Audi A7 vs Volkswagen Golf
What's the difference?

Audi A7

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2019 price

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Volkswagen Golf

$38,690 - $71,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2019 Audi A7

2026 Volkswagen Golf

By Matt Campbell

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Glorious to behold
Surprising value
Great safety kit

Design
Dynamics
Practicality

Dislikes

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

Value
Ownership costs
Average warranty

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 Volkswagen Golf Summary

Eight generations over more than half a century qualifies the Volkswagen Golf as an automotive icon, standing on the shoulders of its original beetle-shaped ancestor.

It remains one of the world’s favourite cars and this 110TSI Life version is the entry-point to the local model line-up, the latest ‘8.5’ version of which arrived here just over 12 months ago.

It sits in a hotly contested small-car category, appealing to those with a preference for a conventional hatch and pure internal-combustion power.

In an automotive world now dominated by increasingly electrified SUVs, we spent a week behind the wheel to see how it shapes up as an urban specialist with occasional open road ability.

@carsguide.com.au 2026 VW Golf’s practicality perk revealed! The Volkswagen hatchback might not be as popular as rivals like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Mazda3 or Kia K4, but it wins when it comes to useful features like this neat centre console arm rest! #volkswagen #golf #hatchback #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Audi A7 2026 Volkswagen Golf

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

Like the generations that preceded it, the current VW Golf 8.5 is a high-quality, comfortable and efficient small car. Add in good looks, space-efficiency, thoughtful practicality as well as class-competitive safety and you have the makings of a compelling package. The potential sticking point is this entry-level 110TSI Life’s value proposition in terms of included features relative to its purchase price and ongoing cost of ownership.

Audi A7 vs Volkswagen Golf What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A7 vs Volkswagen Golf
What's the difference?