VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
233 kW
Torque
250 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
—
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.4 s
4.9 s
Engine
1395 cc
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 110 kW while the BMW 1 Series produces 233 kW. On fuel, the A3 returns 5.8 l/100km while the 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R769 000 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
110 kW
233 kW
Torque
250 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
8.4 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
225 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1395 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
49 l
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
177 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4361 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1800-2072 mm
Height
1441 mm
1459 mm
Wheelbase
2636 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
—
156 mm
Kerb Weight
1325 DIN / 1400 EU Kg
1550 DIN / 1625 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
380-1200 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
750 Kg
Load Capacity
—
550 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
A3
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R769 000)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 233 kW)
BMW 1 Series
More powerful engine (233 kW)
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 5.8 l/100km 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 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the 1 Series delivers 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The 1 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and 1 Series?
The A3 starts from R769 000 and the 1 Series from R988 768. The A3 is cheaper by R219 768 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 not specified 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.