Audi RS3 vs Volkswagen Arteon
What's the difference?

Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Volkswagen Arteon

$32,997 - $50,990

2022 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mercedes-AMG E63

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Summary

2026 Audi RS3

2022 Volkswagen Arteon

By Jack Quick

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Polished performance in the R-Line
Oodles of space in the back
Tech offering is on point

Dislikes

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

Ride might be deemed too firm
Premium fuel ain't cheap these days

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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2022 Volkswagen Arteon Summary

Some VW models, like the Golf, are household names. No doubt about it. But this? Well, it's probably not one of them. Or not yet.

This is the Arteon, the German's brand's flagship passenger vehicle. Put it this way, if VW's tag line is premium for the people, then this is the most premium. And the people? Well, they're the ones who might normally be shopping for a BMW, Mercedes or Audi.

The name, by the way, comes from the the Latin word for art, and it's a nod to the design focus that's been employed here. It comes in a shooting brake, or wagon, body shape, as well as this, the Liftback. And a quick spoiler alert, it looks pretty good, right?

But we'll get to all that. As well as the big question - can it mix it with the premium-brand big boys?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi RS3 2022 Volkswagen Arteon

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 value, driving dynamics and appearance are on point for a premium play here. If you can forgo the badge snobbery attached to the German big three, then you'll find lots to like about Volkswagen's Arteon.

Audi RS3 vs Volkswagen Arteon What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS3 vs Volkswagen Arteon
What's the difference?