Audi A7 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?

Audi A7

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2019 price

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Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2019 Audi A7

2026 Audi RS3

By Matt Campbell

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Glorious to behold
Surprising value
Great safety kit

Dynamic and engaging to drive
Iconic five-cylinder soundtrack
Luxuriously equipped

Dislikes

Launching with top-spec petrol only
Still some options to pick
Some tech quibbles on launch

Options dollars add up quickly
Tight rear headroom in sedan
Engine note could be louder

2019 Audi A7 Summary

Audi is known as a design-led brand, and arguably no model in the line-up embodies that ethos more than the Audi A7 Sportback.

This all-new version of Audi's largest swoopy five-door hatchback takes the concept of the original first-generation version and, rather than reinventing the idea, reimagines it with a more modern and even more style-focused look, inside and out.

And it's a very convincing execution, indeed.

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2026 Audi RS3 Summary

Five-cylinder fury is still kicking!

Audi has just launched the mid-life updated version of its RS3 hatch and sedan in Australia.

With new looks inside and out, the German carmaker has also made a number of subtle tweaks under the skin via software updates. Thankfully, however, the five-cylinder beast lurking under the bonnet remains untouched.

As the viability of pure internal combustion engines in the hot hatch segment dwindles in the age of ever-tightening emissions regulations, will this be the last hurrah for the five-banger RS3?

Read along to see how this latest version stacks up.

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Audi A7 2026 Audi RS3

Verdict

The Audi A7 is a really likeable car, one that is heavily focused on style but also emanates substance. The 55 TFSI model will appeal to many, but my initial impression is that the best buy in the range could well be the entry-level 45 TFSI. I can't wait to sample it sometime in 2019.

Verdict

The Audi RS3 is a special hot hatch and sedan I’m so glad I experienced before its five-cylinder engine is inevitably retired due to emissions regulations. Full of character and charisma, this car is far from a rational purchase, pitched at boy racers who don’t want to grow up just yet.

From a value perspective, too, while the asking price has crossed the six-figure threshold and the option prices add thousands, it’s still much cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Make of that what you will.

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

Audi A7 vs Audi RS3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A7 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?