Audi A3 vs Mazda CX-80
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$54,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$56,100RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Audi A3 & Mazda CX-80
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Price Breakdown
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.
Safety Rundown
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.
Recalls on our record
Audi A3
- REC-005771 · published 12 Sep 2023Due to an installation defect, the internal fuse box wiring harness may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- REC-000030 · published 5 Nov 2020Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2012
- REC-000031 · published 6 May 2020Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2007 - 2016
- 6 more on the model page.
Mazda CX-80
- REC-006434 · published 15 Sep 2025Due to a software programming issue of the Body Control Module (BCM), the instrument cluster fuel level may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
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 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 — features our data doesn't list for 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.
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 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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi A3 is 0.9s 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, 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
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.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-80 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda CX-80: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 76, but the Audi A3 is $1,300 cheaper
The Mazda CX-80 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 76), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Mazda CX-80 ahead by 12), practicality (Mazda CX-80 ahead by 10), reliability (Mazda CX-80 ahead by 8). The Mazda CX-80 will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi A3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A3 and Mazda CX-80?
The Audi A3 is the cheapest at $54,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-80 by $1,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-80 uses the least fuel at 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Audi A3 and Mazda CX-80 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A3 has the largest boot at 380L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-80 makes the most power at 187kW. The Audi A3 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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