If you are thinking of changing your car, here we show you these two very interesting compacts, the Toyota Corolla and the Audi A3. We choose the best.
Although the compact segment has lost some steam in recent years, given the advance of SUVs, it continues to be one of the most important in the Spanish market. Today we choose the best compact car to buy in 2023: Toyota Corolla or Audi A3.
The first difference between the two models is that one belongs to the group of general brands, the Toyota Corolla, while the Audi A3 is premium. Something that will be reflected in the price, but also in the finishes.
Both the Japanese and the German have very similar dimensions and are available with hatchback and sedan bodywork, although we will focus on the first. The Corolla also offers a variant with estate body.
The Toyota Corolla is only available with a conventional hybrid engine, while the Audi A3 offers a wide range of engines, where there is also the possibility of choosing electrified mechanics, some with an ECO label and others with a DGT ZERO Label.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a compact segment C, measures 4.37 meters long and is available with hatchback, sedan and family bodywork. Its price starts at 24,350 euros.
In 2023, the Corolla has received a slight update that affects, above all, the engines, which are more powerful than before. Now, the range consists of two options: the Corolla 140H, with 140 CV, and the 200H, with 196 CV. Both have ECO Label.
Naturally, this increase in power translates into better acceleration capabilities. The Corolla 140H does 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and the Corolla 200H takes 7.4 seconds, while consumption is the same as the previous model.
In addition, Toyota has also improved the engine’s response so that it is more immediate without revving up so much, which improves acoustic comfort.
Inside, the Corolla offers a more modern look, thanks to a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument panel and another 10.25-inch (before it was 8) for the multimedia system, which allows for more fluid and intuitive operation. .
It also improves the multimedia system, thanks to the inclusion of a new, more powerful processor that is permanently connected to the Internet, which allows it to receive wireless updates and services in real time, such as the browser. Toyota offers Toyota Smart Connect online features free of charge for the first four years.
In general, the Corolla is now a car with technological equipment similar to that of other alternatives in its category. Regarding the sensation of perceived quality, it is good, with the use of materials with a certain softness and a pleasant touch.
Finally, in terms of safety, the Corolla has received improvements in some functions, such as emergency braking, the pre-collision system, signal reading, active cruise control and lane keeping assistant, thanks to a new radar.
Audi A3
For its part, the Audi A3 measures 4.39 meters long, that is, almost the same as the Corolla, and is available with a wider range of engines. Here lies the first big difference between the two, apart from the price.
The A3 can be chosen with a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder gasoline engine and 110 CV and another 1.5 TSI four-cylinder and 150 CV. The latter is also available with a Mild-Hybrid system and ECO Label.
On the other hand, there are two diesel options, with 116 and 150 hp, both with light hybridization. Depending on the version, the change can be a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S-Tronic automatic, both in gasoline and diesel engines.
In addition, Audi offers two plug-in hybrid versions of the A3, one with 204 hp and the other with 245 hp, both with 61 kilometers of autonomy. These variants benefit from the DGT ZERO Label, an option that the Corolla does not have.
Inside, the Audi A3 offers a distinctly premium environment. The design is functional and somewhat austere, but the quality of the materials is superior to that of the Japanese. Soft surfaces predominate and the touch of the different commands is very pleasant.
It is also far superior to the Corolla in technological equipment. The multimedia system is better, not only with respect to the Japanese, but many other alternatives, and there is a huge list of options available that allow you to configure an almost unique A3, with elements that are not available in other types of cars.
This obviously comes at a price. The Audi A3 is for sale from 32,120 euros with the Advanced finish and the 110 hp gasoline engine. But, for those who want to opt for the plug-in hybrid A3, the price starts from 42,950 euros.
conclusions
It is evident that there is a clear price difference between both models and everything will depend on the needs of each one and, of course, the available budget.
The Corolla offers a great relationship between price, quality and reliability. In fact, Toyota always occupies the top positions in the different reliability rankings and it is a car that goes really well in the city, where consumption is ridiculous.
For those who prioritize comfort and are willing to pay more to enjoy more technology, better finishes and more power, the Audi A3 will satisfy them more.
