Audi A3 vs Toyota GR Corolla
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota GR Corolla wins on money kept: 70% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 239 973 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A3 | GR Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 769 000 | R 1 005 100 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 441/m | R 17 568/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 84% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 70% |
| Value after 3 years | R 463 044 | R 703 016 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 305 956 | R 302 084 |
| Value after 5 years | R 342 149 | R 572 992 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Strong 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
Toyota GR Corolla →
The GR Corolla brought the GR Yaris drivetrain to a more practical five-door body from 2023. South African allocations are small and the updated range now starts above R1 million, with an automatic added alongside the manual. It appeals to enthusiasts who want Golf R pace with rally-programme engineering.
Known for: gr yaris power in a bigger body
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A3 or the Toyota GR Corolla?
The Toyota GR Corolla. It keeps about 70% of its price after three years against 60% for the Audi A3, a gap of 10 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 Toyota GR Corolla loses about R 302 084. 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 Toyota GR Corolla about R 17 568, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.