At a Glance
Power
110 kW
170 kW
Torque
250 Nm
380 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
0-100 km/h
8.4 s
6.1 s
Engine
1395 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Audi A3 and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi A3 delivers 110 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 170 kW. On fuel, the A3 returns 5.8 l/100km while the Cooper uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R769 000 for the A3 and R745 574 for the Cooper. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
110 kW
170 kW
Torque
250 Nm
380 Nm
0-100 kph
8.4 s
6.1 s
Top Speed
225 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1395 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
155 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
3876 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1744-1970 mm
Height
1441 mm
1452 mm
Wheelbase
2636 mm
2495 mm
Kerb Weight
1325 DIN / 1400 EU Kg
1330 DIN / 1405 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
380-1200 l
210-530-725 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
—
440 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cooper
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
Cooper
Practicality
A3
Pros & Cons
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 170 kW)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
More powerful engine (170 kW)
Lower starting price (R745 574)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.1 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.8 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A3 or Cooper?
The A3 uses 5.8 l/100km and the Cooper uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A3 or Cooper?
The A3 produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 170 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The Cooper is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A3 and Cooper?
The A3 starts from R769 000 and the Cooper from R745 574. The Cooper is cheaper by R23 426 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A3 or the Cooper?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.