Audi A3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
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 | CLA | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 769 000 | R 958 418 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 441/m | R 16 752/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 463 044 | R 561 199 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 305 956 | R 397 219 |
| Value after 5 years | R 342 149 | R 407 932 |
| 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
Mercedes-Benz CLA →
A design-focused four-door coupe that slots above the A-Class sedan. It sells to younger buyers who put style ahead of practicality, and the AMG 45 versions have a strong local following. Resale mirrors the A-Class: soft early on, steadier after year three.
Known for: style-led compact four-door coupe
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A3 or the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 59% 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA loses about R 397 219. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA about R 16 752, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.