BMW 1 Series vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2026 Audi RS3

By Chris Thompson

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

—

Fuel Efficiency

—

8.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

—

Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

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

Dislikes

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

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

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

View full pricing & specs

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

2025 BMW 1 Series 2026 Audi RS3

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

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

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.

BMW 1 Series vs Audi RS3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?