Audi A3 8V vs Volkswagen Golf MK7

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

The third-generation A3 (8V), on the MQB platform.

Volkswagen Golf

MK7 · 2012 – 2020

The seventh-generation Golf (MK7), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the A3 for a premium, digital interior and efficient engines in a compact hatch.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Golf

Pick the Golf for a balanced mix of refinement, practicality and driving enjoyment.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Audi A3	Volkswagen Golf
Power	150 hp	150 hp
Torque	250 Nm	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,2 s	8,2 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	216 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t Winner	116,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km	116 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km	5,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Volkswagen Golf
Boot	380 L	380 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,64 m Winner
Length	4,31 m	4,26 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	13,9 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.600 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Volkswagen Golf
Platform	MQB (transverse)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

DQ200 DSG service (1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI)
Timing-chain tensioner on early EA888 1.8/2.0
Water pump/Haldex (quattro) needs checking

Volkswagen Golf

DQ200 DSG service (automatic)
Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
AdBlue/DPF on 2.0 TDI (short trips)

Pros

Audi A3

High-grade interior quality
Efficient EA211/EA288 engines
Optional quattro drive

Volkswagen Golf

Light MQB platform with sharp handling
Thrifty, smooth TSI/TDI engines
Solid build quality

Cons

Audi A3

Firm ride on S line
Dated pre-facelift infotainment

Volkswagen Golf

EA111 chain (early 1.4 TSI, pre-2014)
Plastic water pump needs checking

Driving experience

Audi A3

Quiet, precise and easy to drive quickly. The A3 steers accurately with a light, consistent weighting, rides well on its standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. Front-drive versions are neat and predictable; quattro adds strong traction out of corners and on poor surfaces, particularly on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is the pick — smooth, economical and quick enough; the 2.0 TFSI adds real pace; the 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage choice. The S tronic is sharp; the manual is light and precise. Body control is good, though the A3 is tuned more for comfort than for entertainment.

Volkswagen Golf

Balanced, comfortable and easy to place. The Golf rides with a maturity unusual for a hatchback, stays quiet at speed, and steers accurately with well-judged weighting. Front-drive versions are safe and predictable; 4MOTION on the R adds serious cross-country pace and traction. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible everyday pick — smooth and economical — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the GTI and R versions add real performance. The DSG is quick; the manual is crisp. Body control is composed, and while the Golf is not overtly sporty, it does everything well without fuss.