Audi S3 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?

Audi S3

$73,980 - $98,888

2025 price

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Skoda Scala

$24,990 - $39,789

2025 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2025 Audi S3

2025 Skoda Scala

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.9L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Athletic and sporty in all the right places
Improved engine outputs
Gorgeous cabin space

Class-leading interior space
Excellent fuel efficiency
Comfortable and solid on-road

Dislikes

Tiny back seat
Missing some premium features
Lots of road noise

Sporadic wireless phone mirroring
Not as fun as its rivals with outputs
Older looking exterior

2025 Audi S3 Summary

In a world where car upgrades often feel like saying, “Can I upsize that?”, it’s refreshing to hop into the updated Audi S3 Sportback.

The flagship RS 3 may still be the holy grail of hot hatch dreams, but with boosted engine outputs and upgraded tech, the S3 is stepping up.

Is the S3 Sportback the smarter pick over pricier rivals? It delivers serious performance and polish without stretching into RS 3 territory. With fierce competition in the segment, let’s see what this contender brings to the table.

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2025 Skoda Scala Summary

The new Skoda Scala brings a trim line-up of just two models and the features list for both have been reshuffled with a little pruning here and a few welcome additions there.

The Select 85TSI on test for this review replaces the former Ambition base variant and offers very competitive pricing considering its European roots.

You would be forgiven, though, if the Skoda Scala was not the first make and model that came to mind in your new hatchback hunt. But with its minor facelift and a boot capacity that rivals medium SUVs, maybe it should be on the list.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi S3 2025 Skoda Scala

Verdict

The updated Audi S3 Sportback is a fun-sized dynamo with impressive outputs and athletic road manners. It’s missing a few premium features, but its compact size paired with a gutsy engine makes it a compelling option for drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance (just space).

Verdict

The new Skoda Scala Select proves base models can be well-equipped and have a great price tag, which is not always the case at this grade level.

Its driving experience might not be as exciting as some rivals but it’s a great urban dweller nonetheless and it offers really good value overall.

Audi S3 vs Skoda Scala What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi S3 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?