Compare the BMW 1 Series vs Audi A3 Sportback
AI generated from our expert reviews
Choosing between these two premium hatchbacks largely comes down to whether you prioritise everyday comfort or back-road thrills. While the Audi A3 Sportback is longer overall, both cars make it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel thanks to plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment, though three adults will find space tight across the back in either cabin. Around town, the A3’s suspension soaks up inner-city bumps well, whereas the BMW 1 Series is quite firm and jittery at low speeds. The Audi is also easier to adjust on the move thanks to its physical buttons for the ventilation, contrasting with the BMW's irritating touchscreen climate controls. Head out onto winding country roads, however, and it is the 1 Series that really shines, delivering an extra level of driver enjoyment and engagement that the A3 cannot quite match.
AI results may contain inaccuracies. Please check the details before making any financial decisions.
'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.
Compare the specs
Standard kit
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Android Auto
Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Apple CarPlay
Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Tow hitch
A fitted towbar for pulling a trailer, caravan or bike rack.
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Android Auto
Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Apple CarPlay
Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Navigation
Built-in sat nav on the car's own screen, no phone needed.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Touchscreen infotainment
A touch-operated screen for media, settings and (often) navigation.
Key information
| Body type Hatchbacks | Body type Hatchbacks |
| Available fuel types Petrol | Available fuel types Petrol |
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Boot space, seats up 300 litres (2 suitcases) | Boot space, seats up 380 litres (3 suitcases) Best |
| Boot space, seats down 1,135 litres | Boot space, seats down 1,200 litres Best |
| External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,361 mm x 1,800 mm x 1,459 mm | External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,757 mm x 1,816 mm x 1,430 mm |
| Towing capacity 1,300 kg | Towing capacity 1,300 kg |
| First year tax rate £455 | First year tax rate £455 |
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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| Drive type Front wheel drive | Drive type Front wheel drive |
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Drivetrain & power
| Engine name 120 Step Auto | Engine name 1.5 TFSI 116 |
| Engine size 1.5 L Petrol • 156 BHP | Engine size 1.5 L Petrol • 116 BHP |
| Body type Hatchbacks | Body type Hatchbacks |
| Fuel type Petrol | Fuel type Petrol |
| Transmission Automatic | Transmission Manual |
| Drive type Front wheel drive | Drive type Front wheel drive |
| Forward gears 7 | Forward gears 6 |
| Acceleration 7.8 s (0-60 mph) Best | Acceleration 9.7 s (0-60 mph) |
Dimensions & space
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Number of doors 5 | Number of doors 5 |
| Boot (seats up) 300 litres | Boot (seats up) 380 litres Best |
| Boot (seats down) 1,135 litres | Boot (seats down) 1,200 litres Best |
| Length 4,361 mm | Length 4,757 mm |
| Width 1,800 mm | Width 1,816 mm |
| Height 1,459 mm | Height 1,430 mm |
| Wheelbase 2.67 m | Wheelbase 2.82 m |
| Turning circle 11.7 m | Turning circle 11.7 m |
Full features list
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.