Audi A3 vs Mazda CX-80

The Audi A3 starts from $54,800 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-80 opens at $56,100. That makes the Audi A3 the more affordable entry point by $1,300.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,280 and $61,710 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Audi A3 and Mazda CX-80 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Audi A3 and 92% for the Mazda CX-80.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi A3, against 6 on the Mazda CX-80.

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 6 in the Mazda CX-80.

The Audi A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-80 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi A3 stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-80. The Mazda CX-80 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi A3 gets leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-80 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Audi A3 and 3-zone in the Mazda CX-80.

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 Mazda CX-80 responds with a Diesel making 187kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Mazda CX-80 has the clear power advantage at 187kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A3 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi A3 measures 4,352mm long on a 2,635mm wheelbase, 638mm shorter than the Mazda CX-80 at 4,990mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Audi A3 and 258L in the Mazda CX-80, giving the Audi A3 a 122L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mazda CX-80 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,511/year for the Audi A3 and $1,482/year for the Mazda CX-80. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-80.

Estimated annual total: $1,511 (Audi A3) vs $1,482 (Mazda CX-80). The Mazda CX-80 saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-80). Both match on warranty length.