Mazda 3 vs Audi A7
What's the difference?

Mazda 3

$19,950 - $42,998

2024 price

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Audi A7

—

2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2024 Mazda 3

2019 Audi A7

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)

7.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Stunning design
Superb cabin presentation
Athletic handling and control

Glorious to behold
Surprising value
Great safety kit

Dislikes

Small boot
Gloomy rear seat
No more manual

Launching with top-spec petrol only
Still some options to pick
Some tech quibbles on launch

2024 Mazda 3 Summary

Half a decade on, the current-generation Mazda 3 has weathered a world of change.

Cheap cars have vanished. Electric vehicles are commonplace and the small car class it belongs to has been decimated by SUVs. Big names like the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer are history.

But while it looks identical to the car unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show, today’s Mazda 3 has also evolved, albeit gently.

Let’s see how competitive the latest and improved (as well as more expensive) version is.

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2019 Audi A7 Summary

Audi is known as a design-led brand, and arguably no model in the line-up embodies that ethos more than the Audi A7 Sportback.

This all-new version of Audi's largest swoopy five-door hatchback takes the concept of the original first-generation version and, rather than reinventing the idea, reimagines it with a more modern and even more style-focused look, inside and out.

And it's a very convincing execution, indeed.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda 3 2019 Audi A7

Verdict

Given how effortlessly it traverses the mainstream and premium small car classes, the Mazda 3 might be the best value small car on the planet.

With racy styling, sports car handling, classy interior presentation and impressive, intelligent efficiency, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.

Poor rear vision, a dark back-seat area and smallish boot aside, it doesn’t have any glaring faults.

In a world overrun with SUVs, props to Mazda for evolving the small car so brilliantly to mask a half-decade of existence. Continuous improvements have made the 2024 G25 Evolve SP Vision an essential small car shortlist proposition, regardless of price.

Verdict

The Audi A7 is a really likeable car, one that is heavily focused on style but also emanates substance. The 55 TFSI model will appeal to many, but my initial impression is that the best buy in the range could well be the entry-level 45 TFSI. I can't wait to sample it sometime in 2019.

Mazda 3 vs Audi A7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 3 vs Audi A7
What's the difference?