VS
At a Glance
Power
132kW@4500
233 kW
Torque
280Nm@1350
400 Nm
Fuel
6.6
7.8 l/100km
Towing
1600
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.7
4.9 s
Engine
1798
1998 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A3 and the BMW 1 Series is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A3 delivers 132kW@4500 while the BMW 1 Series produces 233 kW. On fuel, the A3 returns 6.6 while the 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R362 500 for the A3 and R988 768 for the 1 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
132kW@4500
233 kW
Torque
280Nm@1350
400 Nm
0-100 kph
6.7
4.9 s
Top Speed
228
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1798
1998 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
8.2
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.6
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
49 l
CO2 Emissions
153
177 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4237
4361 mm
Width
-1777
1800-2072 mm
Height
1421
1459 mm
Wheelbase
2601
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
123
156 mm
Kerb Weight
1350
1550 DIN / 1625 EU Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
380-1200 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
750 Kg
Load Capacity
1100
550 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
AUDI A3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
A3
Practicality
A3
Pros & Cons
AUDI A3
Better fuel economy (6.6)
Lower starting price (R362 500)
Higher towing capacity (1600)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW 1 Series
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or 1 Series?
The A3 uses 6.6 and the 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A3 or 1 Series?
The A3 produces 132kW@4500 and 280Nm@1350 of torque while the 1 Series delivers 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A3 and 1 Series?
The A3 starts from R362 500 and the 1 Series from R988 768. The A3 is cheaper by R626 268 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A3 or 1 Series?
The A3 has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the 1 Series can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A3 or the 1 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.