The 10 best Audi A3 Sportback alternatives in 2024

Us Brits love a posh German hatchback, which is why the Audi A3 is one of the best-selling models in the UK. It’s comfortable, stylish and packed with all the latest tech, and the interior is beautifully built.

That said, the A3 isn’t perfect. It’s a bit more expensive than some of its closest competitors, and it’s not the most spacious in the rear seats either. There are loads of cars to think about if you’re in the market for a classy family hatchback, so here are 10 of the best Audi A3 alternatives.

The best Audi A3 alternatives in 2024 are:

1. BMW 1 Series
2. Mercedes A-Class
3. Volkswagen Golf
4. Cupra Born
5. Audi Q3
6. Peugeot 308
7. Mazda 3
8. Volvo EX30
9. Skoda Octavia
10. Honda Civic

1. BMW 1 Series

If you’re shopping for an Audi A3 then the BMW 1 Series is almost certainly on your radar as well. It’s more sporty to drive than the Audi thanks to responsive steering and a slightly firmer setup, although the trade-off for this is that it’s less comfortable.

Still, it has a solid, well-made interior and it comes well-equipped as standard. There’s also a new BMW 1 Series coming very soon which offers even more tech, an updated design and new engine options.

2. Mercedes A-Class

Another one which has probably crossed your mind, the Mercedes A-Class is the more stylish car out of the A3 and the 1 Series, and it also offers the best-looking interior. It may look cool, but some of the plastics you find throughout the cabin don’t match up to the Audi’s quality.

Still, the Mercedes is easy and relaxing to drive, and it’s loaded with clever tech to make your life easier. You get a good amount of interior storage as well, even if the boot isn’t quite as big as the Audi’s.

3. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is the go-to car for those who want a no-nonsense family hatchback with a premium badge. It’s hugely practical, well-equipped and nicely built, all while also offering a good range of efficient engines.

Some of the tech is a bit fiddly to use, especially the touch-sensitive sliders for the climate control, but at least the Golf is supremely comfortable both around town and on the motorway.

4. Cupra Born

Thinking about switching to an electric car? Well the Cupra Born is a great EV hatchback which looks cool and is great to drive. It could almost give the A3 a run for its money for twisty road fun, but as a result it isn’t quite as comfortable as the Audi.

The infotainment system can be frustratingly laggy as well, but look past this and you have a lot of tech on board. You also have plentiful interior storage space, and with up to 341 miles of range it’s decent on a long journey as well.

5. Audi Q3

SUVs are all the rage these days, so why not check out the A3’s jacked-up stablemate. The Audi Q3 is offered with all the same efficient and punchy engines as the A3, and it has a similarly high-quality interior as well.

It is a touch more expensive than the A3, but it’s also more practical than that car thanks to a bigger boot and it’s just as comfortable to drive. The diesel engine is one of the best around as well thanks to its blend of performance and economy.

6. Peugeot 308

Let’s say you want something that stands out from the crowd, well the Peugeot 308 does just that. It’s packing much more flair than the A3, and the cabin is more interesting to behold as well.

You’ll want to make sure the quirky driving position works for you before buying, because some people may find the small steering wheel blocks the dials. If you can see past this, the 208 is a comfortable and relaxing car to drive with loads of tech on board.

7. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a great left-field alternative to the Audi A3. It’s fun to drive, has a lovely interior and it looks great as well. It’s not as comfortable as some alternatives though, and the A3 is more practical.

Still, the Mazda does have standard equipment on its side. All cars get adaptive cruise control, an option which will set you back almost £1,500 on the Audi as it’s only available as part of an expensive package, as well as a reversing camera and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

8. Volvo EX30

For the same price as a well-specced Audi A3 you could have one of the best electric SUVs on the market. The Volvo EX30 took home the Carwow Car Of The Year Award in 2024, and for good reason.

It not only looks great, it’s really comfortable, quiet and it’s packed with safety tech. You also get a modern interior design, although it is annoying that all the car’s functions are controlled through a central touchscreen.

9. Skoda Octavia

Let’s say you want a car with cavernous interior space – The Skoda Octavia has you covered. The standard car is cheaper than an A3, or you could have the sporty top-of-the-range vRS model for the same price as a mid-spec Audi.

Whichever one you choose, the Octavia has an enormous boot – 135 litres bigger than the A3’s in fact – and the rear seats are spacious as well. It may not have the same badge kudos as something with four rings on the bonnet, but you can’t argue with the amount of car you get for the money.

10. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the Carwow team’s favourite hatchbacks because it’s just so good to drive. The hybrid engine is smooth, punchy and economical, it’s comfortable and it’s fun to throw around on a country road.

It may not be as exciting to look at as the Audi, and the interior is a bit bland as well, but it’s well screwed together and all the controls are easy to use on the move. You also get a big boot and decent rear seats.

Audi A3 Sportback FAQs

Which Audi A3 engine is best?

This will depend on what you use the car for, but the best all-rounder is the 1.5-litre petrol engine with 150hp paired to an automatic gearbox. It’s plenty quick enough, while also returning decent fuel economy. It’s smooth and quiet as well.

What is the best Audi A3 model to buy?

The S Line is the best Audi A3 model to go for because of its sporty styling. The more aggressive-looking bodykit and larger alloy wheels help it stand out, and you get some nice upgrades inside such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel and sports seats.

Is the Audi A3 a reliable car?

Audi generally scores well for reliability, so you can expect the A3 to be pretty trouble-free. All Audis also come with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, and this can be extended to five years/90,000 miles for added peace of mind.

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