2013 Audi A3 vs Mercedes A-Class vs VW Golf Group Test - What Car?

What Car? puts its reigning Car of the Year - the Audi A3 Sportback - up against two of its premium rivals, the Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes-Benz A180.
All three cost under £20,000, boast five doors and a small turbocharged petrol engine. Read our full verdict on the three cars...
The Audi: ow.ly/mge6J
The Mercedes: ow.ly/mgfzD
The VW: ow.ly/mgfuR
All list prices correct at the time of publication
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[@seanzal]

I've just driven a brand new 2016 Mark 7 VW Golf and a 2015 Audi A3 back to back. Under the hood they look largely similar although the Audi looks neater with the engine cover. I love the Golf interior, it's solid on the inside and the touch screen is easy to use. The VW has lots of nice toys and though it doesn't have a pop up screen like the A3, I prefer the display on the VW. The Audi set up however feels more solidly put together and although the Golf has a quality feel, the Audi feels so much more substantial and the quality speaks for itself. The Audi certainly has a firmer ride, although not uncomfortable, whereas the golf feels lighter all round including controls and switches as well as riding the bumps. There are differences for sure. Both great cars, can't go wrong.

[@mohamedcharlotte8085]

seanzal

[@JustifyJustin]

I agree - I just can't get past Audi's horrid JD Powers reliability rating - cause you know you're going to pay 30% more for every single part above the VW.

[@Underhills]

You didn't say what equipment classification it was on your Audi. The S-line exterior package comes with very stiff and uncomfortable sports suspensions. With low 18" profile tires on top of that the ride becomes too hard. It looks good but it doesn't drive as comfortable or precise as standard setup, especially when your driving at uneven tarmac. You need "autostrada" conditions to utilize it. With Golf anything seems to work better in terms of riding comfort. I think it's kudos for Golf to always be compared with the A3 as the latter is so much more expensive. Actually it should worry Audi that they always rival Golf and not the other way around. I prefer comfy ride and practicalities, but I sure dislike the looks of the bland Golf. After Audi introduced the Sedan/Saloon version of A3 the beauty contest is a no brainier. The Audi wins hands down. This dilemma is tuff, looks and style vs comfort and ease of use.

[@seanzal]

Audis do not drive the same as VWs. They are different machines. Some parts are shared but the same can be said for ALL German cars in general regarding the likes of LuK, Siemens, ZF, and Bosch to name a few. The MQB platform may be shared in several VAG cars including the newly revealed TT, but it does not mean that the driving characteristics are the same. The MQB was manufactured to keep costs down in the group, but it can also be adjusted and modified depending on the car and handling characteristics required. The Audi setup has been and always will be the 'sportier' regarding chassis, parts, engines. In some cases, many features on the Audi are kept ' in house' that will never be shared amongst the others in the group. It's the same with Lamborghini, porsche etc. The Audi interior is second to none and that is well documented across all respected and major car reviewers globally. Good review.

[@danielanderson7481]

The Audi A3 is the car that really does it for me but by all means the the Volkswagen Golf is a good choice. However my views on the Mercedes A class have dropped significantly because you would expect better from Mercedes for instance you would not expect to have such a compromise in build quality whereas Audi have pulled out all the stops in regard to overall build quality which is archetypal of every car in the Audi line up and do stay true to their slogan "Vorsprung durch Technik".

[@ridgero]

Audi a3 is my choice! I save every cent to buy one next year! :)

[@googleaar4728]

u got one now?

[@rafabern31]

So...

[@akhikahn8463]

ridgero ???

[@maoritto]

So?

[@user-ei7yd1br3h]

?

[@KYTOBOY]

I Don't think that the golf is a premium car. BMW 1 series should be in the test !

[@MrEngland92]

What car is sponsored by the VW group... Im just saying, they know not to compare bmw with vw

[@toyota420xp]

then what do u know. Because it is .

[@steveo8533]

The mk7 is definitely premium.

[@ridgero]

omg the A-Class looks ridiculously cheap and there is no room in it at all, even the trunk is small. What the hell did they do with the navigation? EVEN my tomtom from 2006 looks better than that.

[@ag992009]

This is just the perfect video for someone who is very close to buy an Audi 👌

[@ruapka]

I have bought golf 7. I tried almost all cars in the golf class. But golf us the best. Perfect interior with good quality materials. Nice balanced suspension to drive fast and feel comfortable. and the best visibility if compare with others

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

+ruapka Did you have the bam axle suspension or the more expensive fully independent suspension? The former definitely is not comfortable. Have you noticed how the caps on the front doors are soft touch, yet those on the rear doors aren't? Or how the interior trim on the boot lid comes loose after a few tugs?

[@Nick22051]

I love the sat nav display in the audi!

[@workgram8292]

Great reviews. I'm on my third A3 and am debating switching to an A Class. But after watching this I think I'll stick with what I know. Thanks chaps!

[@MBisFrenchy]

If you had the choice would you go new A4?

[@wezzman1]

Very good and fair review unlike auto express and their sneeky ads that they claim to be reviews....just my opinion.

[@abodijamboOo]

The stupid thing is, you are comparing the sport luxury car in standard options! Of course the A-class came with a 15 inch standard option Also the Audi A3 came without the LED headlights. And the same thing with the Golf.

[@C0GR0]

just a short and precise test with good reasoning! I like it!

[@psychosispersonified]

exactly the review i was looking for. thanks guys!

[@matthewsmith2787]

You can’t really go wrong with the Golf, yes it’s not the most exciting car on the road but it does the job very well with little fuss

[@ShaunJW1]

I bought the Audi tfsi 1.8 with loads of options on it. Yes it may not look that exciting, but by god do i love driving in it. I hated the BMW and Merc trying to overdo everything from style, to driving....

[@toyota420xp]

Every review about the merc says it falls short

[@followthegamerftg8361]

Gregory Perkins 🤣🤣🤣

[@UVVC.]

A class Badge - £££ Everything else - £

[@App1eM4c]

Not sure I (or anyone else for that matter) needs WhatCar to tell them which one looks the nicest as we can do that ourselves. They should be telling us practical things like real world MPG, Whats it like to drive, How big and practical is the boot and cabin space, how well made is it, value for money etc, etc.

[@gremsa]

audi a3 owns them

[@fusion01wp]

probably correct on the resale issue but the reliability from what I understand has improved a lot this time around as can be said for the new renault meganes etc... manufacturers do like to improve on their products over time.

[@JohnSmith-ii5cm]

Gonna buy one of the A class, Audi A3 and BMW 1 series within the next 2 weeks (idk why the golf is there?). Right now I'm leaning towards the A-class. Sure, probably not the best but I just love its look, so striking and mean to look at.

[@ktger999]

I agree, the A-Class is easily the best looking out of the trio, plus I think the A3 is super common now, they are everywhere!

[@Abe1414]

ktger999 well theres a reason they are everywhere xD

[@MadMonroe90]

If u choose the A Class, at least buy the 220 CDI. The smaller engines are from Renault, which are also used in Dacia and that kind of sucks!

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Zoltan Benedek The Audi is essentially a Skoda Rapid underneath which kinda sucks too. It's built on the same line as the Octavia too, which really sucks.

[@JohnSmith-ii5cm]

In the end I got the A class but when I tested the lower diesel model wasn't happy. Got the 2.7tdi model, very happy once you get used to some seriously weird quirks...

[@sirtristan01]

It isn't snobbery. Cars just have categories By your logic we could put a 25k Skoda Octavia here, specced out to the max, say it has more room than an E-Class or A6 Audi, the engine of a top Passat. It wins. In reality though as much as I love Skoda, they won't get cross-shopped. Hence the 1-Series in a similar spec would be the better contender here, especially since the Golf and A3 are the same car underneath, with the same engine. It makes the comparison less diverse

[@f0rmula0ne1]

Whatcar - please get a room next time you review an Audi!

[@AnsisX]

I've only driven a Golf 7, but I must say it really feels luxurious although trying to stay a small to medium sized car. From the looks, I would go for the A3, but I always end up with a much much higher price tag. Take a look at the A3 limousine, makes even better use of that sexy rear.

[@markjwil]

You forgot about the Volvo V40, it's the best of them all!

[@SunviAhsan]

you guys missed the main one. BMW 1 series? or the price range was outside 20k mark?

[@fahmad7194]

4:13 (A-Class) Seats don't fold totally flat when you drop them either. 4: 21 Golf seats don't fold flat either. Whatcar boys didn't mention that.

[@armink9686]

I hate how people are ready to bend over for an expensive car (relatively) with no equipment at all just to drive a "premium" brand. The VW would be my choice simply because it they aren't cheaping out on equipment just to get you in the dealership. As for the whole market, I would go for something like a Mazda 3, it comes fully equiped with a 2.2 150hp diesel for the same price as an entry level A200 CD,. the price is only "justified" because of subjective reasons while in every way at a same price, a Golf or a Mazda 3 is better than the Mercedes.

[@user-yl2wm2gy3z]

+Armin K There's a problem that you miss. I also despise these people, but some don't really have a choice. Brands like Mazda and the like lose their price really quickly, while audi, merc, bmw etc. can be sold for a lot to the idiots that you mention in your comment.

[@mitjafabjan3582]

+Armin K You are right, but the two volkswagens here are probably still going to be running after 15+ years with 300.000-400.000 km on them and still work like a charm with most of the parts still original.

[@user-yl2wm2gy3z]

Mitja Fabjan True, the quality in cars by Daimler has fallen dramatically over the past 10 years. It's sad really, 15-20 years ago mercedes was *the* car when it came to quality, with VW and especially Audi lagging behind.

[@scottseager3289]

Емил Ефендулов why would u dispise someone over a car they pick knobend

[@peterjackson5809]

Presenters showed A3 sportback sport 1.4TSI which is in a higher price bracket than the Golf SE

[@Cigarette1ful]

I have never seen an A-class less equipped than this one...wheels are embarassing, is definetly ugly this entry version...it doesn't have even the seats with integrated headrest...i prefer the Golf, at the same price you can buy an highline version.

[@JohnSmith-jy4qj]

The A class with sport seats looks hideous

[@SuperMacmuffin]

In the video they said the test car was the same 1.4 petrol that was in the Audi but on many occasions the boot lid says TDI blue motion :/

[@sirtristan01]

If they had automatics, the Merc would be the most ergonomic - instead of a useless knob you get a storage bin and a decluttered interior. The screen in the Mercedes here is the basic one, while the more swanky Comand system works better and is bigger. Furthermore the Golf shouldn't really be compared here and a 1-Series would be a better match for the other two.

[@paulatargett]

Yes, the gear shift was 5 speed on the Golf which is the 1.6 TDI!?!

[@erdem427]

i've to say a3 looks awesome but i wish it had more horsepower

[@kenshi1204]

where is the 1 series Bmw ?

[@GURken]

ken shi aquaplaning

[@kenshi1204]

GURken U're making fun of me...right ? do you really copy-paste Clarkson from Top Gear Uk ??

[@GURken]

exactly

[@kenshi1204]

I thought you drove one or you own one. my opinion ? you should get out more, drive more rwd cars and then come with another comment. good day !

[@GURken]

or mb i should give a fuck coz now i don't.

[@Beyonder1987]

I've owned a golf, A3 & now 1 series. 1 series is much much better to drive but sure the back seats suck but most of the time i have two passengers. BMW 1 series should have been in this test because its the best.

[@Abzug0386]

First of all, the Merc has an optional automatic. But of course that one has a knob, like in any other car built in this century. 2nd, why shouldn't the Golf be compared with the other twos? It did beat the Mercedes easily, so theres no point not comparing them.

[@hehehehehea]

Not sure if anyone noticed, but they began introducing the audi and golf as 1.4 petrols and by the end I saw a tdi bluemotion Golf

[@Mrobins100]

The Audi is actually a Sport variation not an SE to, as it has chrome around the windows, a 3 spoke steering wheel and sports seats...

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Marc R Yep, only the Mercedes is actual base spec. Have you seen how basic a 1.4S Golf is? Coal pit interior and none of the actual niceties and things you expect a Golf to come with as standard. Audi is even worse, but somehow you can see past that with it's 'premie' feel. They are both Skoda Rapids underneath though which is gutting.

[@Abzug0386]

True. No VW I've ever had got any of those issues.

[@sinan5636]

audi a3 is one of the best compacts with opel astra k.

[@sibusisondlovu5780]

Hey!!! what happened to the 1 series?

[@panzer5698]

I own a new golf 6 1.6 diesel but after only 50.000 abs left me and I had to pay around 2300 euros to fix it and I was very very upset, I expect more from vw car. The materials are the best you can find but the abs upset me to much....

[@Corsa15DT]

"Nice cabin looks good, but when you start probing things you realize that it lacks that real feeling of quality that you get in the Audi". Shame on you Mercedes!

[@littlepetrolhead]

At last a good video from whatcar.

[@sirtristan01]

Mercedes cars do not have knobs (the C-Class is the only one that still has a gearshift; AMG models do too); storage bins. Gears are changed with a stalk at the wheel. VW is basically the same as the A3, and as we all know BMW Audi and Mercedes are the big three of German premium brands so I don't see why they shouldn't be joined by a 1-Series here. It would add to diversity too as it's RWD. The Golf is primarily a Focus/Astra rival, even though it betters the Mercedes in many ways.

[@korgond]

merc is not able to produce competitive compact cars

[@erdem427]

you right but what i meant was i wish 1.4 tfsi had some more power

[@raed666n]

GOLF 5 is the KING !

[@charlie-talbottalbot5472]

raed666n the king of an asre yes you're right

[@billythekid71299]

I love A class

[@Miz-ql3ho]

is it me or do the new shape VWs interior look like absolute BS... like the user interface looks like its made from tin... im definitely getting the new shape A3, was picking that anyway but this video solidifies my choice!

[@SanDiegoInnOut]

I noticed that, too.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

What happened to the 1 Series? Audi and VW are actually the same car.

[@atourrahman79]

XENON mood day time runing lights that's how audi rolls

[@App1eM4c]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[@leonfuntek2894]

Golf is simply the best and the most comfortable to drive and its nicest to sit in, it is the most practical one (biggest boot,more space in the back,plenty of storage in front),the best visibility of all three as well.....sooo......VW Golf 7 IS DA BEAST

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Leon Funtek Mum got rid of her Golf 7 after 11 months it was so bad. 2 break downs, 4 pages of faults. Poor ride (it was a 1.6D eco model with beam rear axle from a VW Caddy)! And VW charged £27,000 for it! She now has an A-class and loves it, and after 7,000 miles hasn't broken down once!

[@sinan5636]

0:56 look at the door interiors, then call a180 a premium? bullshit!

[@FrapsYou]

VW GOLF is one of the best cars I have driven in my 30 years of driving. Audi is alright but is not quite reliable some times. However is fun to drive... Give me golf I will live another 30 years.

[@mrmdsmet]

I feel like the BMW 1-series should be in this comparison. It's the biggest rival of all of these cars.

[@joanuc]

audi sportier than the golf? have you even drive both cars?

[@TheGrandmasterMan]

I've owned a Golf 2.0 TDI previously.....good but not very exciting to look at. My wife has had BMW's (smooth) and Merc's and I wasn't overly impressed with either, particularly the Merc's. Anyways, I have just bought an Audi A3 2.0 TDI s-line and agonised over my purchase. I started off the process of selecting my car by doing my research, and eventually I thought an Audi A3 SE was the way to go, based on reviews I had read e.t.c. Then I went to see these cars. Shocked is not the word.The Audi A3 SE was just boring to look at. Nice car I am sure, but I wasn't spending that sort of money to be bored. Then I saw the Audi A3 s-line in metallic white and that was it - yes it cost more, but the bit extra will be worth it. More money yes, but my type of car. So....what I am trying to say is that I discovered that cars are very individual things. You just have to find the right one for you....It doesn't matter what other people say, you are buying the car for you - not them !!

[@mrzazzaable]

Recently i checked out the audi a3 sportback and golf gti. The audis back with those sexy lights and tight arse is just magical, the front looks classy but not too big. A3 sportback, with metallic white and black 18 inch audi rims is perfect for style. I would skip the S line pack.

[@jonneymendoza]

+mrzazzaable why skip s line pack?

[@jewlzorjay]

How did the golf come second when it wins the most test?

[@VolvoXC90TV]

That Golf had a 1.6 diesel, not the TSI in the A3!

[@BIadeSnap]

Best interior, so in your daily life you feel better on Audi's interior than in the Golf's

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Parents just got rid of their golf 7 due to dire reliability and build. Ride and handling without the multi link suspension is average at best. They have just ordered the a class, much better quality interior and set up. And it is actually cheaper than the golf? How did that happen?

[@kespec]

you were probably scammed. Golf 7 highline is the best of its class. no discussion.

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Scammed by a VW dealer? The highline isn't sold in UK, and you have to have an engine with more than 120ps to have modern suspension and a decent ride. Sadly the Eco versions can't have this. It is not scamming it is piss poor product planning for the customer and maximising profit for VW.

[@markymarkjapan]

Love my Audi 1.8 tfsi Quattro.

[@RobertSmith-zd4oi]

John I exact same issue, I test Drove S3,M135 and A45 I couldn't test the Golf R as they didn't have any, lets just say only the A45 blew me away. I wanted 4wd sop that put BMW on the back foot already, The M135 is good but bland. Audi Slines are nice and can look like the S3. The A45 was just everything to me. so I bought 1, don't get it till June though argggghh. if you wanna chat ping me, ive spent a whole month making this same decision. if your not looking at the high end sports models, then my money would be on a 2.0TDI Quattro sline, ive had 4wd for the past 6 years in Subarus, I wouldn't never look at anything else now. If ots the Aclass, then the new 4matic model think its A250

[@Underhills]

Under £20,000? Jisses, cars are cheap in England.

[@calumbeats]

+ventende where are you from?

[@Underhills]

Calum Beats Denmark

[@Moto-411]

+ventende i know this is old but in the uk the car starts from around 20,000 for the basic model of a golf then goes up a fair bit i think for the top end golf r32 you would be about 40,000 new not sure how it works in denmark tho :p

[@Underhills]

Can't buy a new car for that prize here. Basic Golf model with weakest engine would put you back about £33.000. That's the cheapest option of these three. As soon as you choose a larger engine it gets much worse very fast. Greedy government taxes is the reason.

[@maya1787]

no better u should join nursary..go to website & have a look at the price of 2013 models...

[@97Stobie]

well whats good about the mercedes except for the badge in the front

[@mikel4663]

1.4tfsi golf?? Says TDI on the back?

[@lmogden1]

GREAT VIDEO

[@0785664353]

nice thanks

[@devilg11]

Yup, Audi and VW are quite reliable and never got a problem with their DSG transmission. Oh, forgot to mention, they have never drunk engine oil like idiots either.

[@0785664353]

where the peugeot 308 it's same class .. I think that

[@calumbeats]

+tariq jamal puegeot isnt considered premium, nor is it german

[@Carrinthe]

True, a Peugeot is not considered premium but today you can buy several cars that are not considered premium but can match or exceed these cars in build quality and plush interieur without paying a premium price. The price difference becomes ludicrous if you want a well specced car. Peugeot 308, Mazda 3 and Opel/Vauxhall Astra to name a few.

[@calumbeats]

Carrinthe lol compare the interior of an astra to one of these cars and youre way off. Peugeot also not on a par luxury wise. leather/heated seats come standard on some derivatives of these models whereas a 308 they would be a hefty priced extra. not sure about the mazda 3 tbh, but again its not german

[@brzutt]

although im not a fan of any of theses cars the golf is the car i would pick out of them ,give me a japanese car i would dance all day long like ( honda civic , toyota aruis , mitsubushi Lancer )

[@chitpaul]

I have had a VW twice and a Mercedes once...The Mercedes is just badge unless you spends load on it or buy an E-class or above...Audi's are just a poshed up VW's, underneath the A3 and Golf are the same...structure, engines, Gearbox the lot.so why pay more if the Golf is a very good car anyway...If you money is free to dispose of buy a Audi...like the Audi...but you need to justify the extra over the VW....

[@mohamedcharlotte8085]

chitpaul singh kallah

[@adrbck]

i Miss BMW 1 Series. In Crimson Red! Audi Brilliant Red, Mercedes. Jupiter Red, Vw golf Tornado Red!

[@JonLondrezos]

Where's the 1 series?

[@nswgb69]

Why no 1 series?

[@Slimecrazy234]

The Merc is cheaper than the golf? wow.

[@kristoffers4]

Where is the BMW 1 and Volvo V40? The VW Golf doesn't fit in this line-up....

[@CrackdownMeVa]

Why not audi a1 sportback?

[@SaKuLification]

and where is the lada niva?

[@elukok]

That tiny display from mercedes looks funny compared to the one in A3.

[@cristiandemirel1918]

where is the dacia sandero? :)))

[@sirtristan01]

you obviously know nothing about reading properly, I explicitly said "AMG MODELS DO TOO", which is correct. but yeah, you got me, I'm just pulling this out of my ass and you're completely right about everything. you're Professor englightening my ignorance. thank you for doing this for me.

[@ChapolinARG]

why always they forget to compare the 3 big car brand in the world? audi vs mercedes vs bmw

[@praveenbeesa3929]

I have owned both Golf and Audi A3. The Golf touch screen much better and easy to use over Audi. The lack of touch screen in Audi means, it’s very difficult to navigate using the dial. Many things comes as standard in Golf over Audi despite the later being expensive .

[@valmirsadiki536]

There need to be and the Opel Astra J

[@ghostinthemachine76]

What do you mean, where is the Dacia Sandero? Nowhere in this test. This test was about quality cars, well apart from the Mercedes.

[@martinjackson2528]

Make the sensible choice and get a 1 series!

[@ACS607]

Nearly 19k for a car with 15" wheels? You'd have to be idiotic to choose the Merc, a badge snob to choose the Audi and plain boring to choose the Golf. I can think of several interesting choices that would give these cars a run for their money. The Alfa Guilietta, Seat Leon, Volvo v40 are better imo. The merc massively loses it's attractiveness with the red paint and those sofa wheels, almost to the point of it looking rather bland imo.

[@reddexred]

1 Series?

[@ye7yawy]

what about the bmw 118 ???!!!

[@YankeemanLT]

I'll take any of these as long as its red.

[@amair2k2]

Would never go for a SE model A3 and A class look ugly. They need the sport pack to unleash their true potential

[@progrsv]

even the baggage is red. you guys sure love red.

[@nikola93kb]

VW

[@D4rM4r]

Audi is not owned by VW, in means that VW doesnt control everything. Audi is in VW group together with, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda. Now you tell me that Veyron is same as Golf. What means to be in VW group is that they share technology, so you get the best from Audi, VW, etc in one car. But one is premium one is not, so Audi will get better materials inside, nicer design and so on. So they are not the same, if you want premium, just like for the higher equipment level, you will have to pay more.

[@bestman81]

you are correct most people get so confused about this VW group thing but you explained it right

[@Underhills]

The Audi comes with quite stiff and uncomfortable sports suspensions, even without the S-line exterior package it seems. With low 18" profile tires on top of that the ride becomes too hard. It looks good but it doesn't drive as comfortable or precise as standard setup, especially when your driving at uneven tarmac. You need "autostrada" conditions to utilize it. If you slap on 17" tires on the A3 it looks lame. With Golf anything seems to work better in terms of riding comfort. I think it's kudos for Golf to always be compared with the A3 as the latter is so much more expensive, even more so outside the UK as you guys are blessed with LOW prizes! Actually it should worry Audi that they always rival Golf and not the other way around. With that prize the A3 should be able to belong to another class so to speak. I prefer comfy ride and practicalities, but I sure dislike the looks of the bland Golf. After Audi introduced the Sedan/Saloon version of A3 the beauty contest is a no brainier. The Audi wins hands down. This dilemma is tuff, looks and style vs comfort and ease of use. Sounds like a dating game really.