Head to head · Hatchback
Volkswagen Golf vs Audi A3
On the measures that matter most to a used buyer — value retention, reliability, fuel economy and insurance — the Volkswagen Golf comes out ahead of the Audi A3, winning 3 of the 4 categories where the two differ.
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £18,350 (2023, 28,500 mi) | £15,950 (2023, 30,000 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 72% · wins | 63% |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 78 · wins | 76 |
| Average mpg | 50 | 52 · wins |
| Insurance group | 22 · wins | 23 |
| Road tax / year | £200 | £200 |
| Typical annual service | £260 · wins | £290 |
Valuations are each model's ~3-year-old example at typical mileage, through the same model behind the profiles. Adjust mileage, trim and condition in the interactive comparison →
Golf vs A3 — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the Golf or the A3?
The Volkswagen Golf scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 78 against the Audi A3's 76 out of 100.
Which holds its value better, the Golf or the A3?
The Volkswagen Golf — it keeps about 72% of its original price after three years, against 63% for the Audi A3.
How much does a used Golf cost compared with a A3?
A roughly three-year-old Volkswagen Golf is worth about £18,350 at typical mileage, against about £15,950 for the equivalent Audi A3.