Audi A3 vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?

Audi A3

$42,999 - $69,990

2025 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

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2026 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2025 Audi A3

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

By Chris Thompson

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.3L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Premium style and feel
Capable and flexible on-road
Value against rivals

Imposing presence
Immense power
Plush interior

Dislikes

Ride is a bit stiff
Back seat is tight
Lacks some modern features

Somewhat thirsty
Too fast for the road
Average warranty coverage

2025 Audi A3 Summary

Can a hatchback still be a fun and fashionable way to get around when the SUV has become such a status trend?

The facelifted Audi A3 certainly makes a case for it.

The refreshed 2025 A3 is, as Audi puts it, more competitive than before when it comes to not only value but also, you might agree, style.

Last year, before the update even arrived, the A3 sold almost as well as its Volkswagen Golf corporate sibling. In fact, it’s Audi’s third most popular model behind the Q3 and Q5 SUVs.

It’s also third in its segment of ‘Small cars under $40,000’, behind only the MG4 electric car and, you guessed it, the VW Golf.

As such, it also outsells its actual closest rivals the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, both of which are close to the A3 on price.

Now that it’s been given a bit more razzle dazzle, let’s see if the A3 can keep that momentum going.

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2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Summary

What makes the Aston Martin Vanquish a luxury car? Everything.

Its over-the-top performance and opulence makes its very existence the definition of a luxury car. Nobody on the planet has any need for this car, you only buy the Vanquish because you want it - and that makes it one of the most luxurious vehicles on sale today.

Its very existence is tied directly to what’s under the bonnet, the last V12 remaining in Aston Martin’s showroom, and the fact that some customers can simply not bring themselves to drive anything without 12 cylinders.

So, what’s it like driving the apex of luxury? Read on to find out…

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi A3 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

Verdict

Closing in on $60,000 for a small car isn’t cheap. Ask a car dealer and they might even say the hatchback is a good way to get someone into a showroom to eventually look at an SUV.

But I reckon you’d be doing the A3 a disservice to count it out. It’s always been one of those cars that does everything well, and with this current facelift manages to keep its practicality without becoming boring.

It looks good on the outside, it’s smart on the inside and it’s fun to drive while remaining sensible. Even if you get it in bright yellow.

Verdict

The definition of luxury is having something you want, rather than something you need. And the Vanquish is definitely something you don’t need, but will desperately want once you’ve experienced it. It’s opulence on wheels, the kind of car you buy mostly because you can. Because owning a V8-powered Aston Martin wouldn’t cut it in your circle of friends. Or because you just want the very best things in life, cost be damned.

Audi A3 vs Aston Martin Vanquish What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A3 vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?