Audi A3 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Audi A3 starts from $54,800 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $58,990. That makes the Audi A3 the more affordable entry point by $4,190.

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 $64,889 respectively.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $7,195 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi A3 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Audi A3 and 83% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Audi A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi A3 gets leather upholstery while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers cloth.

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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 1.1s 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, 368mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Audi A3 and 494L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 114L advantage.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 400kg 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 $72/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,439 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $1,511 (Audi A3) vs $72 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,439 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.