Audi A1 vs Mazda 3
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Mazda 3

$19,950 - $42,998

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2024 Mazda 3

By Matt Campbell

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Stunning design
Superb cabin presentation
Athletic handling and control

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Small boot
Gloomy rear seat
No more manual

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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2024 Mazda 3 Summary

Half a decade on, the current-generation Mazda 3 has weathered a world of change.

Cheap cars have vanished. Electric vehicles are commonplace and the small car class it belongs to has been decimated by SUVs. Big names like the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer are history.

But while it looks identical to the car unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show, today’s Mazda 3 has also evolved, albeit gently.

Let’s see how competitive the latest and improved (as well as more expensive) version is.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi A1 2024 Mazda 3

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

Given how effortlessly it traverses the mainstream and premium small car classes, the Mazda 3 might be the best value small car on the planet.

With racy styling, sports car handling, classy interior presentation and impressive, intelligent efficiency, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.

Poor rear vision, a dark back-seat area and smallish boot aside, it doesn’t have any glaring faults.

In a world overrun with SUVs, props to Mazda for evolving the small car so brilliantly to mask a half-decade of existence. Continuous improvements have made the 2024 G25 Evolve SP Vision an essential small car shortlist proposition, regardless of price.

Audi A1 vs Mazda 3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs Mazda 3
What's the difference?