Audi A3 vs Mini Aceman

What's the difference?

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.

Mini and electricity were always destined to be together. Of course a sporty, prestigious and quirky little car favoured by urban dwellers was going to be the perfect match for an electric powertrain.

And while the Aceman SUV isn't the first fully electric vehicle for the brand it is a welcome addition that's quintessentially Mini, even if it is made in China.

The Aceman fills the gap between the Mini Cooper hatch and Countryman SUV and rivals a range of small electric premium SUVs such as the Alfa Romeo Junior and even the Volvo EX30.

The variant of this four-door, five-seater Aceman we are testing is the SE.