Both the Audi A3 Sportback and Volkswagen Golf share the same platform and technologies, with the former being a more premium alternative in the compact hatchback segment.
Priced from £21,805 ($30,865) in the United Kingdom, the A3 Sportback is £2,920 ($4,133) more expensive than the entry-level Golf, and it comes with a 116PS (114hp) 1.0-liter TFSI engine.
The Golf, on the other hand, has an 85PS (84hp) 1.0-liter petrol engine in this form, but from £19,945 ($28,232), the 1.4-liter TSI becomes available, and this is good for 125PS (123hp). Going for this version will also improve fuel economy, as you won’t have to push the engine that hard to keep up with the flow.
Practicality is almost identical between the two, as both have an equally large boot space, which can become even more generous by folding the rear seats, and there are plenty of storage spaces inside.
However, the A3 has a more premium interior, even with the pop-out infotainment system, and it also gets something that users cannot have in the Golf: the Audi Virtual Cockpit.
Elsewhere, both the A3 Sportback and the Golf have direct steering, sharp brakes, smooth gearshift, and comfortable ride, but which one is the smart buy?
Let’s see what CarWow’s verdict was in their review, but before checking out the video, we should mention that the reviewers could only get their hands on a three-door A3 at the time of filming rather than the five-door Sportback.