New Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-AMG 45: practicality

Both of these hot hatches are bonkers fast. But is Audi's latest RS3 good enough to see off its thrilling Mercedes-AMG rival?...

New Audi RS3 rear space

Space and practicality

Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot

There are differences here, but they probably aren’t big enough to influence your decision. Your passengers will enjoy slightly more head and leg room in the back of the Mercedes A45, for example, but we’re only talking a centimetre here or there, and both cars can comfortably carry four six-footers.

Boot space is more in the A45’s favour, allowing it to swallow an extra carry-on suitcase (five versus four) below its parcel shelf in our test.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S rear space

There’s no loss in boot space compared with a regular A-Class, whereas the Audi RS3’s boot floor has been raised considerably (to accommodate its four-wheel drive system and relocated battery) and its load bay is shorter in length than the A45’s.

Both have 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks for those occasions when you need to carry more clobber, so they double as practical family cars on weekends – assuming you aren’t on a track day.


Boot space

Audi RS3

New Audi RS3 boot space

Boot 282-1104 litres Suitcases 4


Mercedes-AMG A45

Mercedes-AMG A45 S boot space

Boot 370-1210 litres Suitcases 5


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