Ford Fiesta vs Audi S3
What's the difference?

Ford Fiesta

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2023 price

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Audi S3

$73,980 - $98,888

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2023 Ford Fiesta

2025 Audi S3

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

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

Dislikes

Noisy cabin
Huge turning circle
Firm ride

Tiny back seat
Missing some premium features
Lots of road noise

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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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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Deep dive comparison

2023 Ford Fiesta 2025 Audi S3

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.

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).

Ford Fiesta vs Audi S3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Fiesta vs Audi S3
What's the difference?