Audi A3 vs Subaru WRX
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Subaru WRX wins on money kept: 63% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 99 379 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A3 | WRX | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 769 000 | R 899 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 441/m | R 15 713/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 63% |
| Value after 3 years | R 463 044 | R 562 423 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 305 956 | R 336 577 |
| Value after 5 years | R 342 149 | R 430 861 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Mainstream |
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
Subaru WRX →
Split from the Impreza in 2014, the WRX carries the rally-bred turbo all-wheel-drive formula that built Subaru's local following. The current 2.4 turbo range starts at R899k in 2026, including the harder tS derivative. Enthusiast demand keeps used values firmer than mainstream Subarus.
Known for: turbo all-wheel-drive performance heritage
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A3 or the Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX. It keeps about 63% of its price after three years against 60% for the Audi A3, a gap of 2 points.
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 Subaru WRX loses about R 336 577. 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 Subaru WRX about R 15 713, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.