2017 Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?

Audi A3

$12,400 - $26,840

2017 price

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BMW 1 Series

$51,990 - $89,900

2025 price

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Summary

2017 Audi A3

2025 BMW 1 Series

By Peter Anderson

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.1L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

New 1.0 is surprisingly good
AEB as standard
Improvements in value, handling and ride

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Dislikes

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto not standard
Cautious styling update
Usual complaint about pricey options

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

2017 Audi A3 Summary

You know when you reckon you've got the room, you've got some great stories in the chamber and everyone's looking at you and then someone else walks in. That someone else has an effortless style and sophistication, doesn't try too hard, just looks great all the time?

BMW and Mercedes know that person. It's called the Audi A3. It outsells the BMW 1 Series by two to one and even beats the Mercedes A Class home (although if you add the CLA, not so much). From 2015 to 2016, market share of the segment it occupies has grown from a quarter to almost a third.

So there’s probably no point in updating it, right? Wrong. Because it’s now four years old and BMW and Mercedes have been chucking the kitchen at their cars to try and catch up, knowing Audi has something up its sleeve.

And here is - a refreshed A3 with new technology, new engines and some of the more subtle styling changes you’ll see, even for an Audi.

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2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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Deep dive comparison

2017 Audi A3 2025 BMW 1 Series

Verdict

Audi says each model is not only more fuel efficient and, despite modest price rises, is better value with up to seven grand more stuff depending on the model. The surprise packet in the range is the 1.0-litre entry level. While it feels slow off the mark, it’s quite jolly once on the move and the low starting price means you can load it up with stuff if you don’t mind the pedestrian performance.

The sweet spot is a line-ball decision between the 1.4 COD and the 2.0 TFSI Quattro. Both are great to drive, basically the same to look at and have good bang for buck compared to the front-drive 2.0 TFSI.

The update has been subtle on the cosmetic front, but the new A3 is quieter, better value and a bit more fun into the bargain. Whether it can maintain its lead with such a quiet visual change remains to be seen, but a good car is now better.

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

2017 Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

2017 Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?