’s a French answer. The latest DS 4 is the brand’s best car yet, with polished driving dynamics, impressive long-distance comfort and a snazzy interior. The DS 4 has the A3 soundly beaten for practicality, with a 430-litre boot – 50 litres more than a petrol A3 – and only a marginal decrease in the E-Tense plug-in hybrid. Compare equivalently specced cars on the used market and there’s very little difference in finance costs, either.

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5. Audi Q2

Better than the Audi A3 for: SUV looks and ride height

There are lots of Audis that share parts with the A3, from the Q2 and Q3 SUVs, to the smaller A1 and even the sporty TT coupe. We’ve picked the Q2 here because the cost of PCP finance is broadly similar to the A3, although the two cars are also pretty well matched in terms of size and practicality. The Q2 has a very slightly larger boot – not that you’ll notice much of a difference in day-to-day life – and a raised ride height that gives a more commanding view of the road ahead. Or you may just prefer the Q2’s chunky looks.

Shop used Audi Q2 cars for sale or read our Audi Q2 review

6. Peugeot 308

Better than the Audi A3 for: style

The Peugeot 308 has been on sale for several years now, and we reckon it still looks fantastic. Pinched headlights, LED fangs and a grille that looks like a black hole give the prowling Peugeot more presence than most premium hatches. Further back, there are strong lines and eye-catching curves. Inside, a row of new controls for the touchscreen make the 308 easy to use and feel futuristic. If you thought the A3 offered plenty of choice, wait until you see the Peugeot's lineup – there are petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV options, as well as a big-booted estate model.

Shop used Peugeot 308 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 308 review

7. Cupra Leon

Better than the Audi A3 for: sporty looks

The Cupra Leon comes into bat with the same engines and practicality as the A3, but with sportier looks. You get big wheels, bumpers that are as sharp as a chef's knife, and copper detailing inside and out. And, while the Audi still feels a tad more premium inside, the Leon uses a lovely selection of materials and accents. The Leon has an answer for the A3’s plug-in hybrid offering, and the S3 hot hatch is matched by a 300hp range-topper. Mind you, you can still enjoy the Cupra's out-there styling with an economical 1.5-litre petrol.

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8. Renault Megane E-Tech

Better than the Audi A3 for: electric driving

In the past, you'd have probably never compared the Renault Megane to the Audi A3. But the Megane E-Tech is different. It's gained crossover-y styling, a class-leading infotainment system, a big boot and posh materials. The engines have been tossed out, with a fully electric powertrain coming in to replace them. And the result is smooth acceleration, a quoted 260-mile range and great motorway cruising ability.

Shop used Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale or read our Renault Megane E-Tech review

9. Mazda 3

Better than the Audi A3 for: tactility

Driving a Mazda is a bit like being in a special club. There’s no secret handshake, but only those who have driven modern Mazdas know that the interior quality is up there with the likes of BMW and Audi. Mazda has rejected the trend of putting screens everywhere you look – the slim infotainment screen isn’t even touch-controlled – and, while that looks more traditional, it means everything is fantastically easy to use. The A3 is noticeably more practical than the sleek Mazda and much more prevalent on the used market – which lends the Mazda 3 a bit of exclusivity.

Shop used Mazda 3 cars for sale or read our Mazda 3 review

10. Toyota Corolla

Better than the Audi A3 for: hybrid driving without plugging in

Toyota’s hybrid hatchback offers a very comfortable ride and a quiet driving experience – especially at lower speeds. Its ability to hit 60mpg matches the A3’s diesel engines, but without the need for AdBlue fill-ups and DPF regeneration cycles. The Toyota Corolla favours a relaxed driving experience, which may appeal if you don’t drive like a racing driver on the morning commute. It looks futuristic and has plenty of technology on board, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Plus, not only is Toyota's reliability reputation impressive, but the Corolla is covered a warranty that lasts for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Shop used Toyota Corolla cars for sale or read our Toyota Corolla review