Comparison: Audi RS3 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG A45

Audi and Mercedes-AMG have between them been mostly responsible for what is undoubtedly an arms race in the premium hot hatch segment. How else can you explain two hatches that between them pump out not far off 800bhp? That’s bonkers power, making something like the RS3 Sportback the sort of car that could leave even a Ferrari 360 Modena in its rubber dust.

But, such has been the progress, that these two really are easy to drive, practical, able to handle the shopping and the family as well as the late-apex bend.

That’s great of course, but the chances are you’re not reading about these cars to see a list of stowage spaces on board, listed by size and ease of access. This is what you want – 376bhp at 6000rpm. That’s the Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic’s output, allowing a 0-62mph time of only 4.4sec.

But the Audi RS3 Sportback counters with even more power – 395bhp – and an even faster zap to 62mph – just 3.9sec. These are faintly crazy figures for a pair of upmarket hatchbacks, but that’s where we are. Acceleration in either feels brutal, face-shifting, epic. The RS3 definitely has the edge though, and feels more like an impractical hypercar at launch than a practical five-door.

However, when the road stops being straight and goes all bendy, then the Merc-AMG makes a thundering comeback. Both cars have all-wheel drive, but the Audi has rather vague steering and a tendency to run a bit wide while not exactly involving the driver to the level you want and need.

The A45, on the other hand, plugs you in directly and can be placed with extreme precision, even as the world goes mad around you. There’s a beautiful balance to the Merc, taken further by the £595 optional adaptive suspension, which really smooths out the ride.

The Audi can’t match that, even with the £995 adaptive suspension, with a firmer ride whatever setting you go for. However, if you’re after a fast cruise the Audi scores higher, being notably quieter than the more boomy and snarly Merc-AMG.

The A45 backs up that attitude with a cabin that looks very sporty and which sits the driver low, with heavy support. It’s a proper racing posture, helped by the extra lumbar support which is yet another option, this time costing £895 in the AMG Exlusive Package.

Audi riposted by fitting a £795 Super Sport seat in the front, which was a fabulous wingback thing that was really comfy and supportive. And of course Audi has the cabin class to fend off just about anything, including this A45. It can be a bit dark, but, yet again, put your hand in your pocket where you might find £895 in small change and you can brighten things up with the RS Design Pack.

Audi’s infotainment system is pretty much perfect, and it’s even mounted at eye level and disappears into the dashboard when not needed. The A45’s system also uses a rotary controller like the Audi but it’s not as logical or easy to navigate. You’d need to find another £995 to upgrade to the Comand Online system to get something roughly on a par.

But no amount of optional extras can offset the fact that the Audi has more room in the rear and a more usable boot, to boot. It can take five carry-on cases to the Merc’s four and is just more accessible. Would you like to hear how the cars compare on ability to carry odds and ends and golf carts? Didn’t think so.