Poll The entry-level luxury 3-box design question

[Giannis]

Now that Audi introduced the A3, one has to ask the following question. Which one of the two 3-box design cars would be your choice in this entry-level luxury segment, the Audi A3 Sedan or the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

 

[Merc1]

It is so ironic they both suffer from the same look that comes from FWD disease, especially in those pics. Tough question though. The Audi looks like its wheels are too big, the CLA too small. Looks is a toss up for me, need to see the A3 interior. A3 vs CLA250, not sure, but CLA45 over S3 easily. I just can't see the Audi driving better than the Benz, most Audis in my experience just don't feel/drive like what they cost. This A3 will likely drive like a better Jetta, then again the CLA hasn't been called a revelation either. I don't mean just handling either as so many here tend to live/die by with a car. I mean does it feel refined, expensive, all of one piece solid, etc. Audi's rarely do IMO.


M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I knew this poll would be up within hours lol.

Perfect summation Marcus. I'd take the CLA.

 

[Huckfeldt]

This is very tough choice. To make it easier, which car would you get for yourself and one for your next door neighbour ?

But pricewise, I believe the a3 will be considerable cheaper. Which would help in choosing.

 

[Merc1]

I knew this poll would be up within hours lol.

Perfect summation Marcus. I'd take the CLA.

Just got back from the A3/S3 thread and watching that video, its very close. It would come down to driving them because the A3 looks really good and S3 is really hot. I can't wait to see what BMW does to answer these two.

M

 

[mini_cooper4]

<-------

That's what I chose The A3 Sedan completely humiliates the fugly CLA IMO... in terms of everything

 

[Huckfeldt]

I just compared the a3 sedan dimensions with my old e46. Wow. Practically its carbon copy and better yet, it is even wider. This is one very squat, compact looking sedan.

E46 : 4470mm long, 1740mm wide, 1415mm tall. (i have always thought thee46 proportions is the most perfect one for a small sedan.)

A3 sedan : 4456mm long, 1796mm wide, 1416mm tall.

Holy cow, Dark Knight.

If you guys want to picture this in real life, find an e46 and imagine it 5.6 cm wider.

 

[Sunny]

You guys know what I think about CLA, I am not going to repeat it. A3 is nice albeit a little boring. But S3 vs AMG CLA is where bloody massacre is at. And that is just S3, imagine what RS3 will do...

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Good picture selection Sunny!

I think the A3 sedan actually proves MB did fine with the CLA and they both cant belie their FWD underpinnings. If anything the CLA is superior in proportioning, the A3 sedan being a bit stumpy at the rear.

 

[JHF]

Yeah, I can only imagine what a beast the RS3 Sedan will be.

 

[Tumbo]

The A3 hands down. The CLA looks freaking weird, especially from the side profile.

Now, who's gonna start that S3 Sedan vs CLA45 AMG poll? That is more interesting.

 

[Tumbo]

But S3 vs AMG CLA is where bloody massacre is at. And that is just S3, imagine what RS3 will do...

Agree. I'm even scared to think that!

 

[Levi68]

The front CLA overhang just kills the car unfortunately. Whereas when comparing the hatches I could debate, here I pick the A3/S3 Sedan in a heartbeat. Now I'm looking forward to the 2er GranCoupé. Where the F2X is a clear loser is in the interior (IMO).

S3 is almost perfect for a FWD car. RS3 must be gorgeous. I think aside the R8 it the S3 is now the most desirable Audi, for me.

 

[Tumbo]

S3 is almost perfect for a FWD car.

Hmm.. You do know that any S model has Quattro, right?

 

[DeDe]

I hate the CLA just as much as I love the A-class. So A3 Sedan for me.

 

[klier]

A3 sedan all the way. That is, of course, until the 2er GC arrives. That one will slaughter the both of them, as they remind me way too much of FWD cars.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Both are adorable in my eyes and pretty much equal in exterior design IMO. I would have to go on interior, which would probably be the CLA.

Just my personal choice, but I'm sure both will be successful.

 

[LaArtist]

A3 over CLA

CLA45 over S3 though

I vote for A3 in this poll

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I knew the CLA would get a beating in this poll on this forum. I bet my socks that if priced similarly, in the real world, the story will be different.

 

[Levi68]

Hmm.. You do know that any S model has Quattro, right?

Yes, but it still is based on FF-T.

I knew the CLA would get a beating in this poll on this forum. I bet my socks that if priced similarly, in the real world, the story will be different.

Why priced similarly? The RS3 will be the real rival of the CLA AMG.