The Volkswagen Golf is a brilliant hatchback – but I think the Audi A3 is better

I’ve spent lots of time with the Volkswagen Golf, but after a week driving the Audi A3 I think it might actually be an even better hatchback option.

The Volkswagen Golf is the car you think about if someone says ‘family hatchback’. It’s one of the best-selling models in the UK not to mention the rest of Europe, and it’s like baby bear’s porridge – it’s not too much of anything, it’s just right. But is it actually the best of the breed?

I’ve just spent a week with an Audi A3 and it’s made me reconsider my admiration for the Golf. The two cars are really similar under the skin, but I actually think the A3 is a better car all-round – and worth the little bit of extra money. Here’s why.

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The interior is way more straightforward

The latest generation Golf came in for a lot of criticism for ditching the vast majority of physical switchgear in favour of a large touchscreen and a few touch-sensitive sliders. It’s not the worst offender – the screen is at least quite responsive and the interface makes sense – but it’s still nowhere near as user-friendly as it could be.

That’s where the Audi A3 has an advantage. Its interior may be more old-fashioned, but it’s stunningly easy to use. The touchscreen is smaller, but it’s set in the perfect spot – out of your direct line of sight but still easy to see. Beneath it, you get a bank of proper physical climate controls. For me, it’s the perfect blend of the modern and the slightly old-school, and not only is it better than the Golf’s setup, it’s also easier to use than any Audi that’s been released since.

It feels higher-quality

Audi may share many of its components with VW, but the choice of materials in the A3 more than reflects the higher price tag. From the leather on the seats to the soft, squidgy plastics adorning the dashboard and door cards, everything feels premium and expensive.

Build quality is also brilliant, with not a single creak or rattle to be found anywhere in the cabin. In contrast, you don’t need to poke far in a Golf or a more modern Audi like a Q5 to find cheap materials or some suspect trim that creaks when you poke it.

It’s more stylish

I think the Golf’s styling peaked with the Mk7 model, the immediate predecessor to the current car. The latest Golf doesn’t look awful, but it’s a bit nondescript and blobby – and the LED lightbars are so common to other vehicles now that they actually look quite tacky.

The A3 is really sharp-looking in contrast. I like the high-tech LED lights, which can display different patterns, and I like that the big grille at the front has some personality. The only criticism I’d say is that too many A3s come with black trim, which actually makes the Audi badge blend into the grille – almost like it’s ashamed.

It’s still every bit as practical

Style doesn’t have to come with compromise. The A3 has a 380-litre boot – just one litre smaller than the equivalent Golf – and has the same amount of space in the rear. That means it’s great for a small family. The only concession is that there’s no estate model, though you can have the good-looking A3 saloon as a compromise.

You get the same great engine line-up too. Steer clear of the gutless entry-level petrol, and go for the 150hp petrol instead – it’s a brilliant balance of performance and fuel economy. Or, opt for the plug-in hybrid, with a seriously useful 80+ miles of electric range.

It’s not much more expensive

An Audi A3 in the mid-range, stylish S-line trim, equipped with a 150hp petrol engine and an automatic gearbox, will cost you just over £35,000. For an R-Line Golf with the same engine, you’ll pay about £1,300 less. It’s a similar price difference over a three-year leasing deal, too.

For the extra prestige of the Audi badge and the nicer experience inside, I think it’s worth it.

Alternatives you could consider

If you’re not enamoured with either of these cars, there are other options. The Toyota Corolla is a great hatchback – it’s not very big for rear-seat passengers, but if it’s only usually one or two people using the car then you’ll enjoy its great driving manners and its super-frugal hybrid engine.

Or, you could consider the stylish Honda Civic, which is even more practical than the Golf and great to drive – even if the interior tech is a bit behind the times. For something a bit different, take a look at the striking Peugeot 308, which has a big boot and eye-catching looks, but lacklustre engine options.

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