2013 Audi A3 vs. Its Competition

2012 Audi A3 4-door HB S tronic FrontTrak 2.0T Premium Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

John Voelcker

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John is Senior Editor for High Gear Media. In addition to news coverage and new car reviews, John creates and oversees all editorial for High Gear's... More

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May 31, 2012

The 2013 Audi A3 only has one direct competitor, the very different Lexus CT 200h, a luxury hybrid hatchback that gets superb gas mileage but isn't all that sporty.

Many A3 buyers may cross-shop the extensive BMW 3-Series range, though it offers no hatchback model.

If you're looking for a diesel alternative, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen has a TDI model that's larger, more capacious, and ride better, although its roadholding isn't as sporty.

One level down in the market, both the Mazda3 and the Subaru Impreza offer compact hatchback models with equally sporty handling.

The Mazda is more of a driver's car, but the Subaru offers both all-wheel drive and a hot-rod WRX model as well.

There's also the Audi A4 Avant wagon, which competes on price with the high end of the A3 range when those options begin to add up.

2013 Audi A3 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 BMW 3-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2012 BMW 3-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Lexus CT 200h Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Subaru Impreza Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 The 2013 Audi A3 wears its age well, and remains a sporty, versatile choice for compact hatchback buyers who can afford a little luxury.	8.6 The 2013 BMW 3-Series is safe, fuel-efficient, and well-connected, yet it delivers the class-leading performance and handling that enthusiasts have come to expect.	8.4 The 2012 BMW 3-Series delivers the class-leading sport-sedan performance and handling enthusiasts have come to expect, yet it makes substantial improvements in fuel-efficiency, active safety, and connectivity.	7.8 The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is a surprisingly stylish, fun, and unexpected car, blending Lexus levels of refinement with superb hybrid gas mileage. It's the sole compact luxury hybrid hatch, but it offers good value and a new way of driving green.	8.2 With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one.	7.8 Crisply restyled, with higher gas mileage, more space inside, a nicer interior, and all-wheel drive standard, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a newly compelling compact alternative.
MSRP From
$27,270	$32,550	$34,900	$29,120	$15,200	$17,495
Gas Mileage
21 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	43 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy
Engine
Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas/Electric I4	Gas I4	Gas Flat 4
EPA Class
Small Station Wagons	Compact Cars	Compact Cars	Compact	Compact	Compact Cars
Style Name
4-Door HB Man FrontTrak 2.0T Premium	4-Door Sedan 320i RWD	4-Door Sedan 328i RWD	FWD 4-Door Hybrid	4-Door Sedan Man i SV	4-Door Man 2.0i
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	4	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Hatchback	Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Hatchback	4 Door Sedan	Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Manual	Continuously Variable Ratio	Manual	Manual