Audi A3 Sedan vs Subaru WRX
Verdict
These are both C-segment CBU petrol sedans, but the Subaru WRX is RM52,745 cheaper at RM286,245 against RM338,990, yet brings 271 hp, 375 Nm, AWD and a manual gearbox. The Audi A3 Sedan counters with a wet dual-clutch auto, a stated 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time, 6.2 L/100 km economy and a larger 425-litre boot; it also has lower RM372 road tax. Subaru is bigger in every dimension, has seven airbags to six and a 63-litre tank, but costs RM767 a year in road tax.
Pick the Audi A3 Sedan if you want the automatic, the stated fuel economy, the bigger boot and the lower annual road tax.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want more power, AWD, a manual gearbox and the lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Audi A3 Sedan RM338,990; Subaru WRX RM286,245
- Engine/output: Audi A3 Sedan 1,984 cc, 187 hp, 320 Nm; Subaru WRX 2,387 cc, 271 hp, 375 Nm
- Transmission/driven wheels: Audi A3 Sedan wet dual-clutch automatic, FWD; Subaru WRX manual, AWD
- Size: Audi A3 Sedan 4,495/1,816/1,425 mm; Subaru WRX 4,669/1,826/1,468 mm
- Boot/fuel tank: Audi A3 Sedan 425 litres/51 litres; Subaru WRX 411 litres/63 litres
- Airbags/road tax: Audi A3 Sedan 6/RM372; Subaru WRX 7/RM767
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 338,990 | RM 286,245✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,984 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Power | 187 hp | 271 hp✓ |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 375 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.3 s | — |
| Top speed | 240 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 6.2 L/100km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 1,816 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,425 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,636 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Boot space | 425 L✓ | 411 L |
| Fuel tank | 51 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 372✓ | RM 767 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
A3 Sedan
- 7.3-second 0-100 km/h figure
- 6.2 L/100 km fuel economy stated
- 425-litre boot beats the WRX’s 411 litres
- RM52,745 dearer
- 187 hp and 320 Nm trail the WRX
- Front-wheel drive only
WRX
- 271 hp and 375 Nm
- AWD with a manual gearbox
- Longer 2,672 mm wheelbase
- RM767 annual road tax
- 411-litre boot is smaller
- No stated 0-100 km/h, top speed or fuel economy figure
A3 Sedan vs WRX FAQ
Is the Audi A3 Sedan or Subaru WRX better?
For driving hardware and value, the Subaru WRX has the stronger case with 271 hp, 375 Nm, AWD, a manual gearbox and the lower price. The Audi A3 Sedan suits buyers prioritising an automatic, stated economy and lower road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Audi A3 Sedan costs RM338,990, while the Subaru WRX costs RM286,245. That makes the Audi RM52,745 more expensive.
Which car has more boot space?
The Audi A3 Sedan has the larger boot at 425 litres. The Subaru WRX has 411 litres, so the Audi gives you 14 litres more luggage space.