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Audi A3 vs Subaru WRX

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A3
Audi A3

$34,977 - $57,288

2022 price

Subaru WRX
Subaru WRX

$37,000 - $61,488

2022 price

Summary

2022 Audi A3
2022 Subaru WRX
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Flat Turbo 4, 2.4L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
4.9L/100km (combined)

8.5L/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

  • No wireless smartphone charging
  • Not as hardcore in wagon style
  • Manual unavailable in the wagon
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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2022 Subaru WRX Summary

This combination of three letters mightn’t mean much to the uninitiated, but to the diehard go-fast car customer, or even just the performance-curious one, WRX means something.

To me, the Subaru WRX stands for a lot. Its lineage stretches back almost 30 years, and over that period there have been some absolutely cracking rally-bred rockets for the road. I’ve personally owned a WRX, so I know what this Subaru sports car is all about.

Well, I thought I knew - but then I drove the new-generation ‘VB’ WRX. And also the ‘VN’ wagon. No, you’re not reading a retro Commodore review.

This new model takes everything we thought we knew about the Rex and makes it considerably more approachable, more palatable, more predictable, and frankly improves the breed for the better. 

I’ll explain how - so read on, or watch the video to see what I’m on about.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Audi A3 2022 Subaru WRX

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