Hyundai I30 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?

Hyundai I30

$23,888 - $62,724

2025 price

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Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 Hyundai I30

2026 Audi RS3

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

—

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Impressive features list
Value for money
Drive incredibly well

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

Dislikes

Dual-clutch transmission gets confused in stop/start traffic
Shorter servicing intervals
Some safety tech is intrusive

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

2025 Hyundai I30 Summary

The Hyundai i30 sees an update for the 2025 model line and the base N Line variant gets the best of the new stuff, including a new mild-hybrid powertrain.

This might mean trouble for its nearest rivals, the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Kia Cerato, because the update makes the N Line one of the better base-model hatches to come out in recent years for its segment.

In this review, we see how it also handles urban life!

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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 Hyundai I30 2026 Audi RS3

Verdict

The updated Hyundai i30 N Line doesn’t look like or perform like a base model.

You really do get bang for your buck here with its features. It’s a good-looking hatch that’s fun to drive in the city or open road and while the multimedia system is basic and occupants will be squished in the rear row, everything else is a big plus.

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.

Hyundai I30 vs Audi RS3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai I30 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?