Verdict
The Audi A3 Sedan 8Y is the clear performance and equipment step up: its 1,984 cc turbo petrol makes 187 hp and 320 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 7.3 seconds versus 8.2 seconds. But the RM107,900 gap is vast, and the older Audi A3 Sedan 8V Facelift remains the lighter, thriftier choice at 1,245 kg and 4.9 L/100 km. Both retain front-wheel drive, a 425-litre boot and five seats, so the 8Y’s extra money chiefly buys pace, newer cabin hardware and added safety kit rather than more carrying capacity.
Pick the Audi A3 Sedan 8V Facelift if lower purchase cost, 4.9 L/100 km rated economy and RM70 annual road tax matter more than outright performance and newer infotainment.
Pick the Audi A3 Sedan 8Y if you want 187 hp, 320 Nm, a 10.1-inch MMI system and the added safety hardware despite the much higher outlay.
Key differences
- Price: RM231,090 versus RM338,990
- Output: 147 hp and 250 Nm versus 187 hp and 320 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 8.2 seconds versus 7.3 seconds
- Rated fuel economy: 4.9 L/100 km versus 6.2 L/100 km
- Kerb weight: 1,245 kg versus 1,535 kg
- Road tax: RM70 per year versus RM372 per year
8V Facelift
- RM107,900 cheaper to buy
- Better 4.9 L/100 km rated economy
- Lighter by 290 kg and wears 18-inch wheels
- 147 hp and 250 Nm trail the 8Y’s 187 hp and 320 Nm
- Smaller 7.0-inch infotainment system and no driver’s seat memory
- No alarm, tyre-pressure monitoring system or lane departure warning
8Y
- 187 hp, 320 Nm and a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 10.1-inch MMI with Audi connect and smartphone interface
- Driver’s memory seat, alarm, TPMS and lane departure warning
- RM107,900 more expensive
- Rated consumption rises to 6.2 L/100 km
- RM372 annual road tax versus RM70
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM231,090✓ | RM338,990 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM372 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,395 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 187 hp✓ |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 320 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | S tronic | 7-speed S tronic Transmission |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | BorgWarner | BorgWarner |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.2 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 4.9 L/100 km✓ | 6.2 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 224 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 114 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,458 mm | 4,495 mm |
| Width | 1,796 mm | 1,816 mm |
| Height | 1,416 mm | 1,425 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,637 mm | 2,636 mm |
| Weight | 1,245 kg | 1,535 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 51 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 425 litres | 425 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/40R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 | Bridgestone Turanza T005 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" 5 Twin Spoke Design Alloy | 17" 5-Parallel-Spoke Style Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" 5 Twin Spoke Design Alloy | 17" 5-Parallel-Spoke Style Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Comfort Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side and Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for front passenger seat and two outer rear seats | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Lane Departure Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Headlights | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 7.0" MMI Navigation plus with MMI Touch, Bluetooth and 8 Speakers | 10.1" MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface and Audi sound system |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Audi virtual cockpit | Audi Virtual Cockpit |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
8V Facelift vs 8Y FAQ
Is the Audi A3 Sedan 8V Facelift or Audi A3 Sedan 8Y better?
The Audi A3 Sedan 8Y is better equipped and substantially quicker, with 187 hp, 320 Nm and a 7.3-second century sprint. The Audi A3 Sedan 8V Facelift is the more rational choice if purchase price, fuel use and road tax carry greater weight.
What is the price difference?
The Audi A3 Sedan 8Y costs RM107,900 more than the Audi A3 Sedan 8V Facelift. It adds 40 hp, 70 Nm, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, driver’s seat memory and extra safety equipment, but no extra boot space.
Which Audi A3 Sedan is cheaper to run on paper?
The Audi A3 Sedan 8V Facelift is cheaper on the stated figures: it returns 4.9 L/100 km versus 6.2 L/100 km and incurs RM70 annual road tax versus RM372 for the 8Y.