Car and Driver Says the Audi A3 Sedan 1.8T Is Like a Mercedes-Benz CLA250 But Better

Sort of like a Mercedes CLA250, but better.

So, you’ve survived your harebrained youth. It wasn’t easy, what with Woodstock ’94 and all. Now, settled into a bungalow in the ’burbs, you bid farewell to slammed hatchbacks, red brake calipers, and flagrant GT badges.
What didn’t change is your quest for roads to nowhere and rapture at the wheel. Who says that kids’ braces and funding an IRA mean that you have to be dead inside?

Not Audi. Several months ago, the new A3 2.0T Quattro thumped its arch rivals, the BMW 228i and the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC, in our out-west comparison test. Audi’s smallest sedan won by a fair margin, providing the best combo of creature comforts, performance, and driving enjoyment. But can sports-sedan salvation be had without spending for the ­bigger engine? To find out, we tested the more humble A3 1.8T, which starts at $30,795, or $3000 less than the 2.0T Quattro.
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Terry989 - 11/12/2014 3:08:39 AM

+2 Boost

Yet the CLA continues to out sell the A3 month after month. While the A3 gets lots of high markets, it struggles to overcoming the curb appeal of the CLA.

Car4Life - 11/12/2014 7:33:17 PM

+2 Boost

Yes Terry989, unfortunately for Car and Driver and Audi, the Mercedes CLA is going to continue to shine and grow the gal because they hit this market on the nail, ppl in this category aren't looking for the most practical or reliable, otherwise they would have chosen a Camry or accord which offer more features, room, and practicality for less than both the A3 and CLA

However when it comes to curve appeal, and turning a nobody into a somebody when they pull up to the car wash, theater, lounge, parking garage, or date's house...The CLA is KING, check the sales chart for reference

IamEvilHomer - 11/12/2014 9:57:00 PM

-3 Boost

I have a hard time overcoming the vinyl seats and aftermarket looking nav screen in the CLA. the ride is pathetic also.
Coming from someone who had driven both a lot Audi hands down

Benzes1 - 11/12/2014 11:42:21 AM

+2 Boost

What an idiot. Audi still sits below average in reliability, care to go into the problems Audi has?

DTMFan - 11/12/2014 10:04:31 AM

+2 Boost

Gnut still driving the Audi propaganda machine hard.

GermanNut - 11/12/2014 10:47:14 AM

+1 Boost

Just stating the opinion of Car and Driver, DTMFan.

cidflekken - 11/12/2014 12:29:07 PM

+4 Boost

Ah, yes. Car and Driver. That very publication that has lost practically any ounce of credibility.

cidflekken - 11/12/2014 7:23:24 PM

+2 Boost

Riiiiight. You better go work out because that chip on your shoulder gets bigger every day.

carsnyc - 11/12/2014 4:45:35 PM

+2 Boost

A VW at the end of the day so it'll break.