Mercedes A-Class vs VW Golf 2024 COMPARISON! | Which is BEST?

[@npoleary]

Let me know what video you want to see next! 📣

[@td5052]

Great video again Nick, I'd like to see a A35 v A250e video in terms of the trade off between performance and economy. Is it worth spending the extra £££ for the AMG?

[@npoleary]

Thank you! Well they are little different. I’d counter ask one question, can you charge at home with off road parking? If you can, then the A250e might be quite good. A lot of your local driving will then be done on electric (very very cheap compared to fuel if you charge at home). But for long journeys, the engine will just kick in. For the AMG, well of course there’s no hybrid function so this will ultimately and most likely cost more to run and service in the long run. Would be faster and might put a smile on your face day to day!

[@stuartbaker4444]

Hi Nick enjoyed the comparison. I’m finding my A200 AMG-Line great car but very low, near me I hit speed humps underneath etc unless very careful so looking at SUVs. Interested in either Mercedes GLA or the sporty looking Cupra Formentor especially V2 trim. Any chance of a test. Cheers Stuart.

[@npoleary]

Thank you! Sadly not covered any Cupra models to date but I have covered the GLA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIO4c6dmZciLerM

[@kienfung3045]

Everything, except vag

[@davesmith5656]

For anyone curious, "PS" is German "Pferderstark" which is "horse power" (1 PS = 0.99 BHP) "BHP" is "brake horse power" which is measured as the effective at-the-road HP after internal power (e.g, for water pump) has been allocated. With hybrids and EVs, kilowatts are also used as measures and can be converted to PS and BHP. FYI ICYMI TIA.

[@npoleary]

Thanks for sharing! 🤓🙏

[@foxxster3565]

Sehr gut.

[@ck8871]

Pferderstärke, to be exact - or, if you don't have the umlaut ä, it can be replaced with ae, resulting in Pferdestaerke

[@tyzone]

a friend of mine swears he likes bbc, he doesn't want to explain to me the meaning, do you think you could help me out?

[@stphnwheeler]

A very comprehensive and fair review. I prefer the interior of the Mercedes but, overall, I'd the the VW Golf.

[@npoleary]

Thanks for watching! 🤓

[@duifjeh]

Only + of the mercedes -> faster 0 - 100... the rest -> VW

[@riasmith4751]

Mercedes all the way Nick! Swopped my A180 in January for a newer 180 premium plus night edition and LOVE IT!!

[@npoleary]

Awesome! And premium plus too! 😎

[@peacem8574]

It's still a Renault

[@donnapritchard4132]

Just bought a Mercedes a 250 in Australia. Had it 6 weeks and very happy with it so far.

[@npoleary]

Nice! 👌🏼

[@donnapritchard4132]

@@npoleary stupid question. Can u adjust the height of the heads up display?

[@npoleary]

Yes 😎 +5 up and -5 down Depends on where your seat is or how tall you are 🤓

[@stevetodd629]

I feel that the Golf Match is the better car. I had a Merc A200 and it wasn't special. Just bought the new match. 150psi but don't get delivery till end of September. Will let you know what I think.

[@npoleary]

Please do let me know! I really enjoyed the drive! Would love to drive something that’s not as fast as the R (something a bit more of an everyday car) 🤓

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Golf is the king of hatchbacks always been

[@npoleary]

Have you got a hatchback? 🤓

[@jdmguy44]

King of hatchbacks?! LOL The current Golf was dead last (out of 50 cars) in Auto Express's Driver Power Survey 2024. Slated by owners for various reasons. Wouldn't touch a VW with a barge pole.

[@Matty12333]

@@jdmguy44Mk6 and Mk7 a lot better

[@duifjeh]

Seen the new 308 gt ;) ?

[@peacem8574]

The Golf is a joke lol 😂

[@Markyreg]

Great comparison Nick ! I still love the interiors and external styling of the A class over the VW though.

[@npoleary]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! 🙏🙏

[@laurent90210]

mercedes A220 in the USA, discontinued since 2023) has ChatGPT (beta) and illuminated logo. The A class was also 2.2 liter 240 hp.

[@npoleary]

Yes sadly specs do vary round the world, I have heard rumours Mercedes are discontinuing the A-Class here in the UK. I heard about Chat GPT in USA Mercedes, that sounds cool! Sadly again not here and same for the illuminated logo.

[@Brandon-kg3pl]

@@npolearyA class will be produced until 2026

[@npoleary]

Hopefully they release something of a similar size to the A-class (maybe an electric model?) My bets are they discontinue it, but release like a CLA Electric or something.

[@handscombmj]

Very good full comparison Nick. Thank you. I enjoy a Mercedes CLA currently but am thinking of the new Golf as a more practical replacement. I like the look of the updated Golf, but am still unsure about that huge tablet type screen which very much looks like a stuck on piece of kit. VW/Audi products feel more robust than Mercedes in my experience so it’s a close call. Thanks Again Nick. Keep up the good work

[@npoleary]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! It’s definitely one of the reasons why I like to cover more brands now. Give everyone a choice! As long as everyone enjoys the videos I’ll keep em coming!

[@strzibnyj]

I had similar concerns about the screen but I think I might get used to it. I ordered my new Golf a while ago and waiting now :)

[@npoleary]

Cool! 😎

[@orhun2049]

First of all Thank you Nick for this fair and accurate review, Have Driven both merc CLA class and VW golf. In terms of quietness and comfortable seats VW has the upper hand however when it comes to performance, practicality, interior design and luxury Merc definitely miles ahead.

[@npoleary]

Thank you! Glad you agree! Was only saying what I was seeing! 😅😎 haha

[@Lewis-te6re]

Ive had both in the last 3 years and the Mercedes is absolute streets ahead in every sense

[@npoleary]

Which one do you have? Or have you got something different now?

[@5aban1340]

Another fabulous video Nick. You get better and better every time. Joyful and highly informative.

[@npoleary]

Awh thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! 😎

[@Anonymous-un2nj]

I will get my factory new Mercedes A200 2024 with AMG Line and night package next month. Very excited. Only thing that is missing and they should add with a facelift is an electric trunk.

[@npoleary]

Ooo very nice! 👌🏼 That would be good!

[@JCoUKthe1]

Excellent review thanks Nick. You didn’t mention one key feature and that is all the Golf’s have Adaptive Cruise Control as standard, whereas it isn’t even an option for the Mercedes, or certainly not the A-class (so my partner discovered when he looked into it). As a high mileage driver, I find the Adaptive Cruise Control one of the most useful features I have ever had on a car and would never choose another car without it. An absolute deal-breaker for me.

[@npoleary]

Thank you! I know I’m gutted too! I had notes to talk about it but I was rushing to actually get the video done in the extremely short time I had with the car. It’s about just under £2k on the A-Class on top of the fact you need to select their top package, so the Golf blows the A-Class out of the water on that front. However…one really cool thing which I would like to make a video on this year is that apparently on the A-Class’s now, regardless of the spec you can choose you can now add adaptive cruise as a part of a subscription on their store. This is way cheaper. I’m going to be doing a review of my own car again soon so stay tuned (it’ll be a few weeks yet as I’ve got loads of videos to edit) but I will cover that then. I’ve also emailed VW to see if I can get a Golf for a week which I will check out then too.

[@32toyman]

I’ve just added adaptive cruise via subscription to my 2023 cla200. Was £130 for first year I think. Had it on a couple of previous cars and use it a lot

[@npoleary]

I’ve heard you can do this on some new cars, it’s on my idea list to make a video on it!

[@marcwalmsley4315]

Picking my Golf match 1.5 150 up on Tuesday,thanks for the great review,hope I’ve made the right choice 😏

[@npoleary]

Oh nice! 👌🏼 I’m sure it will be! What colour did you go for?

[@marcwalmsley4315]

Went for black in the end,after much debate!!

[@npoleary]

@marcwalmsley4315 nice! 👌🏼

[@sunrise7236]

He nick , i drive a cla ( same interior) what you could do is cover the middleconsole plastic with leather and red sticksel included like the rest of interior. It gives it a more luxure feel.

[@npoleary]

It’s honestly fine day to day, I just don’t put anything on top of it for it to scratch

[@t_mandry]

For me the vw golf r-line would be my choice

[@npoleary]

Nice! Chosen the colour? 👀

[@t_mandry]

@@npoleary I have the pre facelift mk8 r-line in white. Love the car

[@npoleary]

Very nice! 👌🏼

[@npoleary]

Just throwing this out there as you have a VW, did you know all of these? 10 HIDDEN Features on your Volkswagen! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKOodIVop6eSerssi=xX9AixHmD_9tVExD Plus I filmed this video on a white one too! 😜

[@Rob-ey9hp]

Hi Nick, I too have an A class and it is annoying when dropping the rear seats they hit the front seat. Both look nice, I thought the VW did look a bit more plastic, great review though👍

[@npoleary]

Thank you! 🙏 glad you enjoyed the video! 😊

[@duainesimpson274]

Very nice! It’s all about preference isn’t it. Both are amazing cars!

[@npoleary]

Very true! 🤓

[@anthony-us3pn]

Great review! Just discovered your channel and love your clear reviews. I own the pre-facelift A180 exact same spec as your car and wondered what you thought of Mercedes decision to remove the touch pad in the middle console? Speaking with a dealer apparently it’s due to customers not liking it but I personally do. Wonder if it’s a cost cutting decision? Wondered what you thought of the touch pad as one that’s reviewed a few?!

[@npoleary]

Thank you! 🙏 glad you enjoy the videos! It didn’t put me off buying my car, yes I would have preferred it in there but there again, most cars out there have one input to control their screen. Mercedes for some reason has the touchscreen, touchpad, voice and steering wheel controls. In my opinion losing one wasn’t the worst thing in the world But I do appreciate and have read it was used by many

[@nickwhite9669]

I ordered a new golf eTSI 3 years ago, was delayed and was told I’d have to wait a year. Ordered an A Class and picked it up 2 weeks later and never looked back.

[@npoleary]

Ah nice! Yeah I remember this, Mercedes somehow had cars available within two weeks even during most of the height of the chip shortage and pandemic. Not sure what tricks they were hiding 😅

[@nickwhite9669]

@@npoleary hopefully just about to swap it out for a new facelift model - just watched your hatch v saloon video to prep! Keep the vids coming.

[@npoleary]

Thank you! 🙏

[@darrenbodfish4591]

Love my new A class, like the golf as well, but not enough to buy one.

[@Matty12333]

The Mk7.5 was the best golf in my opinion. Mk8 seems more sporty but the quality is a lot poorer

[@davesmith5656]

On the VW, it looks like the cruise control is on the left of the steering wheel? Do you happen to know if it works as low as 10mph? I'm a big fan of cruise controls, and there are various high pedestrian traffic areas I drive through regularly, with very low speed limits. Setting the CC frees up my attention, not having to feather the gas pedal and watch the speedometer, just setting it on cruise and focusing on ped traffic. I think Mercedes will set as low as 15mph.

[@npoleary]

Oh dang, sadly I didn’t get chance to try that particular feature out and it’s lowest speed. It will be though either 15mph or 20mph I don’t believe they go down as low as 10mph. Yeah Mercedes is 15mph 🤓

[@okeoke4697]

The A class is more refined. You can see and feel it in many details. The 360 camera has an amazing quality. The Golf version as a much lower resolution. But overall, the Golf is more discrete I guess and easy to live with. The A class is more catchy, has more personality, but is much lower and firm. In short it's comfy vs cosy. Cosy meaning not always being practical lol. But they are both great !

[@georgeharper8382]

Hi Nick, I have just changed my 2020 Mercedes Benz A250e for a new 2024 model. Love the new car except for one small problem. The sound made by the direction indicators is extremely quiet and much quieter than on the 2020 model and other cars I have driven. According to my dealer there is nothing that can be done to make the indicator sound louder and means you have to be very careful to turn the indicators off. I have no idea why Mercedes would make the sound level made by the indicators so low.

[@npoleary]

Ah very nice! Yes I’ve noticed that but I have not seen a setting to make them louder. As far as I’m aware they’re fixed at factory.

[@tommyolsen8224]

A CLASS ❤❤❤

[@andrewcrowther1973]

I'm afraid I am biased as I drive a Mercedes A200 AMG Line Executive saloon and would still go for the Merc over the VW as just seems more premium and love the Mercs interior it's an occasion every time I get in. Having just been on holiday to the North East I was very impressed with an average fuel economy of 62mpg.

[@npoleary]

I still do like my car, wish it was just a little quicker though so like A200 performance. 62MPG is very good! 👍🏼 with air con? Or without?

[@andrewcrowther1973]

@npoleary I have my air con set to auto and in comfort mode all the way

[@npoleary]

Nice! I did a test like that on a KZbin video with A/C on too! It’s very economical!

[@andrewcrowther1973]

@@npoleary yes it is very economical. May I say your videos have been a real help in extending the enjoyment of my Mercedes.

[@npoleary]

Awh thank you! Got more on the way soon!

[@angelrogo]

I'm a huge fan of the VW Golf Style eTSI 150 HP. That must be my next car (I hope so)

[@npoleary]

Ah nice! What colour are you thinking?

[@angelrogo]

​​@@npoleary On the VW Golf MK 8, I loved it in metallic dark blue, but on the MK 8.5 I would prefer it in grenadilla black metallic.

[@sunrise7236]

A class

[@Temcfc]

had my a200 for a while, only negative is some of the features behind a paywall, other than that love the interior of the mercedes so brilliant.

[@npoleary]

Ah nice! 👌🏼 glad you’re enjoying it! 😎

[@ernestjbmwrider1200]

I drove both the Volkswagen and the A-Class all the parts on the Volkswagen work together

[@JoeSmith-hs4lo]

Near all VW Golf's look the same inside and out, I had a mk6 and mk7 both looked the same now I have a Merc A200 AMG Line and paid extra for the 19' AMG Wheels with 225/40/R19 Run flat tyres, a much better car.

[@npoleary]

Ah dang you’ve got the faster one than I have 😅 Thanks for watching! 🤓

[@AESTHETICC.]

Your comment doesn't make sense at all. Mk6 is very different from a mk7 but it gives the Golf feeling still. Now you bumped over to mercy car ofcourse you going to see a difference🤣.

[@npoleary]

Ah no sorry, my daily car is the white one the A 180. 136hp. So if you’ve got the A200 it’ll be 163hp. There or thereabouts anyway 👍🏼

[@mrblues1981]

i bought 2023 a180 amg line on 18.000 miles for 22k , going to get it on thursday ,cant wait

[@npoleary]

Awesome! What colour? 🤓

[@mrblues1981]

@@npoleary its black :) i will call it knight rider :))))

[@npoleary]

Ooo nice! 👌🏼

[@strzibnyj]

I was recently looking for a car and was deciding a lot between these two (and couple other models). In the end I ordered the new Golf,. I's latest revision whereas A looks a bit same couple of years, and when we drove in my friend's A the interior quality was quite poor (looked great, but not well put together). Finally I was worried about the ground clearance of A, not very practical.

[@npoleary]

Yes A-Class is quite low, you do have to go slow over certain height speed bumps. I love it, but equally I would also love the Golf 👍🏼 I’d love to test one out for a week 😎

[@kanedavidson]

Just bought the saloon as we think it looks nicer than the hatch. Agree the 1.3L 136PS engine is a tad on the weak side.

[@npoleary]

I find the saloon slightly more smoother than the hatchback, might be something to do with the wheelbase. I’d love to have gone for the A 200 or something though! Maybe next time! 👀

[@jeremybouchard7013]

Which one has less noise in the cabin? Particulary when it comes to road noise on coarse road.

[@npoleary]

On the car’s tested it was the Golf. But…that could be because it was on smaller wheels. 🛞 So I purposely didn’t lean into it that much, sadly that was the only car I had access to so I made the best video I could with what I had. Comparing R-Line for example would have been better. Maybe next time! But I was still very impressed with the new Golf!

[@jeremybouchard7013]

@@npoleary thank you!

[@npoleary]

No worries! 🤓

[@ronniebrown6225]

I am not a Volkswagen fan and in particular the Golf and the Polo as I do prefer saloon/coupe models. I had a Mercedes A180d hatchback until a few weeks ago when I changed it to a Mercedes A200d 4 door saloon which I'm loving, I do find a little more tyre noise but I'm putting that down to the Continentals that are on it, by the time winter comes I'll be switching back to Goodyear vector4season Gen 3 tyre which I had on my hatchback they were brilliant and road noise minimal so I'm expecting even better as this car feels more solid. I'm not knocking VW just not my cup of tea unless we start talking about the Arteon.

[@npoleary]

Yeah it could be the tyre make that makes a difference Oh yeah sadly not been in the Arteon yet!

[@maksymilian89]

wow. it was a nice video. personally i'm a huge fan of mercedes benz and i'm a mercedes benz product expert. mercedes is best brand in each segment for me no matter what. i would give more points to mercedes benz even if mercedes has only three wheels. but..i cannot say mercedes compact model is better than VW golf. it is just way it is. i cannot resist.

[@npoleary]

Thank you! Ah awesome! Yeah Mercedes do make some amazing cars, however their completion really has picked up the pace. Sadly I’ve heard rumours that they’re discontinuing some compact cars, might make a video one day on it!

[@snoureldin3106]

Hi Nick, just a random question.. I have just picked up my CLA 2024 to find that the boot doesn’t lock .. I can open the boot manually even when the car is locked.. I would appreciate it if you could shed some light on that should I be missing anything.. thank you

[@npoleary]

Have you got the key on you? If you have keyless it’ll unlock automatically when you’re at the back and will appear “unlocked”. Move the key away and then try again 👊🏼 Let me know how you get on 👍🏼

[@snoureldin3106]

@@npoleary you are a star.. you were right 🫣🫣.. really appreciate your swift reply.. keep up the good work you do… much obliged

[@npoleary]

Haha no worries Mine does the same so I was 99% sure it was that. If it flashes three times, that means it’s definitely locked with all doors secured No flashes means there’s a door or boot open 👍🏼

[@paulwilliams4990]

Love the review as the best I’ve seen between the 2 cars just an everyday review. Would be interesting if you added maybe service costs between cars and I’ve heard Mercs are very expensive. Thx.

[@npoleary]

Thank you! 🙏 Well I’ll hopefully cover that on my own car next year when it’s due it’s larger service and I’ll talk about ownership costs then 🤓 Glad you enjoyed the video though! Have you got a VW at the moment?

[@paulwilliams4990]

@@npolearyno I would like a used Mk8 golf gti but worried about the horrid touch screen infotainment system.

[@npoleary]

You ought to try one and see how you get on with it! I’ve always wanted one too 🤓

[@jkjobies]

I have the Golf Style! Love it!

[@npoleary]

Nice! 👌🏼 Is it the new 2024 one? If not then I actually made some tips and tricks for VW owners the other day that might be useful! But there again you might already know them all! 😅 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKOodIVop6eSerssi=0IsNVwRTymolEbhM

[@jkjobies]

@@npoleary It is the new one thank you. No I would love someone to go through the car bit on the computer. For example automatic wipers? I think I messed them up!! Also to explain the screen in front of my steering wheel! Sorry I don’t know the correct terminology but am a woman driver!😂😂

[@npoleary]

Ah some tips still might apply! It was filmed on the previous one but there’s hidden tips and tricks in the reading lights! Well if I get my hands on another I might make a few videos about the multimedia system etc

[@jkjobies]

@@npoleary that’d be brilliant! Thank you!

[@sunrise7236]

You could get it tuning to the same power output as the 200. The 200 could get 180 hp but not many company want to do that

[@npoleary]

Could do but it’s under warranty at the moment so wouldn’t want to lose that!

[@oneminutegames7]

I’ve just sold a Golf Match and bought a 180 Premium Plus. Tech on Mercedes is amazing and it is more luxurious inside but Golf was as good a drive

[@npoleary]

Nice! What colour did you for?

[@oneminutegames7]

Mountain Grey

[@npoleary]

@oneminutegames7 good choice! That was my first choice but there was a bit of a wait for grey when I got mine so went with white instead

[@oneminutegames7]

@@npoleary I wanted blue but the dealer said there was a paint problem (don’t think there was) so I had the grey which had just arrived in the garage £500 off and 2 free services

[@npoleary]

@oneminutegames7 nice! 👌🏼

[@RenDana-ej7pi]

WTF guys this is an extremely logical comparison. Prices are the same if you account for spec. These are some of the last premium torsion bean hatchbacks on the market.

[@npoleary]

Yeah they are quite similar in terms of price, it’s not that far off

[@okeoke4697]

​@@npolearyindeed I'm doing the comparison currently and the gap between both is 3k/3.5k. Tested the A class recently and I like the steering wheel better, it's smaller than the R line one which is massive to me - but still very good. I like more the sophisticated ambiance on the A class, that being said the central console is awful now (almost useless too) since they removed the pad. And sadly, both have too many piano black panels that are easy to scratch and a pain to maintain clean and dust free. Some options on the Golf to replace them on the long run though, so why not. I would say the golf is more comfy and discrete, probably easier to live with. It offers a great visibility and it's neither too low, nor too high. The A class is lower, but more exclusive. The extra hp of the Golf should make it a more polyvalent car especially in mountain if you have to drive in sport mode. It's a more reasonable choice I guess. And for the price diff you can get all options including DCC. Maybe insurance wise there is a difference to help you decide? Anyway great and fair review, many thanks 👍☺️

[@npoleary]

Thanks for sharing with everyone! Yeah there are so many considerations these days. I love my car but I definitely wouldn’t say no to a Golf 😎 especially the larger screen 😊

[@ojh666]

Do all years on the A class have the ambient lights in the circle vents? Or is this only on a certain year/ model and newer? Thanks!

[@npoleary]

Just depends on the specification and year. Pretty sure it was Premium or higher from 2018 onward but the new ones since last year have it as standard 👍🏼

[@ojh666]

@@npoleary Much appreciated! Great channel btw...very helpful with hopefully finding my first A class very soon!

[@markcawdron5915]

I did have a new a class and I wasn’t impressed it had some annoying rattles from the dash and the sat nav just didn’t work properly.

[@npoleary]

Well if it’s new take it back to Mercedes, it’ll have a warranty and they’ll be able to check it out 🤓 What’s wrong with the Sat nav?

[@WALES1154]

Which one has the best stereo system?

[@npoleary]

VW has an option for Harman Kardon, where as Mercedes sadly don’t offer that. They have their own version which is pretty good but might not pack the punch of the VW. Sadly I’ve not experienced Harman Kardon before in a VW but I have owned a car with it before and it was amazing 👍🏼

[@deezet9518]

Technically the two won’t differ too much, although that Golf is somewhat newer then the Mercedes. That could make a huge difference as I look at the difference between the “old” EQB en the facelift one I am waiting for to be delivered. Only looking at the electronics at that. I have driven a lot of different brands of cars the past 30 years and what I have learned is, that the trim makes a lot of difference. There is difference not only in options or luxury, but higher trims often are more comfortable and better insulated for example. So you could have a lower trim Mercedes and a higher trim Golf which would seem to make the Golf more premium even. But the difference is in the materials. I find that Mercedes uses much better quality materials in even their lower priced models and the whole thing is more stylish than the average brand. Volkswagen is much more sober and aimed at functionality, without any frivolity or “unnecessary” make up. In the end it comes down to personal taste. I couldn’t help but notice you were leaning towards the Golf a little, I would dare you to drive the Golf for a more extended period of time, you might develop a different view on that. Which car would you choose if the Mercedes wasn’t yours and you didn’t own one before?

[@npoleary]

Very true! All down to personal taste! The Golf has definitely caught my eye from a few extra pointers over the A-Class, if I can get my hands on one from VW I’ll be able to do a week long review or something similar. It’s tricky, both are very good cars and I certainly wouldn’t mind either, that’s why I’m keen to try one for a week 🤓

[@marty197666]

I chose an A200 last yr. My first ever new car, I had driven a new golf for a short time after my last car (BMW 1) got driven into at a roundabout. For me the Mercedes is by far the best. I feel it’s lacking in torque though and would’ve preferred more power. Also I kinda wish I’d got the saloon, it looks a bit sexier imo. Shame the A35 only comes with animal skin seats :-(

[@npoleary]

Ah nice! Hey specs do change over time! They might introduce different interior combinations

[@PixelVibe42]

Great video, thank you! I recently had a (new) courtesy Golf R-Line for a day while our GTI CS was in getting a minor fix. TBH I was quite surprised by how poor the interior of the R-Line was by comparison (at £31k RRP). Ironically, there is an immaculate Mk4 near where I live - and it looks much better built than the current model - even 23 years later!

[@npoleary]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤓 thanks for watching!

[@donaldsivewright903]

I chose an A180 AMG Executive last year over the Golf, A3 or BMW 1. For me the A180 simply looked the best outside and especially inside and I thought the quality of materials was the best. I have not really regretted the decision although I am still very disappointed with the continual noisy rear view camera deployment at slow speed due to the calibration requirement that MB have programmed in. For me the A180 is easily fast enough and is returning around 51mpg on average with well over 60mpg on long runs. I agree with you regarding the folding of the rear seats. I am only 5ft 10ins compared to your 6ft 2ins but I cant comfortably get into the rear seat behind my driving position and if I need to fold the rear seats I can’t get my seat back to my preferred position which would be completely uncomfortable on a long journey although luckily that has not arisen to date. For me the A class looks way classier than the Golf which looks a bit square and boring to me but obviously that’s just my preference. I would agree with you that the tyres do make a fair bit of noise. Another point to make is that you need to be fairly gentle with the throttle when moving off quickly into traffic as the drive take up can be a bit jerky - maybe something to do with the mild hybrid system. Thanks for another very well informed and easy to watch review Nick.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

The BMW 1 series has the best interior quality of the lot. The 1.3L in the A180 is painfully slow. The jerk when setting off is not the mild hybrid system but DCT gear box.

[@npoleary]

Very true for all of the above! I’m aiming to do a one year review soon on my car! So stay tuned! 😎

[@donaldsivewright903]

⁠@@JohnGuidetti751I suppose everyone feels differently about cars. I choose my cars mostly on looks so for me the inside of the A class looks the most interesting to sit in front of. As for quality you may be right that the BMW 1 interior has a slightly better quality of materials although, if it is, it’s not enough to make a difference to me as the quality in the A class is easily good enough. As for engine power, yes the A180 is not that powerful but then again I’m not really interested in having a lot of power and my car easily has enough power to keep up with traffic at the speed limits so I’m not interested in paying a lot more money for power I’m not going to use.

[@imtech7616]

Just took delivery of an A-class yesterday. I’ve already noticed a very annoying mechanism in which the rear camera flap keeps opening and closing, which is quite noisy. Anyone experience the same problem? I’ve read a bit online about it and apparently this is an issue affecting the 23/24 models. Any solutions?

[@npoleary]

Just replied to other comment on my other video too I asked Mercedes this years ago and this is what they said. Reversing cameras used to be just mounted on the exterior exposed to the light conditions which made it show the image instantly. Because they were on the outside they got dirty very quickly. However newer styled cameras now have a retractable housing which is good for keeping it clean but the camera when it pops out has to expose for the light (daytime / nighttime / low light etc) and it can take seconds before it actually shows you an image. To combat this Mercedes will have the camera “pre-pop out” as you slow down so when you do select reverse, the image is shown instantly.

[@jacobthompson8507]

I’ve got a 21 plate (pre facelift) and mine doesn’t do this. It only opens when reverse is selected, and it tucks back away once you’ve reached about 10 mph. I’ve noticed a lot of when being behind 23 plate+ facelift cars the camera seems to pop out as the car comes to a stop, then tucks back in again once it starts driving away? I don’t know if the new ones are the same, but I can hear the camera pop in / out on mine, so if it was doing it every time I stopped/started again it would get very irritating.

[@zakraja4826]

According to the technician at Mercedes this rear camera on the newer models, also serve as proximity sensor to monitor the rear & surrounds of the car while in forward motion at narrow gaps as we have encountered this on our A200, 2024 model. Sounds very bizarre but the technician guy who test drove our car, had the same issue on his own brand new GLA. So there you go my friend and welcome to German brands telling porkies once again!

[@BoulderDash24]

Hi Nick I'm watching this because I bought a 2024 A200 sport executive in April and the fake leather seats are really hard and give me terrible back pain. Mercedes brochure states 'the A-Class Hatchback combines superior sportiness with luxury-class comfort', and the brochure specifically claims 'Seat Comfort package consisting of front passenger seat height adjustment, seat cushion angle adjustment for the driver as well as seat cushion depth adjustment for improved seating comfort' Neither of these things are true, and I'm in dispute with them about it and going to have to get rid of the car. How does the suspension in the R-Line Golf vary from the match you're driving here, as comfort is my top criteria. The R-Line looks sportier, has sports seats and suspension, but most of the money seems to have been used on cosmetics . It doesn't even have keyless entry as standard.

[@npoleary]

Yes so as I’ve covered other cars I can make that comparison now. They are firm but I have done plenty of long drives before. Sadly I’m trying to get my hands on a Golf R but just waiting to hear back. If I do, I’ll be able to produce a video 🙏

[@BoulderDash24]

@@npoleary I won't be buying the golf R, but potentially the R-Line trim

[@npoleary]

Sorry Golf R-Line is what I meant to say 😅 That’s more my type of car not sure I could stretch to the R 😂

[@dushenepaulusha7210]

Still pretty disappointed the merc uses torsion bar rear suspension as the golf has much more sophisticated independent rear suspension. The golf should be a better riding an more comfortable car

[@npoleary]

That could be one of the additional reasons it was softer but there again I didn’t have access to one with the same size wheels (like an R-Line). But it could have something to do with it.

[@StevenMurray-mt7om]

Hi Nick… I would still pick the Merc😊

[@npoleary]

Which one? 🤓

[@nicholascrocker4329]

Did the Golf have the Intelligent Speed Limiter. If so, did you turn it off and how easy/quick was it to turn off

[@R2Dgio]

Yes it has. I’ve seen in a video that it’s very easy to turn it off

[@npoleary]

All new cars do, but for a video suggestion? I could pencil it in to make a video on how to turn it off when I next get a VW 🤓

[@nicholascrocker4329]

Could you give me a link to the video you refer to.

[@okeoke4697]

There is a shortcut on the screen, so you touch it once, then unselect the assistance systems you don't want. You have to remove them at each start of the engine. Don't know if it also turn back on with the start/stop system. Cheers.

[@murraysampson2501]

Golf is more practical. I dislike the one piece seats in the MB, headrest is uncomfortable and too large.

[@npoleary]

Have you got a VW at the moment? 🤓

[@murraysampson2501]

@@npoleary No. I had a MK6 until a few years ago.

[@npoleary]

Ah fair enough 🤓 What have you got now? Mercedes or something else? 👍🏼

[@murraysampson2501]

@@npoleary Mazda 6 wagon (Australia).

[@npoleary]

Nice! 👌🏼

[@potatoaydin4112]

as a bmw fan i’m taking the golf

[@cal87249]

the wv took away the steraing touch bottons because people doesen't find it that usefull, and also euroncap make an advice to them because is not safe to use and distracting the driver in the use, than you a class seat are the amg sport seat not the basic one that may me are more soft.

[@npoleary]

Yes partly true! Euro NCAP have said that tests from 2026 onwards will incorporate ease of use and promote safer driving. They haven’t implemented it yet but apparently they will!

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

This is ridiculous! Here in Ireland the golf starts at 33,000 and the a class at 52,000

[@npoleary]

That’s quite a difference!

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

@@npoleary it's insane! I'd much rather the A class but it's not worth 19K more

[@MT_1212]

Hi man or any follower here who can advice me i'ill be thankful 🙏 I own a GLC Coupe 2021. For the reason of travelling it is parked now more than a year. Is it mandatory to change oil and filters? From the last time i did it I drove about 4000 klm then i parked it now more than a year.

[@npoleary]

I would advise to get it checked out for at least a once over Service intervals are every 15k miles *OR* once a year. Yes there will be some elements that might not “need” doing but things like Brake Fluid can oxidise overtime regardless of mileage (depends on when it was changed last). So might be wise to service it as they can check it over. Where you get it serviced though is entirely up to you unless it’s on finance and it states official parts need to be used but that can be a grey area.

[@MT_1212]

@@npoleary Thank you very much for your time and for all those videos you share for us.

[@npoleary]

No worries! 😎

[@siblej1]

My wife has a 2019 A250. Worst car she’s ever had. MB servicing costs are outrageous also.

[@richardrichard9631]

Neither is the best in class, but I'd take the golf over the Aclass any day

[@daroob]

Am I weird for preferring the previous diamonds to all the Mercedes symbols on the grille?

[@npoleary]

Not at all! User preference after all 😎

[@Matty12333]

Mk8 Golf seems much cheaper feeling than the Mk7 and 7.5

[@johnhoward6461]

Rubbish and I have owned both. The 8 is the better car.

[@ΓιώργοςΘεοδωρίδης-μ9π]

Golf ❤❤❤50years history

[@soultanasmaga9661]

Y

[@Wisdom_Gate123]

I crown 👑 VW as king over the merc...

[@npoleary]

Which trim would you go for? Match? Style, R-Line? Or something faster? 👀

[@marcusthestarlord4936]

The Golf has a saloon, it's called the Jetta

[@npoleary]

Didn’t they discontinue that in 2018? Unless it’s available elsewhere round the world

[@murdogordon3091]

Reversing cameras should be mandatory on safety grounds.

[@npoleary]

Agreed 👍🏼

[@npoleary]

It does have sensors though I saw 🙏

[@chrisjones4863]

You don’t compare a top range model with a mid range model. You should be using a R line here.

[@npoleary]

Sadly I couldn’t pick what car I was given This is why I included shots of R-Line and didn’t focus on the specs too much. I was just focusing on the shape of the car leading the trims open for people to look at themselves.

[@chrisjones4863]

@@npoleary fair comment mate, good video still, I just felt like it was not a fair comparison but you work with what you got. Will look out for more vids 👍

[@visionsinblue7093]

08:16 Volkswizard in the background, no doubt doing his own youtube Golf 8.5 review 🤣 (at Caffeine & Machine)

[@npoleary]

I’m in his video too, at 4 mins 4 sec, extremely hot and dying in the sun 😅 It was a hot day, wearing all black was a bad choice kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipXMqX54pLVjp5Isi=JmY7AnMJQbvZCTRg

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

👁👁 I had too….🤣🤣🤣

[@TruskawkaMateusz]

I love Mercedes for the design and comfort and brand, I hate Golf because i hate all brand VW. Mercedes have best on the world services and contact with client ;)

[@npoleary]

Awesome! But how come? Did they do something wrong? They do make good cars! All down to user preference though, some car manufacturers may make a model better than their competitors and vice versa.

[@goranmancevski5550]

God is in the sky Benz on the Earth.

[@siblej1]

This bundling extras thing is a complete rip-off by manufacturers…and most of them are at it. I won’t do it.

[@kace2852]

13:18 😂😂😂😂

[@umutakyol6290]

I don't get how VW Golf is a competitor to A Class. It's not a premium brand. It makes sense to compare A Class with A3 or 1 Series or even DS 4 but with Golf? It's not even trying to pose as a premium brand.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

VW is a premium brand with cars like the Touareg how can it not be a competitor in this segment.

[@npoleary]

VW is considered a Premium brand or at the very least Semi-Premium. They are a German brand after all 🇩🇪 Over the years the cost of cars have risen significantly which means I’m sure quite a few people may not be able to afford to renew or purchase the brand I covered solely before (this was Mercedes, and how my KZbin channel started). And I should add myself included! Just giving people more choice to check out the differences. And as long as everyone enjoys the content, I’ll keep em coming!

[@umutakyol6290]

@@npoleary I enjoy your content very much and I’m thankful for this piece as well Nick. Thank you for all the time you spend for the content you create. Carwow also placed Golf in the same league in a comparison video against the other German premium brands. I also worked as a car journalist and we always compared Golf with Focus, Astra and 307 (308). Golf increasing its prices as much as A3 makes no sense to me. I’d take any established premium brand any day of the week against Golf, honestly

[@umutakyol6290]

@@JohnGuidetti751Touareg and that's abour it. They had Phaeton which was supposed to go head to head with S Class or A8 but of course it didn't sell well and ceased to exist. People hardly purchased an S Class competitor from VW. VW does not have, in my eyes, any premium models apart from Touareg. And that used to be a cheaper alternatife to Q7, X5 and the likes.

[@RenDana-ej7pi]

@@umutakyol6290 The Golf 8 is not sold here in South Africa...Only the R performance model. The Audi A3 is sold here though, but for whatever reason Audi doesnt sell A3's with any smart driver assistance in South Africa...not even basic lane keep or blindspot monitor. It makes sense to go mercedes simply for those features in my opinion

[@ENGBriseB]

If you have long legs you don't sit behind the driver.

[@npoleary]

Very true but in all of my reviews I do the same test so I can’t stop now 😅 Someone’s bound to call me out if I don’t test it. But yeah you’re right 👊🏼

[@okeoke4697]

Well 😂 sometimes you just don't really have the choice LoL

[@npoleary]

Very true! 🤓

[@HülaguHan63]

Çok geride oturuyorsunuz, kollar direksiyonu tutarken 180 derece değil 135 derece olmalı…

[@neilchapman5145]

Merc a class is just a Renault megane in a skirt

[@monkey555500]

the golf is nicer

[@davi_dinoo]

Golf

[@npoleary]

Would you upgrade? 👀

[@KloofAurora-fh2bb]

Golf beter looking than the Merc.

[@npoleary]

Which Golf? R-Line? GTI, or R? 👀

[@KloofAurora-fh2bb]

@@npoleary GTi or R

[@npoleary]

Nice 👌🏼

[@giannisiordanidis3242]

Mercedes

[@modmod392]

Golf interior is a mess

[@SDav21]

Both are cheaply made overpriced hatchbacks. Both use very poor quality materials compared to previous gen models. The Golf 6 was the best Golf in terms of solid build quality and it used excellent soft touch materials with a functional cabin layout. The second gen A Class which most people don't like because it looks like a van, was actually far superior in terms of engineering and quality. Now both of these are just cheaply made exercises in cost cutting.

[@Matty12333]

That's because of their strong appeal, the car could be dire but the VW badge and Golf name sells. VW knows it can cut costs

[@ThatVolvoGuy942]

You're comparing a Mercedes-Benz to a Volkswagen? Are you going to compare a Rolls-Royce to a Daewoo next?

[@npoleary]

I mean that’s a bit of a stretch Mercedes and Volkswagen are at least German! 🇩🇪

[@awareofvacuity4238]

The A class is not a proper Mercedes. It's just a Renault underneath with a fancy badge and upscale price. Don't be fooled. Even Mercedes themselves are going to discontinue it soon as it's too downmarket for them

[@specialj1987]

Golf all the way . A class are ugly and look like a old Vauxhall astra

[@npoleary]

I do like the Golf! However I came from an Astra and bought my A-Class! 😅

[@micko557]

Mercedes is overpriced

[@jeejabuaja]

mercedes is a clown car

[@npoleary]

Do you prefer VW instead? Or another model out there? 🤓

[@俊源蔡]

VW&BENZ ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@foxxxx5256]

Mercedes 👌 golf doesn’t come even close

[@potatoaydin4112]

bmw 2 series is better