Volkswagen Golf R vs Audi A3 Sportback

2025 Volkswagen Golf R
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Audi A3 Sportback
2018 Audi A3 Sportback
$39,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Audi A3 Sportback
$39,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2012-2013

Years produced

2016-2018

MSRP

$47,100

MSRP

$39,500

Listings

838

Listings

91

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

Pros

  • Great handling

  • Powerful engine

  • Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Poor ergonomic design

Reviews Summary

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is the hotter of VW’s two hot hatchbacks, boasting more power than its Golf GTI platform mate, plus a standard all-wheel-drive system (AWD), known as 4Motion, and a commensurately higher base price that puts it in the same competitive set as the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla. The current-generation Golf R was launched as a 2022 model but gains a handful of small updates for 2025, including a new touchscreen infotainment system and two new styling packages.

Verdict: It’s hard to fault the Golf R’s performance capabilities and everyday usability, but the same can be said of its GTI sibling.

Reviews Summary

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 328 hp I4

Engine

1.4L 204 hp I4 Hybrid

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

328 hp @ 5850 rpm

Horsepower

204 hp @ 5000 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

8.8 kWh

MPG City

22

MPG City

81

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

86

Battery Charge Time (240V)

Battery Charge Time (240V)

2.5 hours
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Audi A3 Sportback
2018 Audi A3 Sportback
$39,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Audi A3 Sportback
$39,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2012-2013
2016-2018
MSRP
$47,100
$39,500
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.4

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Great handling

  • Powerful engine

  • Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Poor ergonomic design

Summary

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is the hotter of VW’s two hot hatchbacks, boasting more power than its Golf GTI platform mate, plus a standard all-wheel-drive system (AWD), known as 4Motion, and a commensurately higher base price that puts it in the same competitive set as the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla. The current-generation Golf R was launched as a 2022 model but gains a handful of small updates for 2025, including a new touchscreen infotainment system and two new styling packages.

Verdict: It’s hard to fault the Golf R’s performance capabilities and everyday usability, but the same can be said of its GTI sibling.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 328 hp I4
1.4L 204 hp I4 Hybrid
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
328 hp @ 5850 rpm
204 hp @ 5000 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
8.8 kWh
MPG City
22
81
MPG Highway
31
86
Battery Charge Time (240V)
2.5 hours
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