Audi A3 vs MG MG4

The Audi A3 starts from $54,800 before on-road costs, while the MG MG4 opens at $37,990. That makes the MG MG4 the more affordable entry point by $16,810.

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 $41,789 respectively.

The MG MG4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi A3 and MG MG4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A3 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the MG MG4.

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 MG MG4.

The Audi A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the MG MG4 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 heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the MG MG4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi A3 gets leather upholstery while the MG MG4 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Audi A3 and 1-zone in the MG MG4.

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 MG MG4 responds with a Electric making 125kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The MG MG4 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG4 is 0.2s 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, 65mm longer than the MG MG4 at 4,287mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 325L in the Audi A3 and 363L in the MG MG4, giving the MG MG4 a 38L advantage.

For towing, the MG MG4 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG4). The MG MG4 has longer coverage.