Audi A1 vs Audi S3
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Audi S3

$73,980 - $98,888

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2025 Audi S3

By Matt Campbell

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Athletic and sporty in all the right places
Improved engine outputs
Gorgeous cabin space

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Tiny back seat
Missing some premium features
Lots of road noise

2020 Audi A1 Summary

The Audi A1 2020 range offers something for everyone, and in the case of this particular variant, it’s the one you buy if you want as much grunt and gear as you can get.

It’s the top-of-the-range Audi A1 40 TFSI model, which gets the zestiest engine, the lengthiest equipment list, and offers performance to match some hot-hatches out there. It’s essentially an Audi-ised version of a VW Polo GTI.

This test wasn’t so much about the wow-factor, though. We put it through its paces as an urban runabout to see how it coped as a real-world city car.

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2025 Audi S3 Summary

In a world where car upgrades often feel like saying, “Can I upsize that?”, it’s refreshing to hop into the updated Audi S3 Sportback.

The flagship RS 3 may still be the holy grail of hot hatch dreams, but with boosted engine outputs and upgraded tech, the S3 is stepping up.

Is the S3 Sportback the smarter pick over pricier rivals? It delivers serious performance and polish without stretching into RS 3 territory. With fierce competition in the segment, let’s see what this contender brings to the table.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi A1 2025 Audi S3

Verdict

If you’re eager for a sporty compact hatchback with premium design and luxury car badges, the Audi A1 40 TFSI is a very, very strong contender. It’s fast, fun, and functional for a little hatchback. It’s just very expensive, and for most people the $10K cheaper 35 TFSI model will tick most of the boxes. I’d recommend you drive it before signing on for the top-spec model.

Verdict

The updated Audi S3 Sportback is a fun-sized dynamo with impressive outputs and athletic road manners. It’s missing a few premium features, but its compact size paired with a gutsy engine makes it a compelling option for drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance (just space).

Audi A1 vs Audi S3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs Audi S3
What's the difference?