Audi A3 vs Mazda MX-5

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A3
Audi A3

$50,600 - $60,200

2025 price

Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5

$42,969 - $61,360

2024 price

Summary

2025 Audi A3
2024 Mazda MX-5
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.3L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

2
Dislikes
  • Ride is a bit stiff
  • Back seat is tight
  • Lacks some modern features

  • Compromised as a daily driver
  • Tan Nappa leather only in Automatic
  • Nearing the end of its life :(
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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2024 Mazda MX-5 Summary

It's not often a car is elevated to 'icon' status, cars like the VW Beetle, Porsche 911, Toyota LandCruiser or Ford Mustang - but the Mazda MX-5 has quietly been the best choice for keen drivers who don't want to break the bank with a big sticker price or costly maintenance.

The ND MX-5 has been around since 2015, and while it’s been praised as a return to the original, simple formula of the NA MX-5 from the late 80s and early 90s, it’s getting close to a decade old.

So, a little refresh with some new tech and a mechanical tweak is here to make the roadster feel like a playful pup once more.

And what better place to test that out than a combination of the winding roads of the Adelaide Hills wine region, paired nicely with a main course of track driving at The Bend Motorsport Park?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi A3 2024 Mazda MX-5

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