Small luxury cars are very much in vogue right now. They’re chic, sporty, comfortable—they’ve got it all. The Audi A3 might have the edge when it comes to those interior finishing touches, but there’s no denying the BMW 1 Series’ superior infotainment system.
Before we get down to the nuts and bolts, let’s compare their key stats.
| Audi A3 | BMW 1 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand-new price range | £25,000–£48,000 | £27,000–£43,000 |
| Car Planet price range | £8,000–£12,000 / £160–£237 a month | £10,000–£13,000 / £192–£273 a month |
| Trims | 8 | 5 |
| Engines | 6 | 6 |
| Available fuels | Petrol, diesel, hybrid | Petrol, diesel |
| mpg range across all versions | 61–217 | 38–61 |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Warranty | 3 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/No mileage cap |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £500/£3,000 | £2,000/£3,000 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £1,000/£7,000 | £3,000/£6,000 |
Driving experience
Both the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series offer a selection of refined and competent engines, although it’s diesel that unlocks optimal performance in both.
The A3 handles smoothly on corners and feels totally at ease no matter the road type and regardless of the trim. Its turning is decisive, by virtue of Audi’s electric power steering. Petrolheads will be happy, too: the 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine is right at home on a city spin. That being said, for the ‘true’ Audi experience you probably want to go for the 2L Quattro four-wheel-drive diesel system, which comes with a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox and achieves 62mph in just 6.8s. The 2L diesel engine also returns great fuel economy if you’re a regular motorway driver.
While the A3 may handle with poise and vigour, it won’t blow you away like the 1 Series will. Because despite the 1 Series having lost its rear-wheel-drive capabilities, it remains both quiet and comfortable at high speeds, with extremely engaging steering and a smooth gearbox making for a more agile drive. The pick of the bunch is the frugal 2L 118d version. (The more affordable petrol equivalent is the 118i, which is quiet but really only worth considering if you’ll be sticking to driving around town.) You’ve also got the option of the high-performance Mi35i, which is seriously rapid—one for the thrill seekers.
Practicality
Both the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series are noticeably capacious up front, but the A3 is the place to be if you’ve been relegated to riding in the back.
The A3 has more than enough leg- and shoulder room for tall adults to be comfortable on a long journey. If you opt against having a sunroof, there shouldn’t be any complaints from those over 6ft in the headroom department, either. The rear space is decent as well, especially for a hatchback, making the A3 an eligible choice if you’re looking for a small family car. For boot space, the A3 and 1 Series are neck-and-neck when it comes to the hatchback.
The 1 Series’ new front-wheel-drive system means all five seats are more spacious than those of its predecessor. The cabin neatly blends style with practicality, and you have the option of getting the five-door as standard. Unfortunately the rear seats don’t reap the same benefits when it comes to roominess, and feel a bit cramped and less supportive in contrast with those of the A3.
Interior
The interior of the A3 exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship practiced at Audi. Everything feels like it’s been created from high-grade premium materials, and the layout of the dash is both classy and minimalist. If you’re on the lookout for a side of luxury with your comfort, the S Line spec comes with Alcantara leather seats and a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, both of which complete the cabin’s inviting feel.
With driver safety top-priority, Audi’s 7in popup infotainment system is controlled by a slick user-friendly rotary dial between the front seats. Those into gizmos should check out the optional Audi Tech Pack, which replaces the traditional speedo with the 12.3in Virtual Cockpit, giving easier access than ever to driver info and the satnav.
The BMW 1 Series arrives after a much-needed facelift, and now boasts a far more sophisticated cabin replete with exceptional tech features. The cutting-edge system includes a standard 8.8in touchscreen, and comes with crisper graphics and more impressive add-ons than the A3. And while the 1 Series’ dash may not live up to the hype of the A3’s, it’s still a huge improvement on that of its predecessor. It feels well built, and there’s soft-touch plastics dotted all over the place for an immersive tech experience.
Costs
There’s little difference between the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series when it comes to retail price. Both start in the £23,000 region, which sits in the upper echelons of the family hatchback class. It’s only when you’re willing to pay the premium price that you’ll experience the full extent of the luxury available in both.
But then there’s each car’s fuel economy to consider, too. The Audi SE Technik 35 TDI 5dr returns a respectable 65.7 mpg and 113g/km of CO2—but the BMW SE 118d 5dr returns a whopping 68.9 mpg, with 108g/km of CO2. And if you’re a company car user, don’t forget the 4% diesel surcharge you’ll need to pay on your benefit-in-kind tax should you opt for one of these cars.
The A3 is covered by a 3-year and 60,000-mile Audi warranty, whereas BMW offers a 3-year and unlimited-mileage warranty on the 1 Series, which could be a crucial selling point for long-distance drivers. Both cars’ warranties can be extended if you so wish.
Find your perfect Audi A3 or car from the BMW 1 Series at Car Planet
The A3 is the more practical family car, oozing quality both inside and out-, but then the 1 Series boasts innovative tech features and top-drawer performance, making it easily the more fun of the two! The A3 has greater practicality and more all-round capabilities. That’s a massive selling point in the small family hatchback market. And whether the A3 or the 1 Series has piqued your interest, well—we can help!
Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so check out our selection of secondhand Audi A3s and BMW 1 Series today and let’s get the ball rolling!
