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Audi A3 vs Hyundai I30

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A3
Audi A3

$34,977 - $57,288

2022 price

Hyundai I30
Hyundai I30

$24,000 - $54,000

2024 price

Summary

2022 Audi A3
2024 Hyundai I30
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 1.6L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
4.9L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Mild-hybrid interesting, but not a game-changer
  • Active cruise extra cost in premium version. Should be standard
  • Sportback looks don’t flatter the car

  • Divisive styling
  • Rear-seat access
  • Slightly firmer ride than ideal
2022 Audi A3 Summary

If it was the original BMW 3-Series that invented the compact luxury car market segment all those years ago, then it’s probably fair to claim it was Audi’s A3 franchise that gave rise to the luxury small-hatch category.

On that basis, any new Audi A3 is news but, in the face of the SUV onslaught (including its own stablemate the Q3) the new small Audi has its work cut out for it.

With this update, there’s refreshed styling, a new interior layout and, for the launch of the new cars, two body styles, a conventionally styled sedan and what Audi calls the Sportback; fundamentally a five-door hatchback but with the German brand’s own flair plastered all over it.

As well as new connectivity and safety tech, the big news is the availability of a mild-hybrid driveline as well as a second powertrain option with more performance from a more conventional layout.

Interestingly, it’s that (mild) hybrid version of the A3 that represents the entry-level variant of the A3. A sign of the times? Perhaps.

As well as the two powertrains, there are two distinct chassis layouts, starting with a front-drive set-up and extending to the option of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

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2024 Hyundai I30 Summary

Is it possible for a ‘hot hatch’ to be over-the-top and completely under-the-radar?

When it’s the facelifted version of the radically-styled i30 Sedan N, then definitely. People just don’t associate pocket-rocket fun with the traditionally more-conservative four-door shape.

But the Hyundai, well, just look at it. It begs... nay, demands to differ.

Just facelifted in Australia along with the rest of the i30 Sedan range, the N sells alongside the iconic i30 Hatch N from Europe, and acts as a replacement for the sadly-discontinued i30 Fastback N.

Big shoes to fill then? Let’s stick the boot in and find out!

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Audi A3 2024 Hyundai I30

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