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Is the BMW 1 Series bigger than the Audi A3?

The BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 are hatchback arch-rivals from Germany, but is the Bavarian contender bigger than its Ingolstadt-based competitor?

Author - Sean Nurse
Automotive News
BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series
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Since switching to front-wheel drive architecture, BMW's 1 Series no longer has the unique selling proposition it once had as a rear-wheel drive hatchback, turning up the heat in its rivalry with the Audi A3. Today we have a look at both products from a dimensions perspective to determine whether the 1 Series is bigger than the A3.

Model BMW 1 Series Audi A3
Length 4 319mm 4 343mm
Wheelbase 2 670mm 2 636mm
Height 1 434mm 1 449mm
Width 1 799mm 1 816mm
Boot volume 380-1200-litres 380-1200-litres
 
 
BMW 1 Series interior dimensions
 
Audi A3 interior dimensions

Verdict

There is very little to choose between the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in terms of dimensions, however, it is safe to say that the BMW is not bigger than the Audi, with the A3, if anything, coming in fractionally larger than the 1 Series.

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more

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Meet the team

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Ané AlbertseJournalistChad LückhoffJournalistCharleen ClarkeJournalistLawrence MinnieJournalistRyno FourieJournalistSean NurseJournalist