Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A3 | 1 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 769 000 | R 713 395 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 441/m | R 12 469/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 463 044 | R 429 562 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 305 956 | R 283 833 |
| Value after 5 years | R 342 149 | R 317 408 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi A3 →
The A3 has been Audi's volume passenger car in South Africa since 1997, sold as a Sportback hatch and a sedan. It shares its platform and engines with the VW Golf family while charging a premium for the badge and cabin. Used demand stays steady, and the S3 and RS3 hold value better than base cars.
Known for: golf underpinnings with upmarket cabin
BMW 1 Series →
The 1 Series has been BMW's entry point in South Africa since 2004, first as a rear-wheel-drive hatch and since 2019 as a front-wheel-drive one. Badge appeal keeps demand steady among younger buyers moving up from mainstream hatches. Used values are reasonable for the segment, though running costs once the motor plan expires put some buyers off.
Known for: entry point to the bmw badge
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A3 or the BMW 1 Series?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 60% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi A3 loses about R 305 956 over three years and the BMW 1 Series loses about R 283 833. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Audi A3 runs about R 13 441 per month and the BMW 1 Series about R 12 469, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.