AutoExpress: Audi A3 1.4TFSI vs BMW 116i vs Mercedes A170

[KokkenTor]

1st BMW 116i
Entry-level 1-Series offers the appeal of rear-wheel-drive handling

2nd Audi A3
New small-capacity turbo engine gives the hatchback a real boost.

3rd Mercedes A170
Roomy A-Class offers plenty of practicality as its trump card.











"These three cars show you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a premium ownership experience. Rivals can offer more kit, pace or space for the same money, but few can match the feelgood factor offered by the German brands.

Nevertheless, our contenders are surprisingly different. The A-Class is cleverly packaged and designed with practicality in mind, but unless you need compact MPV space, it’s hard to recommend. It doesn’t drive as well as its rivals and can’t match their quality feel, and so it finishes third.

Picking a winner is harder. The Audi A3 has a top-notch cabin, understated styling and a gem of an engine in the punchy new 1.4 TFSI. Meanwhile, the Efficient Dynamics package makes the latest 116i the cleanest and most economical car. In the end, we’ve sided with the BMW, as it’s the most fun
to drive and the furthest removed from a conventional family hatchback."

Audi A3 vs BMW 116i vs Mercedes A170 | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

 

[Mr Robert]

Odd result from AE!

 

[cawimmer430]

These comparisons keep getting worse and worse.

1st Place: Sporty Car

2nd Place: Sporty Car

3rd Place: People Mover


Huh?

They needed a product from Mercedes, and since the C-Class Sportcoupe isn't here yet, they picked the A-Class. A car that drives nicely, quite sporty but isn't a sports car or remotely sporty in the sense of a BMW 1-Series. Man, without even driving these cars I can tell you that the A-Class will finish last. It doesn't even compete with these cars.

Also, they said the A-Class can't match the "quality feel" of the rivals. Where did they get this from? When I worked for a Mercedes dealer I was able to drive a ton of A- and B-Classes and the interior is solid: well built with lot's of plastic. My sister's BMW 1-Series interior isn't much different. Well built but very plasticky. I guess those plastic chrome-imitating rings on the air vents in the Audi interior make a big difference...

 

[Guibo]

Keep in mind the point of the test:

"few can match the feelgood factor offered by the German brands...[we find, from among the premium-badge brands,] the most fun to drive and the furthest removed from a conventional family hatchback."

In other words, which of these premium-badged cars does the best to differentiate itself from conventional family hatches? Because someone can choose from Golf Plus, Ford Focus/C-Max, Mazda2, Fiat Punto/Panda, SEAT Altea, etc. and end up with something far more practical for far less money. So what is it behind the premium badge that makes it worth it? Is there even anything behind the badge worth the money?
Normally, when you buy a car in the premium class, you expect refinement, unique design, build quality, innovation, strong residuals, and (yes) sportiness. Like BMW does for the 1-Series, MB sells the A-Class on the promise of sporty driving dynamics, among other qualities. These attributes take top billing for this test. Issues of practicality, space, and economy took a back seat, but were still factored into their assessments. They found the BMW to be the best combination of this, retaining most of the typical qualities one expects from any other BMW; other tests claim that its steering is even better than the rest of the lineup. The A-Class did the worst at living up to the badge, and the Audi somewhere in between. Their verdicts for the BMW and Audi don't mention only sportiness. They include the concepts of design, build quality, innovation, economy/emissions, uniqueness.
It's just an opinion.

 

[PanterroR]

OT: This is the 1st time i see that our fellow member KokkenTor has an avatar... And a good one...

 

[cawimmer430]

Keep in mind the point of the test:

"few can match the feelgood factor offered by the German brands...[we find, from among the premium-badge brands,] the most fun to drive and the furthest removed from a conventional family hatchback."

In other words, which of these premium-badged cars does the best to differentiate itself from conventional family hatches? Because someone can choose from Golf Plus, Ford Focus/C-Max, Mazda2, Fiat Punto/Panda, SEAT Altea, etc. and end up with something far more practical for far less money. So what is it behind the premium badge that makes it worth it? Is there even anything behind the badge worth the money?
Normally, when you buy a car in the premium class, you expect refinement, unique design, build quality, innovation, strong residuals, and (yes) sportiness. Like BMW does for the 1-Series, MB sells the A-Class on the promise of sporty driving dynamics, among other qualities. These attributes take top billing for this test. Issues of practicality, space, and economy took a back seat, but were still factored into their assessments. They found the BMW to be the best combination of this, retaining most of the typical qualities one expects from any other BMW; other tests claim that its steering is even better than the rest of the lineup. The A-Class did the worst at living up to the badge, and the Audi somewhere in between. Their verdicts for the BMW and Audi don't mention only sportiness. They include the concepts of design, build quality, innovation, economy/emissions, uniqueness.
It's just an opinion.

The A-Class isn't actually marketed as a sporty car. Nowhere do the ads for the A-Class talk about a sporty driving character. The A-Class is a sporty car in a Mercedes sort of way. It handles nicely and confidently but it is not on the same level as the A3 and especially the BMW 1-Series.

Also, I don't see how they expect the A-Class to live up to the badge when it's not really a "proper Mercedes" to begin with. The whole concept of the A-Class defies what MB stands for. It's basically an "entry-level" Mercedes for people who want a safe and practical little family car that gets good fuel economy. And while you can get the same car in say the Renault Modus, Fiat Panda etc., there are people who want a premium badge and these generally go for the A-Class, or B-Class.

But the point also is that the A-Class has a high center of gravity, the A3 and 1er don't. This automatically means disadvantage in a general comparison in regards to sporty driving. The A-Class can be driven really sporty and it copes well, but when you shift a gear higher and go to the extremes, it can't cope. The 1er can. But I guess what I am really thinking is: the A-Class doesn't compete here with these cars. In fact Mercedes announced sometime ago that they were thinking of an A3 / 1er rival.

 

[Guibo]

The A-Class isn't actually marketed as a sporty car. Nowhere do the ads for the A-Class talk about a sporty driving character.

Actually, you can find this on MB's UK website for the A-Class:
"Driving dynamics
Superb handling, groundbreaking suspension technology and exciting transmission innovations, all powered by a great line-up of new engines.

Suspend your disbelief
The revised chassis design and tuned suspension deliver enhanced ride comfort and uncompromised driving dynamics. A patented rear-axle system has been developed for the A-Class, enabling well-balanced, sportier handling, minimising vibrations, reducing tyre wear and providing superb roll support on corners."
Mercedes-Benz UK - Passenger Cars - Mercedes A-Class - Driving dynamics

That, to me, sounds like a promotion of the A-Class's sporting abilities, wouldn't you agree?

Mercedes were thinking about an A3/1-Series rival...but they've had over 3 years to bring one to market. Yes, I do see your point: the A-Class is not a rival to these cars, despite MB's insistence on its sportiness. If all of these are press cars, then MB UK bear some responsibility in even releasing the A-Class for such a comparison. Perhaps they were confident it would fare better.

 

[Yperion]

If someone wants a practical car then 1 series finishes last (the A class is more practical than the other two) , if it wants a sporty car then A3 is better cause it's much faster. So in my opinion in either case 1 series doesn't win.

BTW why the 116 is a 5 door model and the A3 a 3 door?

 

[Zafiro]

Im not a fan of 116i but just becuase a car is faster doesnt mean its sportier. And practicality, if thats you want I recommend a larger car, same goes if you want a family car.
And to me I dont need a smaller or larger car than my 1er, its a perfect size.

 

[Zafiro]

OMG is this test really new? Its not a facelifted 1-series on those pics

 

[Mr Robert]

...if it wants a sporty car then A3 is better cause it's much faster.

The A3 will never be a sporty car, how fast it ever will go...

 

[cawimmer430]

Yes, I do see your point: the A-Class is not a rival to these cars, despite MB's insistence on its sportiness. If all of these are press cars, then MB UK bear some responsibility in even releasing the A-Class for such a comparison. Perhaps they were confident it would fare better.

Like I said, the A-Class has pretty good driving dynamics for a high-center-of-gravity little hatch, and it can be driven in a very sporty fashion as it copes nicely. BUT, that stuff written on the UK MB website sounds more like something for a BMW 1-Series than an MB A-Class. Did they copy and paste that from bmw.co.uk?

The funny thing is that there are no mention of sporty driving dynamics on the German Mercedes site regarding the A-Class:

In der A-Klasse ist es eigentlich egal, wohin man fährt. Das selektive Dämpfungssystem in Verbindung mit der Parabelachse und die elektronisch geregelte Lenkkraftunterstützung verwandeln jede Tour in eine Vergnügungsreise. Zum Fahrkomfort tragen neben dem weiterentwickelten Fahrwerk die breitere Spur und der vergrößerte Radstand bei. Und natürlich die Motoren mit Leistungen, die sich sehen lassen können.

This little paragraph mentions comfort (which isn't really that good in the A-Class) but no sport. I had a look at the A-Class sections in detail on Mercedes-Benz Deutschland - Personenwagen and there's not a mention of sporty driving characteristics anywhere. The B-Class on the other hand is marketed as a "Sportstourer" yet it handles like a 1970s American land yacht.

Anyway, I've already stated that the A-Class is a sporty car. I've driven every engine model and trim with the exception of the A200 Turbo (but I drove the B200 Turbo) and I was always impressed with the handling, especially in the Avantgarde models althought Classic/Elegance handled amazingly well too. BUT (again), this is clearly not on the same level as a BMW 1-Series, which we have in the family and who's driving dynamics are on a whole another level compared to the A-Class, especially in regards to the suspension (I find the Avantgarde A-Classes have a direct steering feel on the level of the 1er).

 

[Guibo]

(I find the Avantgarde A-Classes have a direct steering feel on the level of the 1er).

How about the steering weight? Quickness? Linearity? With all driver's aids off? Out of curiosity, what is the functional difference between Avantgarde and non-Avantgarde models?

 

[Zafiro]

I haven't found a Benz that have the "heavy", "meaty" steering I have in my 1-series, not even the new C-class. The steering in 1-series give you a nice resistance when you steer left and right. The new C-class has a nice steering feel too but its to "light" for my taste. Many cars today have a steering that react fast (including MB, Volvo ) today but they miss the meaty steering BMW offer. There is a difference between direct steering and direct steering

A3 isnt even close to 1er in steering feel. Golf GTI has a nice steering though. I think we have to wait for next A3 before the car gets sportier.
I have the new steering with servotronic in my car which mean in citydriving and low speeds the steering is lighter but when you drive faster or are doing active driving the steering gets better, "heavier" and gives you more "resistance".

I have no complaints on the steering feel in my car and with the sportsteering that comes with the M-package you get a thick steeringwheel with a nice grip for your hands. Sporty feel? yes indeed!

 

[cawimmer430]

How about the steering weight? Quickness? Linearity? With all driver's aids off? Out of curiosity, what is the functional difference between Avantgarde and non-Avantgarde models?

Steering Weight: on most newer Mercedes' this depends at what speed you're traveling at. All new Mercedes have the Parameterlenkung, a device which changes the tightness and response of the steering wheel depending on how fast or slow you're driving. At low speeds (generally below 100 km/h) the steering is very reactive to driver input. The higher you drive the more vague it becomes for comfort reasons.

Quickness: very quick response at low speed up to around 100 km/h, vaguer response at higher speeds. I'd give the steering quickness in its prime zone a rating of 8/10.


Here's a simple description of the different MB trims.

Classic: base model trim. Usually omits the visually pleasing factors such as chrome imitating plastic (or actual chrome on higher end MB's) and nice-looking rims. Dark plastic colored mirrors.


Elegance: luxury trim version. Chrome or chrome imitating plastic on the exterior and non-plastic hubcaps.


Avantgarde: same as Elegance but with an emphasis on sport. Avantgarde cars are usually lowered by 1.5 cm and have a sportier suspension and steering setup.

 

[cawimmer430]

I haven't found a Benz that have the "heavy", "meaty" steering I have in my 1-series, not even the new C-class. The steering in 1-series give you a nice resistance when you steer left and right. The new C-class has a nice steering feel too but its to "light" for my taste. Many cars today have a steering that react fast (including MB, Volvo ) today but they miss the meaty steering BMW offer. There is a difference between direct steering and direct steering

I agree that the steering feel in the new C-Class is a bit light, but it's still pretty responsive and reactive to driver input, enough for the kean driver to enjoy sporty driving with the car.

Don't laugh, but at low speeds I've found the steering response of the current A-Class to be heavier and a little more responsive than that of the new C-Class.

 

[Zafiro]

I agree that the steering feel in the new C-Class is a bit light, but it's still pretty responsive and reactive to driver input, enough for the kean driver to enjoy sporty driving with the car.

Don't laugh, but at low speeds I've found the steering response of the current A-Class to be heavier and a little more responsive than that of the new C-Class.

LoL Caw, you know I dont laugh at you. I respect you

 

[SDNR]

I have never really understood why Mercedes built the A class when they had the Smart

I liked the Smart Forfour, it was a pity it didn't sell better.

 

[cawimmer430]

I have never really understood why Mercedes built the A class when they had the Smart

I liked the Smart Forfour, it was a pity it didn't sell better.

Most people outside of Europe can't understand it because elsewhere there is no need for "small luxury cars". In Europe there is. Our roads are small, our parking spaces are small and our fuel is being sold to us at rip-off prices. Hence there exists a market for small luxury cars like the A-Class and B-Class.

In order to counter ^this point^ I just said, many people immediately claim that luxury buyers are not concerned about costs, but the reality is that they are and European luxury buyers are no difference. A lot of luxury cars here are being sold with diesels engines for example. Another example of cost consciousness is the fact that a lot of buyers don't care for leather seats because they don't really need it. In the end effect a luxury car is a luxury car here because of the nameplate, not really because of how fully loaded it is etc.

You know how in the US it was hip and still is if you're driving a Toyota Prius? Well in Europe there is a similar trend in that it's hip to be seen driving "city luxury cars" like the A3, A-Class etc.


Edit: I forgot to mention that the A-Class and B-Class also serve as cars for people for whom a C-Class and above is "too much". BMW for example still offers the 116i for people who think a 118i is too much for them, usually old geezers from a certain generation who were raised on low-horsepower cars and feel that "enough is enough". It's also of course a cheaper alternative than the 118i and bound to sell well therefore increasing sales, profits and adding customers.

 

[SDNR]

^ would anyone really consider the A class to be a luxury car? ...I mean it is a good car, but no more luxurious than a Honda Civic.