Vs First impression: new AUDI A3 vs new MB A-CLASS

[Cashmere]

The A Klasse is daring design and I love it! The A3 also looks good but it looks a lot like the model it replaces (but with new LED lights). Cant go wrong with either one of them, they both look good but I would go for the A Klasse.

Good job leaving out the F20, only fanboys would vote for it anyway

 

[K-A]

Polar opposite design directions. I'll say that I support the A3's design idiom approach, while the A's goes against my taste in cars normally, however, I can't help that especially for this "cheap" a price (relatively speaking), the A is more care-free-goofy-fun-ultra agressive, while the A3 just doesn't execute "timeless/clean" as well as it does "painfully boring". So I'd pick the A, especially considering I don't take these Hatch cars too "seriously". If we start getting into executive Sedans, etc., then I would critique the A's clumsy styling cues more harshly and seriously.

 

[Deleted member 25]

A3, A class looks more like a bangle BMW.

 

[DeDe]

The Merc. Definitely. It looks sensational, fresh, modern - my only problem is its rear end, it looks like a Citroen DS3.

The Audi on the other hand is too mainstream, conservative IMO.

 

[MikeJ]

^ Interesting. I think the Merc looks mainstream - I was thinking of not only Citroen but Hyundai, too. The Audi does look like an Audi, which IMO is not a bad thing.

 

[Deckhook]

I suppose we will really only be able to make a proper conclusion when both are standing in front of us both based on all the angles I've seen here the A3 win pure on the fact it looks more reserved and elegant where the A-class is trying to look hip and trendy and sadly trying too hard in my opinion.

P.S.

And people thought the A6 display looked stupid coming out of the dash, well in that case what do they think of the A-class unit?

 

[Human]

The A3 has a purposeful, grown-up design although not very exiting, yet tight and it looks premium.

It's the A-class that has the fresh approach giving M-B a chance at a very tough segment, and IMO they did a brilliant job!

Both cars have great interiors, whereas the A-class's seats is the deal breaker - they are just in another league! I suspect the A3 will have the more Premium feel.

PS: Pricing HAS TO BE spot-on for both at giving the Koreans a bloody nose!

 

[bmwownage]

I dont' know why such huge headlights are needed for the A class, the shape is no longer an A class but why keep a van-like front end?
Between these two, one is ultra sensible, the other is ultra funky.. i think i like the A3 more.

BMW better facelift the F20 tomorrow.

 

[NarutoRamen]

A class without a doubt. I'm sorry, but A3 brings NOTHING new to when it comes to design and differentiation from it's other siblings. A class on the other hand is distinguishable from all of the other MBs. Is the A class a little boy-racer ish? Yes, but that's what I think would sell better in this segment anyway.

 

[bmwownage]

Comparing the F20 1 series design to these cars is an insult to both of these vehicles. BMW rocked the 5 series and 6 series. Failed with the 1,3 Sedan and 7. My vote? A Class.

Can't say they failed the 3, it's just "different", it's actually pretty darn hot mean looking, removing a lot of the blob-ness of modern day designs. 7 is a flagship that they obviously purposely wanted to make special looking but the ONE SERIES is absolute nonsense. i see that car on the street and i wonder why people buy it. honestly i'd spend the same amount of money getting some sporty jap car instead.

 

[Deckhook]

I actually wish Tumbo had included the F20 in this visual comparison so we could all have a laugh to lighten this debate.

 

[BKK-ES]

A3 for me. It might be a bit boring in design but it is AUDI in every angle.

 

[K-A]

Considering that the A-Class is BY FAR the extrovert and trend/fashion whore here, which typically leads to an initial wow-factor, which inevitably may wear off, while an initially "boring" product like the A3, considering it's well designed and executed will usually go moderately from the get-go, but become more appreciated and potentially surpass the appeal of the former described offering.... I'm pretty surprised that it's holding up so well in this voting poll. Considering what I just said and human nature's typical reactions to how both of these designs are "intended to go over", I would have thought the A-Class would have blown it out the water in an initial poll.

 

[lukeswiss]

I like the A-Class however if you took the badges off, it could be any car. Renault, Opel or Citroen ? The interior is very cool though. Especially compared with the model it replaces !

The Audi looks like an Audi, and for me the interior is just perfect. Good design isn't trendy.

Either way, both of these will be a hit.

 

[DeDe]

Keep the personal problems for the PMs, guys.

Let's go back on topic: new A3 vs. new A-class.

 

[Deckhook]

Considering that the A-Class is BY FAR the extrovert and trend/fashion whore here, which typically leads to an initial wow-factor, which inevitably may wear off, while an initially "boring" product like the A3, considering it's well designed and executed will usually go moderately from the get-go, but become more appreciated and potentially surpass the appeal of the former described offering.... I'm pretty surprised that it's holding up so well in this voting poll. Considering what I just said and human nature's typical reactions to how both of these designs are "intended to go over", I would have thought the A-Class would have blown it out the water in an initial poll.

Well said. Merc have clearly went for the WOW factor and rightly so because this A-class is the first Merc to truly compete directly with the A3 and Golf so needs to stand out from either of them.

 

[lukeswiss]

Well said. Merc have clearly went for the WOW factor and rightly so because this A-class is the first Merc to truly compete directly with the A3 and Golf so needs to stand out from either of them.

Yes, very true. BMW, VW and Audi already have established customers in this market and I believe Merc had to make it extremely obvious that this car is ALL new and not building on anything that the old A-Class was. I guess in this way they also had a lot of freedom when it came to designing the car.

I'm actually not too sure about curve on that rear window though. Makes me think of the R-Class.

Going to check them both out on friday

 

[Tumbo]

Little better interior comparison:

I have to say I like them both. Both look very premium and the quality is amazing. The MB guys did a great job, giving Audi a match in the interior.

 

[Levi68]

I think you can't go wrong with either of them. The Merc is better than I expected, I though they would have f***** it up as BMW did with the 1 Series, but they did not.
I have yet to see the interior of the Merc, I can't tell how the screen look like, but it looks like a Tom-Tom attached to the dash. Does the Audi screen drive in/out?

The only argument that goes for the 1 Series is RWD. But is it worth all the other demerits? Unless it is the M135i for its powerful inline six or the 116i ED for its extremly low fuel consumption or the 125d for the best performance/economy compromise I don't see why would one chose it over the other two.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Well said. Merc have clearly went for the WOW factor and rightly so because this A-class is the first Merc to truly compete directly with the A3 and Golf so needs to stand out from either of them.

EXACTLY. If MB built a small car that was what was 'expected' of a Mercedes they would face the very problem they are trying to overcome. And that is to attract younger buyers into the fold, early on in the piece. They had to go for the flamboyant knockout appeal to get 20 year olds drooling over a Benz, as opposed to a measured design, akin to an E-class hatchback. Conversely, that's exactly what the Audi is, a hatchback of the typical Audi sausage.