Audi A1 vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Citroen C3

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2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2023 Citroen C3

By Matt Campbell

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

5.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Equipment
Design
Space efficiency

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Price
Sub-par refinement
Ownership costs

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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2023 Citroen C3 Summary

You’re a city dweller on the hunt for a small hatch, but the usual suspects just don’t do it for you. Time for a trip down the urban road less travelled.

The Citroen C3 fits the bill in terms of scale, but brings something extra when it comes to personality. A fun-sized European with the ability to surprise and delight.

It comes at a price, though. So, is the promise of some extra excitement in your motoring life worth it? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi A1 2023 Citroen C3

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 Citroen C3’s plus column contains some big ticket items like a solid standard equipment list, design flair, generous interior space, an eager engine, good safety and a comfy suspension. However, the minus side of the ledger isn’t exactly empty, with entries like steep price, marginal perceived quality, poor cabin storage, sub-par refinement, okay economy, and high ownership costs.

But there’s no doubt this car delivers a different, adventurous take on the city-sized hatch, and for you, that alone may count for more than any of those things.

Audi A1 vs Citroen C3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?