Mercedes A-Class vs Audi A3 vs BMW 1 series

We pit the stylish new Mercedes A-Class against its premium hatch rivals from BMW and Audi
The Mercedes A-Class has always carved its own niche in the small car sector. The first two versions were more supermini-MPV than family hatch, but now the third generation has arrived, and Mercedes is aiming for the top of the premium small hatchback sector.

It gets a sporty new look, an upmarket interior packed full of hi-tech kit, a range of efficient engines and a comprehensive list of safety equipment. But does it have the right combination of talents to beat the best cars in the class? We’ve lined up the A250 AMG Sport against two hugely talented contenders to find out.

The BMW 1 Series is our current class favourite, and in 125i M Sport guise, it delivers great performance without sacrificing efficiency. Also facing the Mercedes is the all-new Audi A3. The diesel version came second to the 1 Series in its first test – so can the 1.8 TFSI do any better? And where exactly does the new A-Class fit into the mix?


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94geo - 10/24/2012 10:53:58 AM

+3 Boost

I like the new A class a lot and the amg version should be a real rocket. But it seem the 1 series offers the best mix of space, efficiency, and fun driving dynamics.

reaganeatbrains - 10/24/2012 6:55:34 PM

+1 Boost

rwd, rwd, rwd

Car4Life - 10/24/2012 12:15:00 PM

+1 Boost

I'll take the A Class, the 1 series and A3 are fine but seem morel ike mimics of eachother.

The A Class stands out from the inside out.

cidflekken - 10/24/2012 1:03:26 PM

+1 Boost

I'm still baffled at how MB can't seem to build truly competitive entry-level, non-AMG cars. Well, I guess it really comes down to their lower-level cars in almost every model that they just don't deliver. I don't think I've ever seen a base-model or lower-level model in any model range perform well against their direct competition.

reaganeatbrains - 10/24/2012 6:56:35 PM

+1 Boost

their "entry level" c-class does quite well in the U.S.

Phantom4 - 10/24/2012 9:39:36 PM

+2 Boost

The 1 series appears to be the car to beat in this class. This the 5th or 6th review I have seen were the 1 series comes out on top... That's good news for when they bring the 2 series coupe version to the US!

cidflekken - 10/25/2012 1:22:07 AM

+2 Boost

Sales-wise, yes the C250 does very well. But, in direct comparison with the A4 and 328i, in terms of performance, quality, etc, it fails. I was not referring to sales.

SoMuchChedda - 10/25/2012 1:37:29 PM

+1 Boost

Hope they bring all three to the US in some form soon!