Cars similar to Audi A3
Take a look at our top picks for cars like the Audi A3
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last Updated: 30 May 2025
If you fancy a flashy hatchback, it makes sense to be searching for cars similar to the Audi A3. They’re some of the best premium cars on the market.
The Audi A3 is ideal for practicality with a luxury edge. It’s spacious, packed with tech and has tonnes of finesse on the road.
Take a look at our top picks for cars like the Audi A3 before you take the plunge.
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Cars like Audi A3
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes A-Class
Audi Q2
Volkswagen Golf
Ford Focus
SEAT Leon
Peugeot 308
Honda Civic
BMW 1 Series
 "BMW 1 Series (120) front three quarters")
If you’re looking for the holy trinity of premium German hatchbacks, you’ve got the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series.
The 1 Series is the pick if you want aggressive styling and agile handling. Even the entry-level 120 with the 1.5-litre engine packs a punch. You’ll get 170hp and 240Nm of torque.
The third-generation model made the switch from rear-wheel-drive to front-wheel drive, meaning it now feels insanely grippy around corners.
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Mercedes A-Class
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Onto the next premium German offering, the A-Class is the one for sophisticated drivers who fancy something handsome and luxurious.
It’s a great option for families, with a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, and there’s a roomy 370-litre boot.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, describes the A-Class as a: “premium compact family car that’s so luxurious you might not want the kids to get in.”
There’s a range of engines as well, covering petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids.
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Audi Q2
 "Audi Q2 front")
If you like the A3 but want an SUV, we’d pick the Audi Q2. We’ve got a full Audi Q2 vs. A3 comparison review on our site, but the summary would be that both are reliable, stylish and great to drive.
In particular, the Q2’s comfortable driving position and oodles of tech make it stand out. There’s an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in sat nav with all models.
Boot space is ample at 405 litres, and you can extend that to 1,050 litres if you fold down the rear seats.
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Volkswagen Golf
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For cars similar to the Audi A3, we’ll let you in on one of the worst kept secrets – the Volkswagen Golf is built on the same platform and shares much of the same tech.
To get technical, it’s known as the MQB platform, and it’s shared across many other cars. That sets you up for reliability and easy maintenance.
The Golf has a quirkier feel than the A3 but is still premium. They’re cheap to run and cheaper than their Audi rivals as well.
Plus, every engine can achieve more than 50mpg so running costs are low.
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Ford Focus
 "Ford Focus exterior")
The Ford Focus has been around the block and has reached its best form yet in the latest models.
For cars similar to the Audi A3, it doesn’t get much better value than the Focus. There’s an eight-inch touchscreen for infotainment, plus plenty of buttons for easy muscle memory while driving.
The latest engine line-up has simplified but is still impressive. We’d choose the 1.0-litre mild hybrid that offers 125hp for daily driving, or the 155hp petrol engine for a bit more power.
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SEAT Leon
 "SEAT Leon front")
The SEAT Leon is another car that uses the same MQB platform as the Audi A3 and VW Golf – so it’s going to be very similar to the A3.
Sharing a platform with several other cars means that parts are going to be readily available, knowledge will be high and reliability strong. You’re not likely to struggle with maintenance.
Sam said: “SEAT has focused on what’s important to create a mid-sized car that will tick most of the boxes for practicality, economy and build quality.
“While it may be fairly average, it's consistent.”
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Peugeot 308
 "Peugeot 308 driving")
For cars similar to the Audi A3, the Peugeot 308 is a great choice. It’s a sleek hatchback with a spacious interior and plenty of tech – make it a great value alternative if you can ditch the Audi badge.
The interior is a big selling point. It’s evidence of Peugeot’s shift into more upmarket car making, and the minimalist dashboard with touchscreen infotainment supports that.
Previously voted Women’s World Car of the Year in 2022, the 308 is smooth drive that irons out even the most British of potholes.
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Honda Civic
 "Honda Civic front")
The Honda Civic has been an obvious choice for a spicy hatchback for years now, and it's a hot rival to the A3.
More than 50 years of experience paint the Civic as a reliable car, and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating makes it a great choice for families.
The engines keep it exciting though. The 2.0-litre petrol hybrid is nippy with 184hp and 315Nm of torque, and there’s a Sport mode that feels extra fun.
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Find a used hatchback for sale
Cars similar to the Audi A3 are worth considering if you’re not completely sold on the Audi icon.
There are plenty of models that tick A3 boxes but also bring their own flare, depending on your needs.
Take a look at our full range of used hatchbacks to see other models that might fit the bill.
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