Audi RS3 vs Ford Fiesta
What's the difference?

Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Ford Fiesta

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mercedes-AMG E63

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Summary

2026 Audi RS3

2023 Ford Fiesta

By Jack Quick

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Punchy engine and slick gearbox combo
Light, chuckable dynamics
Excellent value for money

Dislikes

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

Noisy cabin
Huge turning circle
Firm ride

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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2023 Ford Fiesta Summary

The original Ford Fiesta ST from 2013 was a modern classic. The combination of appealing pricing, point-and-shoot driving dynamics and a sweet turbocharged engine ensured it won a legion of fans.

Its follow-up from 2020 continued that formula and brought with it a refinement missing from the original. But it was just as fun to drive.

Ford has launched a mid-life update for the sprightly hot hatch, which despite arriving in Australia halfway through 2022, is still officially an MY22 model. This latest version introduces upgrades to interior tech and exterior styling, as well as a 30Nm bump in torque.

But given it’s facing a ballsy competitor from Hyundai, has Ford done enough to keep its B-segment hot hatch crown?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi RS3 2023 Ford Fiesta

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.

Verdict

The Fiesta ST is an addictive car to drive. It's a modern classic and hard to beat when it comes to engaging performance and smile-inducing dynamics. Add in excellent value for money and you have a certified performance car bargain.

Audi RS3 vs Ford Fiesta What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS3 vs Ford Fiesta
What's the difference?