2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo vs. Audi A3

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With sophisticated and pristine style, luxurious accommodations, and exhilarating driving dynamics, the Mazda3 delivers an experience that no car in its price range can come close to matching.

For the 2021 model year, Mazda added an energetic engine to the sedan's lineup, resulting in the Mazda3 Turbo, an all-new model even further separated from its segment competitors. So, without the usual class competition, the Mazda3 Turbo looks to punch up, taking on well-established German luxury nameplates like the Audi A3. While the Mazda3 Turbo's MSRP starts about $7,000 below the A3, it delivers a similar experience, with premium accommodations, immaculate style, and advanced tech. In fact, as you'll see below, the Mazda3 Turbo soundly bests the A3 in several significant areas.

Mazda3 Turbo vs. Audi A3: Performance

The Mazda3 Turbo takes full advantage of its relatively light curb weight by equipping a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G Turbo engine. It's the same powerplant that powers the CX-9 midsize SUV, which weighs 1,000 pounds more. Needless to say, 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque will have a significantly greater effect on the smaller sport sedan. Additionally, Mazda is well-known for delivering fun-to-drive vehicles with engaging handling that excel in the curves and corners. The 2021 Mazda3 Turbo further demonstrates that commitment to outstanding, sure-footed driving dynamics by including Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control Plus and i-ACTIV® AWD as standard equipment.

While the Audi A3 may be new to the market, it's the product of a well-established German automaker with a revered history for performance excellence. Still, when comparing the A3 to Mazda's latest creation, drivers from Gainesville to Saint Augustine can see that it doesn't fare so well. In its standard configuration (Sport), the A3 features a turbocharged 184-horsepower 2.0-liter and front-wheel drive, which is a far cry from Mazda3' Turbo's prodigious figures. Stepping up to the S line quattro® AWD, the A3 gains a little ground but ultimately falls well short, at 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. And even though the Mazda3 Turbo delivers more power, it's still more efficient than the A3 (EPA-estimated 23/32/27 to 22/30/25).

Mazda3 Turbo vs. Audi A3: Safety

When considering advanced safety features, the Mazda3 Turbo's lead becomes insurmountable. Mazda demonstrates its obsessions with automotive safety by equipping the i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance technologies on every model, regardless of trim level. The Mazda3 Turbo comes standard with systems that enhance your awareness and avoid hazard avoidance and help mitigate driving stress and fatigue, including:

• Mazda Smart Brake Support (forward collision warning and mitigation)
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Steering-Adaptive Headlights with Automatic High Beam Control
• Driver Attention Alert

For the Audi A3, automatic braking support is its lone standard driver aid. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available options for the base trim, and come standard for the second trim. Riverside FL drivers can get some of the remaining features via the A3's second tier, but only by paying again for an additional package.

Finally, selecting the Mazda3 Turbo's second trim equips even more advanced technologies, like Traffic Sign Recognition, Smart Brake Support, 360° View Monitor, and Traffic Jam Assist. You won't find any of these on the A3.

Mazda3 Turbo vs. Audi A3: Technology

Jacksonville Beach shoppers seeking a tech-loaded sport sedan will find lots to like in either model. Both offer advanced infotainment systems with high-quality graphics. Mazda's 8.8-inch display is notably larger than Audi's 7-inch screen, but both models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Other tech features, however, are much more accessible on the Mazda3 Turbo.

For example, a full-color Active Driving Display is standard for the Mazda3 Turbo, while a head-up display hasn't made its way to the A3 yet. Additionally, music lovers from Ponte Vedra Beach to Brunswick, GA, will love the Mazda3 Turbo's standard 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system with Centerpoint® 2 and AudioPilot® technology. The A3's premium audio system is only available as an option for the higher trim. The Mazda3 Turbo also offers a 360-degree surround-view camera system on its second trim. While the A3 does offer this feature on its more expensive second tier, it's another costly add-on.