Compact Contenders: Comparing the VW Golf, Ford Focus, and Audi A3

Hatchbacks remain as popular as ever for car buyers. Few small cars enjoy better recognition across the UK than the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Audi A3. These models set benchmarks, combining practicality, quality and driver appeal. But which makes the best buy? We compare them across different categories.

Pricing & Equipment

In base ‘S’ trim, the Golf hatch starts from £23,360. The standard kit includes 16-inch alloys, 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, Front Assist autonomous braking and lane keeping assist. Mid-range SE models add 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring for £25,390.

The Focus kicks off at £22,465 in ‘Titanium’ form, with a heated windscreen, keyless start and wireless phone charging. Upgrading to sporty ‘ST-Line’ spec costs £24,615 and dresses things up with 18-inch rims, sports body styling and aluminium pedals.

Audi charges a premium, with A3 pricing beginning at £28,490. But that spend doesn't include desirables like sat nav, digital dials, a 10.25-inch media screen and rear parking sensors. Prestige models start at £30,700.

Deducting subvented finance deals, the Golf and Focus offer more kit for your coin. The A3 feels priciest but enhances the luxury quotient.

Performance & Economy

The Golf impresses with its new mild-hybrid 1.5-litre turbo petrol managing nearly 50 mpg, while the 2.0 TDI diesel surpasses 65 mpg. Refined, quiet and nimble, it lacks excitement but delivers accessible performance.

Sharing a platform with the Golf, the current Focus dropped diesel models entirely. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol returns 50+ mpg, while the 1.5-litre version hits 0-60 mph in 9.0 seconds. Composed through corners, the Focus excels at cruising down B-roads.

Audi fits its A3 with smooth, eager petrol and diesel engines. The standout 148 bhp 35 TFSI petrol engine rockets the hatch to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds. Yet it still achieves 44 mpg and emits less than 120 g/km CO2. Punchy performance meets carefulness.

For all-around flexibility and running costs, the Golf leads here. The Focus offers playful handling, while the A3 blends pace and parsimony.

Interior & Practicality

The Golf’s cabin looks upmarket and feels well constructed. Interior space is rated among the top-class standards, with seating for five adults and generous rear legroom. Its 380 litre boot expands to 1,237 litres folded.

Focus owners enjoy supportive seats, contemporary styling and generous room front and back. Luggage capacity measures in at 375 litres – on par with rivals and usefully square-shaped.

Audi takes first prize for interior ambience, dressing the A3 with quality materials and adjustable ambient lighting. Passengers enjoy good space, despite the sloping roofline. The boot swallows 335 litres, expanding to 1,100 litres maximum.

Technology & Safety

SE spec Golfs gain plenty of tech goodies, like adaptive cruise control, Travel Assist and semi-autonomous driving modes. An 10-inch digital cockpit display and head-up display is a nice touch from VW.

Focus Titanium models include a 13.2-inch digital dashboard, wireless charging, and SYNC 3 connectivity. A rearview camera proves handy while parking. Active safety is well covered too, with autonomous emergency braking and blind spot assist.

The A3’s standout feature is its ‘Virtual Cockpit’ – a customisable 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. Its infotainment touchscreen integrates easily with iPhones and Android devices. You also benefit from Audi’s extensive ‘Pre Sense’ safety suite.

All three score highly for crash protection. But the Golf’s digital dash and smart driver assists give it the tech edge. The A3 places second, with an honourable mention for the Focus’s value-packed spec.

Conclusion

The Golf, Focus and A3 all make convincing buys. The Golf impresses with its premium feel, low running costs and cutting-edge tech. Fun-loving drivers will enjoy the Focus’s handling. And the sleek A3 summarises Audi’s fine attention to detail, craftsmanship and performance.

Ultimately, buyers are spoilt for choice. The Golf remains the refined all-rounder, but the Focus and A3 both appeal in their own right. Figuring out priorities and test driving each will determine the best fit.