2021Toyota Corolla 2.0 VVT-h Excel CVT or 2021 Audi A3 1.5 TFSI 35 S line Saloon 4dr

funkey_monkey · 08-05-2026 03:56PM #1

Which would be the better option?

Corolla is about £1500 cheaper. Have similar miles (~45k). 3 owners for the Corolla (1 for 8 months). A3 is single owner.

I mostly work from home, but when I commute, it is on minor, A roads and motorways. 100 mile round trip. I've previously only driven diesels, but my mileage is now quite low - up to 4,000 per annum.

Having driven sh1tboxes mostly up until now, I want some thing that is a better experience in terms of comfort. Performance isn't a real worry, as my last car was a 90hp diesel and was fine for my needs.

My concerns are Corolla has CVT box and 3 prev owners already. Toyotas don't seem to be the type of car that owners regularly change (IMO), so its a bit of a concern (it is being sold via a main dealer though). I've not driven an auto/cvt before either. The Toyota also has a very low towing ability.

Both cars are in a spec/config that I like. I'm unsure whether the Audi would be a more comfortable/better car for my commutes.

What are peoples thoughts on both cars?

goochy · 08-05-2026 05:00PM

Could u pick any more different cars ??

funkey_monkey · 08-05-2026 05:09PM

The only other car I had liked the look of in my budget was a 2-Series saloon/Gran Coupe.

User1998 · 08-05-2026 05:27PM

Test drive both

GPoint · 08-05-2026 06:25PM

OP, if you have poor roads along your commute then audi may be too firm and Corolla will be too loud. Comfort comes with big saloons and long wheelbase. 100 mile is a long trip. I do half that but daily and I would not see my self in either of these two cars.

Test drive is a must.

Mechanically, Corolla will be slightly better choice in terms of maintenance and costs.
You don’t have to buy these particular examples. If you liked one but not happy with condition or history just find another similar car.

And another advise , the more cars you test drive the better.

Tests cars in places with easy access to national roads and not city where you could only crawl in traffic and drive slowly. You want to test the car in conditions you will use it most.

funkey_monkey · 08-05-2026 06:49PM

@GPoint - that is correct regarding wheelbase. However, the next size up is an A4 and I'm always on my own in car, so driving and parking up the A4 might be a bit too much.

I'm expecting that the level of comfort to be a step increase anyway from my current 20yo banger.

GPoint · 08-05-2026 08:03PM

True, anything relatively fresh will be massive upgrade form 20year old car.

sky18 · 08-05-2026 09:22PM

I'm on my second A3. I had a '21 1.5 auto mild hybrid hatch and currently have a '24 1.5 auto mild hybrid saloon. Things to keep an eye on oil and coolant and software problems on the mmi/radio which may need an update. I had no issues with the software on both. Top mounts on the front can creak over bad speed bumps the new one hasn't done this yet. There is not much space in the back and it can be a bit low for some people.

Speedline · 12-05-2026 08:57PM

My missus has a '21 corolla excel 1.8 hatch which, in a year and a half has needed nothing but a set of wipers. And it's lovely to drive. However the 2.0 hatch has the 12v battery in the boot, which eats up a lot of room. If it's a hatch and you need boot space, I'd think again. The 1.8 doesn't have this issue.

funkey_monkey · 12-05-2026 11:19PM

@sky18 How do you find the inside for long journeys and the auto box?

There are an abundance of 1.0 TFSI's for sale near to me, but I think they would be underpowered for my needs.

funkey_monkey · 12-05-2026 11:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124463724#Comment_124463724

I don't need the room. It'll just be myself rattling about in it mostly. How do you find the CVT?

Tempted to land up later inw eek for a look up close. Is there anything I need to be aware of or check for?

Still have a hankering for the A3, but I'll see if I can get to it at the weekend.

13-05-2026 12:05AM

It's not a CVT in the traditional sense, on the hybrid they call it an eCVT but you don't get the lag from a traditional CVT. It's a lot more responsive but it's still an auto box. In my experience Toyota hybrids encourage smooth, efficient driving as a result of the box, you generally don't want to floor it because of the noise and revs.

I'd personally go for the Corolla. There's a level of reliability you really won't get in another car at that price. They also handle great and are responsive. Make sure to get service history and check for previous crashes because 3 owners is unusual in that space of time.

Speedline · 13-05-2026 12:32AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124464108#Comment_124464108

Very very smooth to drive, and it handles very well on the 18s. And if you want to have some fun, put it in sport mode.

Its a little bit noisy if you're in eco or normal mode and you're gunning it, but then if you want a fast car you're not going to be considering a Corolla in the first place.

sky18 · 13-05-2026 07:37AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124464067#Comment_124464067

It's comfortable on long journeys the S line seats are good I don't get any back pain with them. No issues with the auto I actually like it won't be going back to manual any time soon. I think the 1.5 is a good all rounder just enough for the road and good mpg I see around 4.6 l per 100km on a long drive 5.4 on the commute to work. If your looking at the mild hybrid make sure your happy with the brakes they can take time to get used to them sometimes when you brake they can be a bit odd like is it going to stop.

funkey_monkey · 13-05-2026 09:06AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124464124#Comment_124464124

It has 3 owners. 2nd owner had it under a year. Last owner has had it about 3yrs. I paid for one of those online checks and it reports no salvage history against it.

2021Toyota Corolla 2.0 VVT-h Excel CVT or 2021 Audi A3 1.5 TFSI 35 S line Saloon 4dr

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