Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi RS3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
From $48,900
Hatchback
Petrol
100kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
370L
Audi RS3
From $99,208
Hatchback
5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging
294kW
8.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
282L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class starts from $48,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi RS3 opens at $99,208. That makes the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the more affordable entry point by $50,308.
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 $53,790 and $109,129 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz A-Class by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi RS3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 89% for the Audi RS3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi RS3 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 6 in the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi RS3 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Sonos 3D Premium audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses a Petrol producing 100kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Audi RS3 responds with a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging making 294kW and 500Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS3 is 5.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class measures 4,419mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the Audi RS3 at 4,389mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 282L in the Audi RS3, giving the Mercedes-Benz A-Class a 88L advantage.
For towing, the Audi RS3 leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and $2,366/year for the Audi RS3. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs $2,366 (Audi RS3). The Mercedes-Benz A-Class saves you roughly $741 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz A-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi RS3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi RS3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class 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, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi RS3?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the cheapest at $48,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS3 by $50,308.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi RS3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the largest boot at 370L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi RS3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS3 makes the most power at 294kW. The Audi RS3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.8s.
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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