Established small car players like Honda Civic and Audi A3 face competition from new Chinese brands entering the market for small cars.
The Honda Civic's 11th generation offers a hybrid-only lineup with the flagship LX e:HEV model priced at $55,900, challenging premium brands.
The Audi A3, starting at $54,800, competes closely with the Civic LX e:HEV, which costs slightly more at $55,900.
Both cars come with similar levels of standard equipment, such as LED headlights, electrically heated front seats, and digital displays for infotainment.
The Civic and A3 both have five-star ANCAP safety ratings, with the Civic scoring higher in some safety criteria like Child Occupant Protection and Safety Assist.
In terms of interior design, the Audi A3 showcases a blend of high-quality materials and digital elements, setting a benchmark for interior quality.
The Honda Civic offers a more spacious interior design, but with slightly lower quality materials compared to the Audi A3.
The Civic LX e:HEV boasts a hybrid powertrain producing 135kW and 315Nm, achieving impressive fuel consumption of 4.2L/100km.
The Audi A3 features a turbocharged 1.5L engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering a more engaging driving experience but higher fuel consumption at 5.3L/100km.
In terms of ownership costs, the Honda Civic offers a more affordable servicing package compared to the Audi A3, with a $995 total capped-price service cost.