Audi A3 vs Chery C5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi A3 at 5 stars (2025) and the Chery C5 at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Audi A3 and 87% for the Chery C5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi A3, against 4 on the Chery C5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi A3 and 7 in the Chery C5.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Chery C5 gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi A3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Chery C5. The Chery C5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi A3 gets leather upholstery while the Chery C5 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Audi A3 and 1-zone in the Chery C5.

Drivetrain

The Audi A3 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds.

The Chery C5 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a 6-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Audi A3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 108kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi A3 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi A3 measures 4,352mm long on a 2,635mm wheelbase, 1mm longer than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Audi A3 and 370L in the Chery C5, giving the Audi A3 a 10L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi A3's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.2 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi A3 costs about $1,511 a year (5.3 L/100km) and fuel for the Chery C5 about $1,967 a year (6.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $456 a year less for the Audi A3.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi A3) and 7 years / Unlimited (Chery C5).

Where each one leads

The Audi A3: more power (110kW against 108kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (380L against 370L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,511 a year against $1,967).

The Chery C5: the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Audi A3 scores higher, 75 vs 74

The Audi A3 scores 75 to the Chery C5's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi A3 ahead by 14 points), performance (Audi A3 ahead by 12 points), value (Chery C5 ahead by 10 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi A3 costs about $456 less (5.3 L/100km against 6.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Warranty: 5 years on the Audi A3, 7 on the Chery C5.

Common questions