The hyper hatchback market has taken an interesting turn as the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is joined by the brand-new 2022 Audi RS3 Sportback. In this quick comparison, we look at performance, options, practicality and of course, price.
Since its launch locally back in August 2020, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S has had the segment to itself. Nothing in the hatchback segment could come close to matching its 310 kW output or hefty price tag. In September 2022, Audi South Africa announced specifications and pricing for its brand-new Audi RS3 Sportback and Sedan. With all details available, its clear to see Ingolstadt’s offering is positioned to give the Mercedes-AMG A45 S a run for its money.
In this comparison piece between Mercedes-AMG A45 S vs Audi RS3 Sportback, we crunch the engine outputs and claimed performance, compare the dimensions and practicality aspects, and measure value by seeing how much you’ll have to pay for optional extras.
Engine, Transmissions & Performance
| Mercedes-AMG A45 S | Audi RS3 Sportback | |
| Engine capacity | 2.0-litre petrol | 2.5-litre petrol |
| Number of cylinders | Four | Five |
| Gearbox | 8-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
| Power | 310 kW at 6 750 rpm | 294 kW at 5 600 rpm – 7 000 rpm |
| Torque | 500 Nm at 5 000 – 5 250 rpm | 500 Nm at 2 250 – 5 600 rpm |
| Weight | 1 635 kg | 1 570 kg |
| Claimed 0-100 kph | 3.9 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Claimed top speed | 250 kph (optional 270 kph) | 250 kph (optional 280 kph) |
| Claimed fuel economy and tank capacity | 8.4 L/100 km, 51 litres | 9 L/100 km, 55 litres |
It’s remarkable to see what AMG has achieved with that 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine in terms of performance and outputs, while offering a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Remember it’s easy to make big power, but to do so reliably? Impressive.
Audi’s RS3 Sportback may be a bit down on power in comparison to the AMG, but it is fractionally lighter and delivers maximum torque earlier in the rev range, which gives it a slight advantage when it comes to straight-line sprints from standstill. We look forward to putting the two vehicles in a head-to-head drag race to settle the debate between Mercedes-AMG A45 S vs Audi RS3 Sportback.
Practicality
| A45 | RS3 | |
| Length | 4 445 mm | 4 389 mm |
| Width | 1 992 mm | 1 984 mm |
| Height | 1 445 mm | 1 436 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 729 mm | 2 631 mm |
| Rear Seat Configuration | 60:40 split | 40:20:40 split |
| Load Capacity | 370 – 1 210 L | 282 – 1 104 L |
Features
See the full specification comparison using the Cars.co.za Compare Tool
| Mercedes-AMG A45 S | Audi RS3 Sportback | |
| List price (September 2022) | R1 300 943 | R1 215 000 |
| Infotainment system / Instrument cluster | MBUX all-digital instrument display | Audi virtual cockpit |
| Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control, USB | Yes to all | Yes to all |
| Reverse-view camera | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Climate Control | Climate Control |
| Park distance control | Yes | Yes |
| Upholstery | Artico man-made leather / microfibre | Dinamica microfiber/leatherette |
| Electric windows and mirrors | Yes, all | Yes, all |
| Seat adjustment | Manual adjustment (opt electronic) | Manual adjustment (opt electronic) |
| Steering wheel adjustment | Tilt and reach | Tilt and reach |
Mercedes-AMG A45 S vs Audi RS3 Sportback Options Available
Here’s a quick look at the options available. For the most accurate and updated pricing, its best to consult your respective dealer.
| Mercedes-AMG A45 S | Audi RS3 Sportback |
| AMG Night Package II R 9 700 AMG Night package R14 000 AMG Aerodynamics package R27 400 | Black Appearance package Plus R 7 000 Aluminum package R15 500 |
| Paint price ranges: R5 200 – R33 800 | Paint price range: R14 500 – R37 500 |
| Wheels: 4 to choose from, 2 are no-cost options 19-inch AMG R6 500 19-inch AMG Cross-spoke forged R32 700 | Wheels: 3 to choose from 19-inch Matte Black R11 000 19-inch Black with graphic R12 700 |
| Panoramic sliding sunroof R16 400 | Panoramic glass sunroof R17 000 |
| Leather package R22 000 AMG Performance Seat package High-End R82 500: -Memory Seat Package -Heated front seats -AMG Performance seats Heated front seats R5 700 Memory Seat Package R12 500 | Power front seats with memory feature for driver seat and exterior mirrors R19 300 Seat heaters in front R5 500 Fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching and embossed “RS” R18 200 |
| Heads-up display: standard | Heads-up display: R15 000 |
| Burmester® surround sound R11 000 | Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound standard |
| AMG Ride Control Suspension R24 000 | Adaptive chassis control with Audi drive select R13 000 |
| MBUX Navigation Plus R11 800 | MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch R39 300 |
| Wireless charging system R3 600 | Audi phone box R7 500 |
Other noteworthy options for the Audi RS3 Sportback include Sports tires P Zero Trofeo R by Pirelli, 265/30|245/35 R19 for R13 000, ceramic brakes for R122 000, carbon roof spoiler R23 300, top speed increased to 280 kph R27 500.
Other noteworthy options for the Mercedes-AMG A45 S include tech packages: Premium Package (R21 000)
- Advanced-Plus Package
- MBUX Navigation Plus
- THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
- KEYLESS-GO
- Hard-disc navigation
- AMG illuminated door sills with “AMG” lettering and with exchangeable cover
Premium-Plus Package (R76 000)
- Advanced-Plus Package + Premium Package
- Memory Seat Package
- MULTIBEAM LED
- 4-way lumbar support
- Parking Package with 360-degree camera
- Front left, electric memory
- Head-up display
- MBUX Interior Assistant
Summary
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Audi RS3 Sportback have never been as closely matched both in terms of performance, price and specification. Based on the above, which one would take for a weekend drive?
