Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A-Class 2017 | Head2Head

If you're looking for a practical hatchback with a plush interior and a premium badge, the Audi A3 Sportback, Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series all make great choices. Mat jumps behind the wheel to give you his verdict - which car will strike the perfect balance between a stylish cabin, a practical boot and a comfortable ride? Watch our head-to-head group test review to find out…
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Cars in this review:
Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes A-Class
Prices and discounts correct on 14 October 2016
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[@carwow]

All carwow savings correct at time of publishing. Head over to our deals page to find all the latest offers - Audi A3 Sportback: www.carwow.co.uk/Audi/A3-sportback/deals?KZbin&Make-Audi-Model-A3-sportback-Type-deal BMW 1 Series: www.carwow.co.uk/bmw/1-series/deals?KZbin&Make-BMW-Model-1-Series-Type-deal Mercedes A-Class: www.carwow.co.uk/mercedes/a-class/deals?KZbin&Make-Mercedes-Model-A-Class-Type-deal

[@skinnyjeanz5312]

carwow go to the US to try some cars

[@robertbold5807]

carwow, Over £5,000 worth of Audi A3 options... An unfair advantage!

[@grandtheftgameryt]

@@skinnyjeanz5312 no

[@PrenzBeats]

I drove all theese cars in a row and can absolutely approve Mat's statements. A Class: Okay in isolation but so much worse than the other two in every Category. Especially road noise and refinement of the engine are extremely bad. Wait, the driver interfaces are even worse. Steering wheel cuts hands, seat are hard but without side bolstering, Gas pedal to light to carry the foot, knee rubs on the center console. 1 Series: Oldest appearance, but still so well built and thought out. Best driver interfaces (steering, gas pedal, gearbox, seats)... Just feels like a part of your body. Puts the biggest smile on your face. A3: Technology beast. Everything so well to look at, to touch and to use. Plus everything absolutely intuitive and easy to use. Stunning in that regard. But gearbox, steering feel and front wheel drive can't match the bmw. Feels clinical, like a video game. I would and will take the Beamer, because it just drives so much better than the others!

[@daydreaming_aristocrat]

Can you also say something about the Alfa Giulietta in comparison?

[@dr.clivejames4567]

Yep, that’s what I got, (electric power train). *BMW;* truly the ultimate driving machine! 💯❤💥 🛞💨

[@Ott4vi4nu5]

I agree the audi is the best overall but I would go with the bmw

[@blackscreen8125]

i think the 1 series is the ugliest small car out there

[@MAN__IN__BLACK]

Audi A3

[@19nightsky91]

Passed my test in an A3, almost bought a 1 series 3 dats after, then was excited the first time I saw an A-class... so have been torn between the 3 ever since. This video was a great help

[@rupertfdr350]

1. Audi A3 2. BMW 1 Series 3. Mercedes A-Class

[@SuperWonderwall1]

Rupert FDR ohhh yes

[@toychan1715]

2

[@ffpsffps6766]

clown

[@humanperson4605]

No more though, other way around now.

[@Eleanour]

I love these videos. You always pick the right cars to compare. 🖒

[@rocketman4315]

Love the Audi's pulsing rear lights!!! :D

[@BATMAN-kp6hp]

audi a3 whos with me?

[@supersonicmixes]

I love the BMW because it's the sportiest

[@Maurice_Moss]

johnny begood thankyou! iv Always said that. your just paying for the badge

[@jlue1993]

I really don't like Audis but I'd buy the A3 over the other 2 in a heartbeat, makes the other 2 look like joke hatchbacks!

[@theyruinedyoutubeagain]

I love the BMW (drove it a lot, excellent city car) but there's just something about the Audi that speaks to me. I think it's the fact that, like many Audis, looks very capable, in a winter jacket kind of way, if that makes any sense. That's why the Audi RS6 is one of my favourite cars ever. Also, anecdotally the Audi dealerships I've been to have been very friendly, as opposed to the BMW ones (got mad at my 3 yo son for going near an M6, wtf).

[@ariqnabil8063]

illuminati i did

[@ChimaChindaDev]

I never thought I'd ever say this but the Audi looks the best inside and outside. Edit after completing the video: It's by FAR the best inside and outside.

[@vantablack5690]

Chima Chinda the a class has the best exterior but it sucks at everything else

[@samuelluk7885]

vanta black iu

[@markmclean1979]

Disagree. I have owned several A3’s (2017 onwards) and they all gave me constant mechanical issues from faulty steering racks to crackling speakers and amplifiers. BMW 1 Series is superior in every way and interior quality, unlike this review, is better.

[@jimmyrecard4390]

Great review. Personally just sold a golf R and bought a 1 series BMW. As a drivers car it's just head shoulders above everything in the small car segment for both fun and that cockpit feel in the cabin. Also love the 8 speed so much more than the dsg. Sure the vw/audi is super practical but you have to love driving it and for this bmw is the winner for me.

[@joonapuro8055]

Cockpit is easily the most dated one

[@rifenossimple4344]

@@joonapuro8055 Thats why i like it. Its still feels like a car inside instead of a gamers rooms.

[@joonapuro8055]

@@rifenossimple4344 I understand that, but F generation is a weird mix for me I don’t think it has the same solid feel and quality that the older bmw’s had

[@feeltennis]

Hey Mat, any plans for reviewing the new Audi A5?

[@gfrl7318]

I am driving the BMW 120D, it s every day a pleasure.

[@riadzeini7770]

what i like about this channel is that it reviews down to Earth cars. What I mean by that is when an average person like you and I want to buy a car, this channel is the most unbiased, and it reviews cars we can actually afford. While other car review channels only review exotic cars or cars over 80,000

[@bighes100]

Do they all have working indicators?

[@wemoveforward6413]

Craig Heslop best comment on here.

[@bighes100]

Thanks 😂

[@chris94748]

Craig Heslop as a bmw driver you have to drain the indicator fluid before use 😁

[@ismailnaser2401]

They are a option on the BMW

[@bighes100]

Ismail Naser I thought on all......😂

[@JonLondrezos]

Good review Matt. One point though.... I agree that in isolation MAYBE the iDrive is the best. But in an age where smartphones are an essential item, as a car reviewer, you should be putting more emphasis in smartphone-to-car integration. And I don't mean just Android Auto and Apple thingy. Beyond that, we would like to know about ease of phone storage, docking, charging, and antenna amplification. Keep up the good work.

[@MohammedAli-tb7zc]

while I'm a Mercedes fan I would definitely go for the Audi because holy shit its such a good all rounder

[@tiktokcompilations6677]

Audi A3 Sportsback Definitely!

[@huseynyldz1965]

ADAMSIN ADAM TAŞAKLISIN

[@santiagogarces8315]

Great review! Helped me make up my mind for the A3.

[@lbalec]

Why you comparing standard A class with A3 S-line and 1 Series with M package?

[@CR60DOM]

The only difference is the trim inside the car and the more sporty look outside there’s no performance upgrade on an m package or s line

[@Beyonder1987]

Dominic Crawford sports suspension and sports steering wheel(a3)

[@CR60DOM]

Beyonder hence what I mean by the trim inside

[@KINGKING10109]

@@CR60DOM wrong. Lowered , sports suspension makes a difference.

[@CR60DOM]

@@KINGKING10109 when?

[@YananoBere]

Would've been lovely to have the recently facelifted V40 too. Think it offers there best value of all three. Great looking car too.

[@dr.himanshusoun1532]

Matt you are the best car reviewer in the world

[@usamatariq2074]

I'm a Mercedes fan but Audi A3 seems way better than others.

[@amoddedblueteslap100d7]

That's because mercedes tried to make the cheapest and affordable way to get into a new mercedes but it wasn't that impressive it was actually quite terrible

[@markmclean1979]

I have owned all 3 cars and can confirm the 1 series is by far the best. Blows the other two out of the water in every conceivable area.

[@Sniff420]

Mat can you do any of the new volvo 90 series R designs? i cant find any good reviews of them.

[@leiya107]

Rear wheel drive. End of discussion.

[@dlite1972]

£5000 of options ! I like my Audis but surely a fairer test would have used a car without these extras ?

[@benyuen348]

Does not mattet

[@francogalati1005]

A3 class above all. Im from Canada and i just bought an a3 sline 19 inch mags and we have a Gas 2.0 turbo at 228 bhp and 260 pound of tourque and its a beast 4 door saloon. Amazing car. You guys should come to north america to try that and u will be impressed. Good review

[@StephenButlerOne]

The A3, its style will also age the best

[@NZsarge1]

Stephen Butler absolutely

[@tgeorge4184]

Stephen Butler it's has aged well!

[@StephenButlerOne]

T George, it has but it's had a face lift that will see it past both the others. That BMW hatch was never nice, and I'm not sure if it's the colour on that merc, but it looks fat and dumpy. My friend has one with the AMG styling, (2l diesel) it thst grey/silver, and looks nice, but in white, it looks wrong. I don't think either will look fresh in 5years time. I reckon the audi will.

[@tgeorge4184]

Hello Stephen! Yes i do agree with you on the topic of the white paint on the Merc and its so flat she looks so bad. But i have seen many of these on the road and i would pick the Merc over both the Audi and the BMW. The only Audis i have ever liked has been the B7 RS4 and the 1st gen v10 R8s. Beautiful cars! No other Audi has really done it for me. Other than in the case of these cars, i personally feel like Audi has always taken a 'milder' approach to exterior design. Yes, some will say they might look fresh in 5years time. Or, will they?;-)

[@DR3AM3RTHOM]

Would love to see a review of the Audi A3 saloon in any color other than red. Vs the CLA and BMW 2/3 series

[@badnugz8762]

Recently gotten myself a A3 and its a dream so far, highly recomend the buy or atleast a test drive :)

[@batuhanbakrc4530]

A3 is the best of this class.

[@ariqnabil8063]

Batuhan Bakirci yea

[@umutacarturk6735]

ama türkiyede malesef hayalet ekran yok

[@jackhenry8570]

Batuhan Bakırcı a class is better inside, Audi is better outside. Actually quality of car merc is better

[@Peter-zc5xc]

Only if you are a small ompa lompian

[@niccolomachiavelli8763]

Nope lol

[@simonthomas5367]

Recently changed my 2013 Mini Cooper for a 2018 118i. What an absolutely cracking car. Refined, well-engineered, real wheel drive. Excellent build quality and just really feels premium. No regrets.

[@louisstanden2677]

any updates on the car mate, reliable?

[@simonthomas5367]

@@louisstanden2677 Never better! Just a really well built, comfortable, economical car to run. No regrets.

[@louisstanden2677]

@@simonthomas5367 nice to hear appreciate the reply!

[@markmclean1979]

Totally agree! Recently bought a 1 series after having several Audi A3’s prior. 1 series superior in every way and so far has been significantly more reliable.

[@casperschultzhansen1054]

I have a 2016 BMW 118d aut its superb!!!

[@JackKing12.]

Should really review base models...these 3 are high end trims: S-line, M Sport with the exception of the Merc - Sport trim...

[@oOJakkeOo]

Soon BMW won't even be the sportiest car to drive anymore... Brace yourselves for front wheel drive :(

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

I know, it's a shame.

[@diogotaira390]

Shame! I was hoping the 1-series 3-liter to come to US as I prefer hatchbacks, but if it's FWD no point in getting BMW then! I would just get a mercedes or something.

[@ivorproblem1332]

FWD will be for smaller engine non sporty models so that they can compete on price. RWD will be for the sportier models like the 3.0

[@smraju1983]

Hhh

[@InteriorDesignAnderson]

Jake they build the Mini and that's FWD, and very good to drive

[@Ar-Rahman61]

Cool video 👌🏼👑

[@NotMeHere]

My Mun recently bought the 116d and she was deciding between the A3 and the 116d but BMW offered a better trade in price making the BMW cheaper all round. The Audi she was considering was definitely more well equipped with leather seats but the BMW was cheaper overall

[@QullVideo]

It is strange that Matt always gives us the lowest prices you can get these cars for, but then shows us the top of the range versions (S-Line, M-Sport). If you pay bottom prices for any of these cars you are getting nothing more than what you'd get with an Astra or Focus (if not less for similar money). However if you go for a full spec Audi A3 S-Line (for example) then the prices Matt mentions in this comparison video are meaningless.

[@loveforthe90s]

What is the most comfortable luxury sport car and luxury suv? In terms of cabin noise and ride comfort

[@frankzhang9160]

As a people living in North America, I really envy you Europeans that have so many hot hatches:'(

[@dr.himanshusoun1532]

please review 2017 Audi q5

[@terere2011]

Audi is on a roll.. The new cars theyre doing are just awesome!

[@GerryManning1]

They ALL look good honestly but its either the a3 or the 1 series for me personally. Liked the a class at one point till i heard that renault engine mess, since then im put off them completely.

[@JYMAHJAMES]

Good review but why didn't you use the V40? It's in the same price range too.

[@m23m23]

soccer moms will buy the Merc , practical people will buy the Audi , and the drivers will buy the BMW

[@robertbold5807]

Legion 1927, Not entirely true! My uncle is a professional driver and he drives the *Audi R8!* However, he used to own the *BMW M2* so I understand where you're coming from. As for the soccer moms; maybe I'd agree with you there, (lol)!

[@stuartmaina1136]

True

[@p3ms87]

Lol.. im a man and.... a ...soccer.. mom?.!

[@tgms177]

the A3 is easily the best

[@jiaenlu713]

however the audi needs a new cambelt at around 60k miles

[@DassRoc]

while the bmw needs X Y and Z at whatever miles and the A class is a Renault in drag when in diesel.

[@revilo9725]

Having owned all 3, the better drivers car is the bmw buy a long shot. But tech was probs edged by the audi. I actually owned a CLA but pretty much an A class isn't it and was pretty underwhelming although the soundsystem was the best

[@OfficialKadz6]

Can you please do a reveiw on the C43 coupe

[@watchfreeshits]

Lmao the a class is a joke

[@d0718]

I had the facelifted A180 AMG Line as a garage loan car for a couple of days and honestly its such a piece of sh*t this car is. As Mat is rightfully said its only for people who buy cars because of the badge. Objectively its worse than the new Vauxhall Astra or mk7 Golf

[@michielboer7338]

Dmitry L You kind off have a point considering the badge part, but it's also up to people's preference. If you spec up these three cars, I do think that the a-class looks best. But then again, I am a Mercedes kind off guy. Plus I'm Dutch, which could change the points of importance when I'm considering a (new) car.

[@back2back22]

Faiz Wiralaga i totally agree! Audi all the way

[@peterambrose2148]

Faiz Wiralaga Unless its the A43

[@d0718]

Michiel Boer The reason I had an A-class loan car is because my own car is a Mercedes (e-class), so I am kind of a Mercedes supporter as well. But A-class is honestly not that great, I do appreciate the fact that people might like how it looks and feels, but just objectively, its falling behind the competitors. As I said, the Vauxhall Astra is objectively much better (and of course cheaper), but mainly because its much newer. So if I was in the market for a car of this class, I'd definitely go for the A3 since its the newest and the best car here, but if I wanted the A-class, I'd rather wait until they roll out the new generation, because I'm sure its going to be the class leader

[@ruzgarggs]

My choice is a3 ,cause i'll buy this winter

[@albasheer2014]

When are you guys going to do 'CLS vs 6 Seried Gran Coupe vs Audi A7'????

[@noticiasdeultimahora8290]

Audi finally getting the recognition it deserves

[@tut1337anchamun]

S-Line Audi, M-Package BMW and a regular A-Class... how do you compare those trims? How about the AMG-Package on the A-Class?

[@vidalgarza6476]

The a class is overpriced this has to be the base trim to even compete with these others

[@mczeljk]

The disappearing nav screen of the A3 is a big plus. Basically the opposite of the sloppy placed Tablet of the Merc

[@SBLLRDL]

Will you review the mazda 3?

[@evangelosspyromilios5994]

V40 and ct200h should also included in this comparison

[@vincenzobilleci8111]

I do own an A3 Sedan M.Y. 2015 and I think that the A3 model, overall, is the best in this segment for interior quality, diesel fuel consumption and premium looking....

[@MBAMG65]

Mat, what's the size of the large suitcase?

[@almightysloth7627]

why are you using the sport back and not the normal a3? doesnt thatcmake the test a little unfair in the practicality segment?

[@TeslaFanJapan]

I like the design of A3 inside and out. Little surprised it is FWD. Is there quattro version?

[@carwow]

+テスラモーターズファン yes

[@arianitonline8748]

they are always front well, but you can get quattro as much as I know for some extra cash

[@marcussim8849]

Yup, theres the S3 and RS3

[@TonyyHD]

I got those 3 vehicles at home and I'm surprisingly in line with this review. These are fantastic cars but the final choice will be based on your priorities and on what you expect from a car. The A class with the AMG Pack is definitely the most desirable one, Audi has the best interior and more practicality and BMW is the most fun to drive.

[@mohamedcharlotte8085]

TonyyHD

[@MR-04]

Hello i'm Considering Buying A 2018 "Mercedes A200" With The "AMG-Line" Pack and it's The "Final Edition" Option One So i'd like to ask if the reason you like the BMW The Most is Only Because You Think it Drives Best or Can The A200 With The AMG Package Compete???

[@parvizkhkh]

i like your videos man.thank you for the great videos you make.I like the BMW more,because it is fun to drive but i agree that Audi is overall better car

[@kamrankhan6419]

Try an a3 vs golf review

[@taha1j1]

The merc is very noisy in the cabin that's true but in amg line spec it handles like a champ!

[@manny3332]

I got the Audi A3 after watching this!👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@gokwan7133]

Nice

[@TheOfficialIronGamin]

I’m definitely getting myself an A3

[@ET-vm7nh]

Ultimate rivalry

[@MRK-lt4eg]

Audi is S-line, BMW is M sport but Mercedes is basic the AMG line Mercedes A class is much better then this version

[@abdullahmohsin3440]

Excellent review once again! :)

[@hamidking78]

Ok for the A3, you might as well get a golf or for that matter, a seat Leon. I bought a BMW 1 series last year cause this was the last of hatchback rear wheel drive. Unless you get a 4WD of any of these, BMW is the superior for ME.

[@sebastianlim2499]

how about the Sclass,7series and A8?

[@VoloKinProject]

+carwow I love your videos but please sort out the sound once and for all. Its very annoying on headphones.

[@elliotbaldwin545]

A3 Woohoo! Wish we had hatchback version here.

[@elshazlio]

Best car reviewer in the history of mankind!👍👍👍👍👍

[@jorgeortega2262]

Just ordered a 1 series before is to late and I can't drive RWD hatchback. Love the Audi but driving the BMW feels a little bit more special.

[@JULIAN71102]

I once commented that audi is making the best daily drive cars, and this video proves it more.

[@Whiponized]

These cars or a polo which one should I get a first car?

[@Joe-zw9ep]

Nice Audi Ad

[@drvince0725]

To be fair CURRY WURST SLAPS!!! First time I went to Germany and I loved it

[@niekprins8783]

I cant wrap my head around the choice between A160 / A180 / A200 since they all have the same engine. My gut feeling says: A200 will need more maintenance since we ask more power from the same engine. Any thoughts on that?

[@MegaCallum10]

Looking at upgrading my A1 and the A-Class has the same insurance cost. Is the A-class a good jump over the A1?

[@yuliacao233]

yes

[@kaykabiry8664]

Having owned all 3 cars ,I’ve recently swapped my bmw to audi , in terms of driving experience bmw by far gives you the best thrill however audi has bit of everything and lot cheaper to maintain compare to the other two , personally if something goes wrong with Beamer ,you looking to fork out lot of money out of your pocket so I personally recommend audi, surprisingly Audi A3 2ltr tdi engine does have underrated power which no one talks about .

[@MrDan97]

What model a3 is shown here?

[@abramovicsta8434]

It's not about quality it's about loyalty so I would choose BMW

[@SD-gw5vm]

How do i get a car wow hoody? I am a huge fan

[@darshanreebye7525]

y cant u compare all similar,the bmw with m-sport package,audi s-line and many options,the mercedes looks like the basic one with no option.good review but bias.

[@naseemsharif321]

I think the Audi for practicality and leg room and all that but prefer the look of the 1 series and the fact it's RWD

[@harsh9819]

I just bought the new audi a3 sportsback cuz I go to university now and the audi is amazing

[@lkevin136f4]

The A3 in white is a beast

[@wowfanwow]

Got a 2017 125d OMFG no regrets. New gen is no good unfortunately. So sad

[@gabeadams2926]

Agreed - I got a 120d 2015 M sport and it drives likes a dream

[@antonton8472]

The Mercedes isn't a AMG

[@MinhPham0407]

It is so weird that the Mer A-Class has bigger and better styling screen than the C-Class!

[@WhoIsAliceD]

Where is the dragrace??

[@ironcraft2118]

I love them all.

[@Rimawedspuneet]

what about the lexus ct200h?

[@FifaIsDank]

Why not compare the AMG a class? It's an M sport and S line? Why no AMG?

[@KINGKING10109]

It’s only m sport and s line trim, not engine

[@cliffburtonnkardesiyim3725]

well i'm an a3 1.6 tdi owner since january and the decision that i made was not so hard because audi has the best blend of your needs

[@Handles805]

yeah it seems like you chose the best audi s-line or sportback lvl trim compared to lower level trims like the bmw wasnt even an M series just had the M-sport package and the Mercedes was the entry lvl.......

[@stephandolby]

I hate to say it, but the A3 is my pick. Now, how does it compare to the 308, Giulietta, Mazda 3, Civic, DS4 or V40? Just throwing a few relatively posh ones out there.

[@stephandolby]

TheWangPro Posh compared to the Korean competition, I suppose, but even then they've stepped up in quality. It's just an opinion in the end, correct or not.

[@stephandolby]

TheWangPro There's only a three grand difference in the UK between base models for the Mazda 3 and BMW 1 Series. Moreover, the 308 is cheaper than the 3.

[@stephandolby]

Audi TT UK Well, perhaps not premium per se, however they're very well bolted together, the materials are good, the dash designs are very modern and reliability is very good, so the price and especially resale values will be inflated. Civics are made in the UK so that's a good enough reason to charge a fair whack for them.

[@Ante_Knezevic]

You hate to say it?

[@stephandolby]

Tomislav Zvonimir I'm not a big fan, though it's more the drivers than the cars themselves.

[@andyalmond9264]

Hows the 1 series not so new it got a facelift in 2015 an the merc is only 6 months newer