Comparison tests BMW 125i vs. Mercedes Benz A250

[Tumbo]

In blue with the M-kit, I even like the front. There I said it, it's out there - you may point and laugh.

Ponting and laughing

It's still a really ugly face, maybe with golden grills

 

[Zafiro]

That is beacause you are a BMW nut, and always has been. I've heard throughout the years from you about Audis that "they all look the same" no matter what. I have a very good memory. So I'm leaving this discussion cause it's pointless. Yes, the A3 looks exactly the same... If you are a blind person.

You have hard time to take criticism I hear. Yes, you are right about A3, never liked it and the new one fails too. I was hoping the new A3 at least was going to be an exciting car to drive but it doesn't sound like its been much better. However I like A4, A5, A7 and R8 from a design point of view. And I wonder who is the blind one here

 

[Human]

Damn does the A-Classes front absolutely shame the 1ers. I mean, it's not even fair really. Also, the A's rear I think totally shames the 1ers, it actually makes the 1ers looks dated IMO. The side profiles.... I'm not sure about. The A's is much more inspired and initially interesting, though those lines are a mess and make the 1's look so elegant, thought out, and smooth. The A I think has more initial pop there, but will get dated faster as those fuzzy lines just get too fuzzy in time, while the 1's lines will always look good. Side profile wise, the A looks immature and almost funny with those scribbles, while the 1 looks more mature.... this can be a good or bad thing in this segment I guess.

And Jesus does the A's exposed metal inner door frame looks absolutely appalling and stick out like a sore thumb. Is that eye sore and unbecoming aesthetic to a brand like M-B really worth a few bucks saved per car?

Speaking of the interior, I think the 1ers looks better. I love M-B's minimalist approach, but in the A's case, I think it might look too cold and sparse, and the materials don't give me a warm visual.

The F20's cabin is superb and I am mad @ M-B for not going the established 1er/A3 route in that criteria for instead they went the VAG/VW Golf route on materials and execution WHY!? Benz is Premium or did they forget?

 

[Wolfgang]

Jan Kaul, MB design, shows the exposed inner door frame.

http://www.caricos.com/cars/m/mercedes-benz/2013_mercedes-benz_a-class/1024x768/92.html
http://www5.mercedes-benz.com/en/design/the-interior-extraordinary-perceived-value_en/
http://mb.mercedes-benz.com/en/article/174/Sci-Fi Designer

 

[Giannis]

That is beacause you are a BMW nut, and always has been. I've heard throughout the years from you about Audis that "they all look the same" no matter what. I have a very good memory. So I'm leaving this discussion cause it's pointless. Yes, the A3 looks exactly the same... If you are a blind person.

Tumbo, I think you need to relax a bit. Just like you write around many threads that you hate the new 1er, other members have the right to express their opinion on the A3. To take this one step further, you can't call one that doesn't find the A3 modern, blind, just because you don't agree with him.

That aside, I am with Andreas' side on this one. I don't find the new A3 modern either. I find it to be extremely "politically correct" in its exterior design, as it features a very clean design with very few lines. It's easy to the eye, it's not provoking, it won't age bad, but it doesn't excite people either. It's just a good design, but certainly not modern. I would use the word modern to describe the new Giulietta or the Fiat 500. But not the A3. I hope this doesn't make me blind

Now, as far as the F2x is concerned, I find the looks to be undeniably striking, as they produce intense feelings. There are people who love it and then there are people that hate it. "Hate" is much stronger than what one feels when he looks at the easy-to-the-eye A3. And that's before I mention the RWD advantage over the MQB platform...

 

[eryk03]

the RWD advantage over the MQB platform...

YEAH... especially in winter time... 80% of the owners of the 1 series of thought that drives a car with front-wheel drive. BMW has carried out such a study some time ago. Quattro, full LED lights, MMA with google maps, connection with te internet, side/ line assists, aluminium and high-tech steel components, MMI touch can be found only in A3.

 

[Giannis]

YEAH... especially in winter time... 80% of the owners of the 1 series of thought that drives a car with front-wheel drive. BMW has carried out such a study some time ago.

I'm not 80% of 1er drivers. I was talking about my personal opinion. And why is 4WD so essential in the winter, or does driving an RWD car in the winter mean that you will kill yourself? Nonsense to me.

Quattro, full LED lights, MMA with google maps, connection with te internet, side/ line assists, aluminium and high-tech steel components, MMI touch can be found only in A3.

And why shoud I care? I care about which car has a more informative steering wheel, a more presice clutch and transmission, an agressiver gas pedal and inspiring handling. Who in his right mind needs Wi-Fi in his car, or relys on sideline assists to driver properly?

You seem to have a problem with my point of view these days?

 

[eryk03]

And why is 4WD so essential in the winter, or does driving an RWD car in the winter mean that you will kill yourself? Nonsense to me.

to kill himself isn't so easy, that's just annoying. It makes sense.

And why shoud I care? I care about which car has a more informative steering wheel, a more presice clutch and transmission, an agressiver gas pedal and inspiring handling.

And that all new A3 has better imo.

 

[Giannis]

And that all new A3 has better imo.

Then all the respected press that thiks the opposite must be wrong. Makes sense.

 

[eryk03]

Then all the respected press that thiks the opposite must be wrong. Makes sense.

You doubt in my own personal feelings?...

 

[Giannis]

Yes, I can't see how one would pick the A3 over an 1er because the A3 is better to drive.

 

[Levi68]

In that regard an Audi A3 is 100x better than a Porsche.

 

[klier]

Heh? The A250 vs 125i is the topic, guys I see no A3 in this test...

 

[eryk03]

Yes, I can't see how one would pick the A3 over an 1er because the A3 is better to drive.

1 series isn't good to drive. Easy. BMW is overrated.

The A250 vs 125i is the topic, guys I see no A3 in this test...

Good one. Have claims to "Just_me"...

 

[klier]

1 series isn't good to drive. Easy. BMW is overrated.

Come one. The 1 series is fntastic to drive. One of BMW's finest actually. Now it's fine to hate BMW, but lets not act like children and stay objective about the facts.

 

[Deckhook]

Maybe some people prefer the way one car drives over the other regardless of what professional press drivers demand from a car. Same goes for looks and design, one man's ugly can be viewed completely oppositely by someone else, likewise this comment on modern design, like what really makes something more modern than another design?

P.S.
Keep it A-class vs 1er, no real need to confuse with additional cars that haven't been tested here in this test.

 

[eryk03]

Come one. The 1 series is fntastic to drive. One of BMW's finest actually. Now it's fine to hate BMW, but lets not act like children and stay objective about the facts.

Maybe the wrong word. 1 series drive good in its own way (i do not like it) and A3 drive good in its own way ( i like it more).

 

[klier]

People are free to say whatever they want about the looks of the 1er, but someone really has to step in when people start claiming the 1er doesn't drive well...

 

[Deckhook]

^you are the first to say certain other brands drive like shit so maybe you should practise what you are preaching.

 

[Giannis]

It's not his fault that in general BMWs are better to drive than their competition.