VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

×

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK

Both the Golf and the A3 are basically hatchbacks

This time we will compare the Volkswagen Golf, whose minor change was announced in September, with the Audi A3 Sportback, whose minor change was released in Europe in March this year but has not yet been introduced in Japan. Both cars are hatchback models. The Golf’s basic form is a hatchback, but the A3’s basic form is also a hatchback. Audi, as a luxury brand, is strongly associated with sedans, but the A3 sedan was actually released later as a derivative model of the hatchback. In any case, the two cars are still rivals.

In terms of body size, the A3 Sportback is 50mm longer, 25mm wider, and 25mm lower. Other than the overall length, the difference is so small that it can be considered a design difference, and they are almost the same. Although the engine displacement, which will be described later, is different, the weight and tire size are also exactly the same.

VW New Golf eTSI Active Basic

Body size = Total length 4295mm x Total width 1790mm x Total height 1475mm

Wheelbase = 2620mm

Vehicle weight = 1320kg

Tire size = 205/55R16

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI

Body size = Length 4345mm x Width 1815mm x Height 1450mm

Wheelbase = 2635mm

Vehicle weight = 1320kg

Tire size = 205/55R16

Has the new Golf engine achieved a reversal?

The Golf is fitted with a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, while the A3 Sportback is fitted with a 1.0-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine. Both vehicles feature a mild hybrid system with an increased alternator capacity and functionality, which can also be used as a drive motor.

In fact, of the two cars compared this time, the Golf has a larger engine than the A3 Sportback. Before the minor change, the base model of the Golf was equipped with a 1.0-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo, but with the switch to the new model, it has been updated to a new generation 1.5-liter engine.

The A3 Sportback will eventually be equipped with this new generation engine, a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder turbo, but at present it can be said that the Golf has the advantage in terms of power performance.

VW New Golf eTSI Active Basic

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 1.5 liters (type application pending)

Maximum output = 116 PS / 5000-6000 rpm

Maximum torque = 220 Nm / 1500-3000

rpm Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI

Engine type = Inline 3-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 999cc

Maximum power = 110PS/5500rpm

Maximum torque = 200Nm/2000-3000rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

What is the mechanism behind price reversal?

Considering that Volkswagen is a basic mass-market car brand and Audi is a high-end premium brand, the prices of the Golf and the A3 Sportback are reversed. However, the Golf is a new model that has just been released, and the price setting is likely taking into account the recent rise in costs and the weak yen.

Furthermore, the Golf comes standard with the latest driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane keep assist, while the A3 Sportback has these as options. If you add a similar system to the A3 Sportback, the price will be higher.

In any case, with its new engine and advanced driver assistance system, there’s no doubt that the new Golf is now moving up a notch.