Volkswagen Golf vs Mercedes A-Class vs Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series - Auto Express

[@FrapsYou]

People dont listen carefully or may have language barrier. He cearly says this is the review of cars which costs less or equal to 22K. VW golf 150hp, BMW 118D 143hp, Audi A3 105hp and Mercedes A180 108hp are all just under or cost around 22k. Obviously if the price wasnt the issue everyone of them would have 200+ hp but that would be different review.

[@utdminiman]

I really like the design of the 1 series and don't understand why people slag it off so much

[@ollywhite9817]

So true Bmw

[@Alteriukas]

+utdminiman I also like BMW design much more. Other cars looks so regular and boring, BMW looks aggressive.

[@ADDONRACER]

Tom yea the f20 m looks like a fkin shark from the sides..

[@rubendragan6514]

Tom it's your choice , you know what u like. i like this car , u like that car.

[@syvah0462]

Tom I love ma 1 series ❤️

[@win7sony]

Easily, easily the A3 for me. The high-quality finish, good efficiency, decent practicality (on the sportback), and pure luxury make it the best all-rounder.

[@jxlowe3954]

A 1 series is the best from my point of view

[@epleho]

Jxlowe bahaha

[@matty1723]

Am i the only one that hates the look of the Mercedes A-Class?

[@sdkfz162kingtiger]

you like the old one more?

[@matty1723]

Christoph meister No, but the new one is ugly. New A3 and 1 Series look so much better!

[@_crg_]

worst looking there

[@matty1723]

legitimate Sweg Thank god someone agrees.

[@armindehnaei1527]

MattyFPS ohh tanx god so im not alone to thinking about it...

[@owismeal92]

> Mercedes A-class using a Renault engine that is made for Dacias... What the hell is this crap

[@comanchio1976]

I wonder if they let their customers know that at the dealership? ;)

[@owismeal92]

comanchio1976 Naah, they're just gonna be like "this is a car it's a mercedes so it's cool"

[@comanchio1976]

+Owismael That would really piss me off though if I found out after I'd bought it, especially if something went wrong with it and the warranty had run out - thinking I was getting some bullet-proof Mercedes engine, but instead it was from Renault. But then again, that's probably because I'm biased against French cars. If it's reliable and actually a decent engine - I suppose it shouldn't matter.

[@owismeal92]

comanchio1976 I wouldn't call it decent because i see A classes on the street frequently and they're rattly, a bit noisy and sound cheap, also about the reliability i would say that it isn't a reliable engine, from what i'v heard it tends to have turbo failures and other problems. If i were to get an A class, i would go with the A220 because it actually have a Mercedes engine.

[@JKG3108]

Actually, I was at a car show where Merc had it's cars lined up and when I asked how are the sales on that 180d (1.5 dci engine) going, the guy replied angry that this is not a Renault engine, it's a reworked Merc engine and it doesn't have any similarities nor does it share the base with the, I quote, budget branded Renault. Well, that's really nice

[@kockgunner]

The Golf is probably going to be my first car. I love the understated, timeless design. The interior is so nice too.

[@thadynakat]

did u get it? (bit late lol)

[@RadostinVelchev]

Why the hell it is called A180 when it has a 1.5L engine? Those branding strategies are getting more and more confusing

[@ottodob]

+Radostin Velchev its been over a decade since the badge indicated displacement for mercs.

[@3204clivesinclair]

The Renault engine in the Mercedes wasn't designed for the extra weight. "Oh, look at me I have a Mercedes badges Renault". ;-)

[@MrSlofreak]

Not sure why would you drag race a cars with so much difference in horsepower. check on 4:28, VW Golf - 150 HP, BMW 118D - 143 HP, Audi A3 - 105 HP, Mercedes A180 - 109HP. No wonder the much higher horsepower cars would win.

[@vaju79]

Audi is the best. I love my a3 :)

[@RAMANOFFICIAL1]

Guys im thinking for what to get for a second car would u suggest golf or 1 series?

[@maxstechnology6363]

Golf obviously

[@ecina1]

Mat this one of your best reviews ever!! Washing the car scene was HILARIOUS

[@gggromay]

Why not instead have Rebeca washing cars?

[@immysaiyed2660]

Bet u want Rebecca to wash u up

[@strangemagic5502]

Luxury and practically is important to me. I need solid performance but not unnecessary speed, well built quality, a nice dashboard layout but I don't need back seat passengers. Not forgetting a good sized boot which the a class lacks. It's the Audi for me

[@wparo]

Stupid because if you comparing performance choose similar engines. Which means using 120d instead of 116d BMW and 2.0tdi instead of 1.6 tdi on audi.

[@lukem4580]

Its because its a comparison in regard to price and model variant, so all cars are closely matched in terms of equipment/spec/price.

[@blarkdexture8899]

A class is not desirable

[@owismeal92]

+Olof L It's ungly as hell

[@lorenioooooas]

it's over the top, it's like wearing a gold chain. Only reason i don't like mercedes, i prefer a classy audi tbh, if you're a flashy guy like "ooh look at me" kinda personality, then fair enough, but i like to have luxury without much flash.

[@marcogalindo7657]

The A180d is terribly slow

[@souljaruman1]

That Audi A3 looks the best there.

[@lucamenna8208]

For you, i like the Golf.

[@aragiss]

Luca Menna Seriously? It's boring as fuck. Oh I'm sorry, it's a "conservative" design... That's VW's excuse for their inability to make interesting designs.

[@lucamenna8208]

Aragiss Yeah cause the audi is so different from the last version. I tried the mercedes too and i can say that it's an awesome car.

[@jetgil7523]

Aragiss Fuck you Mercedes makes the best diessel engines in the world but they are excpencive

[@gene978]

I agree! MATT OUT DID HIMSELF! Excellent review! EXCELLENT COMPARISON. I WISH ALL reviews were like this when comparing!

[@Toyota4Life]

Where is the Lexus CTh ? Is not available ? Im pretty sure it would have come first or 2nd

[@A7medMido28]

golf:practical ... a class:brand name ... 1 series:fun ... a3:interior ... PERIOD.

[@psgakm4]

I like and understand all the test but the last one about practicality im not so sure. Are u trying to say the other three cars dont have many compartmnets or it cant seat 3 in the back?

[@derbigpr500]

The reason why A class lost a drag race is the following: Its only a 1.5l with 109hp. 1 series is a 2.0l with 143hp and Golf is a 2.0l with 150hp. A3 is a 1.6l with 105hp, BUT it is much lighter than the A class. So how the fuck is A class going to win? It didn't lose because its engine is made by Renault, it lost because its heavier than A3 and 40hp weaker than 1 and Golf. Its sad how a reviewer in such a magazine is so ignorant and twists facts to make fun of someone, while being clueless.

[@lallarolle]

Is the wrench an optional extra or included? Since it will break down quite a lot being an Alfa :)

[@pedrothevenard]

in Europe 80% of the cars have manual transmission, only in America automatic sells more then manuals, everywhere else in the world the manuals are the best sellers, and they are just better to drive.

[@19Mellon73]

for example ? or do you confuse it with car production tech ?

[@matamatem]

I'd pick the A3.... there is something pleasant in every Audi I see :D

[@Mcmerc01]

A Mercedes engine in a Renault. Yes. They are quite different though. The Mercedes' engine obviously being much more refined, tuned to a higher specification too.

[@captainAUBS]

the gap at 2:50 on the left side under the air vent looks a little strange to me, or am i just sad?

[@DodgeViperAS]

Disagree with 'most desirable car'.... A3 interior is class leading and it comes with xenons whereas the others come with shitty halogen lights

[@janrdoh]

The Golf wins two more catagories and that is the plain jane prize and least likely to receive a second glance from other road users.

[@nousernamesification]

I'd take the BMW1, it just has a really, really nice shape. Put on some interesting wheels and it looks like a small muscle car. Love it!

[@PedroFTeixeira]

The problem is for all of those 4 is... comparing them the Kia and Hyundai. Currently have the same premium feel... for a lot less money.

[@hamzaleu]

Let’s not forget that the Bimmer is the only RWD car out there

[@MrchampionsLeague141]

You don't buy a BMW for looks When your behind the wheel your not the one looking at it You buy BMW for Power and Handling Rear wheel drive, 50/50 weight distribution , and precision steering Any professional driver will tell you the 1 Series is best

[@findlandezul]

It only has the 1.5dci engine block, which is heavily modified by Mercedes, they only buy a metal piece.

[@alx82qro]

CREO QUE YA ME ESTOY HACIENDO VIEJO PORQUE LOS DISEÑOS NUEVOS NO ME GUSTAN NADA EN ESPECIAL VOLKSWAGEN I think I'm getting old because the new designs I do not like anything, especially VOLKSWAGEN

[@subaruWRC19]

witch color for the BMW ? Black or grey ?

[@00kirbyd]

I don't drive Fords, but they don't suck actually. The plastics in the BMW 1 series leave a lot to be desired.

[@vipermoon_]

no surprise here, luxury badge does not make a car magically better and golfs have always been compared to more expensive (or more prestigious) cars

[@torogami2]

That's how drag races are done. No one races cars that just have the same engine. That only tests driving ability.

[@derbigpr500]

Actually that 1.5 dci engine from Renault is probably the best diesel engine of that size on the market today. People are just being ignorant idiots. You think Mercedes would put that engine in if it wasn't excellent? And it lost not because its a renault engine, it lost because it has 40hp less than Golf and 35hp less than BMW.

[@bunser12345]

Only the 180 CDI is a Renault engine. If you don't like it u can take any of the other engines, they're all made in Germany by Mercedes Benz. AND the 180 CDI isnt exactly the same engine how it's used for Renault/Dacia they've tuned it up a bit.

[@HotCornerPula]

and another thing, BMW has also it's own app so u can connect your iphone/android phone to the car...

[@emrico]

that's because they chose a price point, a high powered mercedes or audi would've costed more

[@gngan]

You don't get it don't you? This reviews is using the cost to compare each others. There are other reviews based of power for the comparison.

[@compfreak]

Sure, and the M135i is also better. But they are comparing entry level cars, not high performance versions.

[@hunghuge12]

What other German manufactured 1.5 diesels are there then?

[@wealradyknowwhois]

5 door car is more practical then 3 door thats a clever comparison Auto Expres

[@zowahh]

fast forward to 2020 for me personally for a used hatchback under 13k its either the polo gti or 1 series 120i

[@00kirbyd]

Comparison about the price. How many times did he say that in the video? Were you not watching?

[@andythorp7365]

Why wasn't the Volvo V40 included in this comparison?

[@finnbonner15]

Well actually here in not Europe or America, ie: New Zealand no one drives manuals, only wired old people with cars from the 80s. Go to anny dealer you'll be hard pressed to find manual options in any car. Merc, and bmw don't even offer them here.

[@NicolaeDobre]

The A class car used in tests is undepowered. This is the problem, not the manufacturer. Diesel engines from Renault are very competitive. at least for those who are looking for performance over branding. Not for snobs.

[@TheOne42]

Was Mat testing the BMW on TopGear's test track?

[@Bugumir]

Golf is the future. Merc and BMW are dropping the ball on both performance and quality and the Audi is just a posh VW. Ergo the Golf is not only best for the money but best full stop.

[@FlorinNitulescu_1]

the fact is...nobody here would buy the Golf. All of us would choose one of the other 3 cars at any time.

[@itischriswatson]

Someone’s been watching Top Gear

[@MrOnat89]

this is not a fair drag race. where is A200CDI or A220CDI, A3 2.0 TDI and 120d or 125d ?

[@kk1200ts]

Next time you compare the Mercedes A 45 AMG with the Golf it would be as fair as comparing the 1.5 engine with a 2.0.

[@RAPFlavour87]

You do you English mean about a car when you say "SE" ? Standard equipment ?

[@HesteBremse]

Think it was not meant to be exposed that Renault engine in the A class - anybody buying it with that engine will get told that it´s not a real Mercedes. I was very critical about the new A class design when first viewed on images, but I have seen a few on the roads now and it´s looking quite good. A large step for that A class - the old one was horrible IMO.I would though pick the AUDI here, normally prefer BMW´s for their driving dynamics, but new 1 series is not very pretty.

[@lejejzerman]

why do you compare 2 L engines with 1.5 L ones?

[@lambosuperl]

Why is the Volvo V40 not here?

[@S1ickA2K]

Why would you compare a 1.8 a 2lt and a 1.5 and a 1.6?????

[@kr0pp]

I'm a total BMW guy, but from these cars I would go with the Audi A3, because it looks absolutely beautiful and for some reason I can get it for €3-4000 cheaper than BMW with the same specs. If 1 series looked anything like current 2 series then I might just take it. I also really like the new Golf 7, but why bother with that when 3dr A3 has almost identical price? Only thing that I hate about Audis, is that they have the worst dealership ever in my country. That is the reason my mom converted to BMWs and won't ever buy Audis again. Ah, decision, decisions...

[@75619630]

Where you from? I want an Audi, but only if its not in your country..

[@kr0pp]

_

[@ivanyunda]

1.6 disel engine from this review is just dead, I'd go for 2.0 vw. Otherwise agree.

[@watannen]

FYI, Renault has built some great engines over the years. The 1.5 DCI is one of them. Their interiors may not be great, but as an engine designer... hats off to Renault!

[@DILINGER0]

I can't undesrtand why he critics the Mercedes engine from Renault. Yes Dacia uses too, but in a lighter car as the Megane, the performance is even better than Golf or A3, with a refined work and a very low consumption. The low cost Seat Toledo or Skoda Rapid, uses the 1.6 tdi too..

[@vaju79]

So a 180 hp vs a 105 hp car. nice review, what's next? bugatti veyron vs fiat uno?

[@andylie7699]

The Golf had 150hp, but yeah it should have been a 1.6 TDI 105hp

[@knsema2]

Andreas Lie well - they was comparing price. What could you get for less than 22g - which was a 109 hp engine in the mercedes compared to 150 in the golf and 143 in the bmw

[@joaomarquesfaisca2510]

knsema2 finally somebody who actually watched the video

[@SugarBlood15]

***** Idiot.It was a statment about the price.180 hp car cost the same as 105 hp car.So you get more for your money.

[@nrnccrdn]

This drag race wasn't fair at all. I mean, what the *beep*, Golf is 2.0 with what... 140-180PS? A3 is a 1.6 in this video... I own a 2.0 TDI A3 S-Line and I blow away my friend's Golf 2.0 TDI with no problems even though it is basicaly the same engine (firmer suspension, lower weight).

[@alpointner633]

Fair drag race is, if the right car wins. Right car is your favourite car. No further questions.

[@toyota420xp]

the whole point is that they are similarly priced.

[@AutoAbsolute]

The 1 series is definitely more desirable - but only in M-Sport spec. The screen on the Merc is very low res which looks like its 5-6 years older than the others

[@tigerbalm666]

Very good review. A lot of good points. I hate performance comparisons, since 99.9% driving are within speed limits. Performance is irrelevant! Cargo, comfort, economy, price, etc are the main important facts to know. Styling is too! Admit it, we all like something with a certain style and it's what usually determines whether we want to buy something or not. So please focus on the details of the styling!

[@theguym]

Are all A-class engines made by Renault, or only this specific version?

[@Leo-pz2vh]

Only the cheapest version has this motor

[@SwimmingGuides]

And which one would u choose among the four?

[@MrchampionsLeague141]

oh yes , their are other areas for test which the Bimmer falls short But as a petrol head and car enthusiast there is only one car you would buy BMW wins the hearts of Car purists who enjoy only the experience of driving

[@Autoecolebonneroute]

golf is just PERFECT

[@baum6801]

Please Autoexpress answer this question!

[@LegacyIvyTerascale]

GREAT Comparasion he also sayd that the cars are Diesel , but not that they NEED to be Diesel for this Comparasion and the Bimmer is RWD , while the Ren... i mean Merc Audi and Golf are FWD so if the Merc with Renault engine is allowed , why didnt you choosed an A3 with Quattro , when you ALREADY have 2 left

[@miguelsaez340]

why not the 2.0 engine from the Audi? the petrol gives 180 Bhp and the Diesel does 150Bhp, the diesel would be the choice for that race...

[@hunghuge12]

I don't see how the golf won on performance? Yes in a straight line it may be quickest (by a tiny margin) but stick them round a few corners and it's going to struggle to see where the BMW went. Also if you need to carry three adults in the back and a boot the size of a bed this really isn't the class of car you should be looking at - try a people carrier.

[@XPoChangLinX]

Can't understand why lots of people can't get the concept behind the vid. 1) Under (Just)22K 2)Diesel..... So many commented "BMW XXXi is faster" or "Why is the Merc 1.6 and Golf 2.0?"

[@youraveragejoe1]

I have to say the Audi is a cut above the rest in quality etc. But nowadays that award goes to the 1 series

[@pixleyez]

Where's the Ford Focus? It is by far the most fun to drive.

[@derbigpr500]

Except the Leon is not as good as the Golf in a single aspect. Its interior is much cheaper, its not as well made, sound proofing is worse, comfort is worse, handling is worse, etc.

[@Edmpotato]

Tbh I think they chose the 2.0L Golf since it matched the price point of the other cars. So it's basically a comparison of a bang for your buck. XD

[@derbigpr500]

Wtf are you talking about? Golf has the least equipment here. It doesn't even have leather seats. A3 and A class have leather seats, sat nav, etc. 1 series even has an M-pack.

[@superravmanrampage]

Mat. One of the best presenters out! Needs more TV coverage!

[@Amin_Choudhury]

Do you think he's got a decent amount of coverage now?

[@Amin_Choudhury]

Lol

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

@@Amin_Choudhury probably

[@Amin_Choudhury]

@@Top_Gear_Clips_Central haha

[@00kirbyd]

Not many people know realise you're being serious. They thought you were joking, so what you mean is you do actually want to buy the Merc because it's engine is also in a Dacia.

[@kaskvard]

I would say it's a draw between the Golf and the A3. The Audi is the best looking and most luxurious!

[@m1rchegfn]

Why are you comparing 1.6 TDI vs 2.0 TDI? Or it was so the price would be similar?

[@comanchio1976]

They're comparing like-for-like price-wise. Which, unless you know practically nothing about cars - seems totally pointless to me.

[@imjustghostin6767]

thats my point it dont make sense its a stupid race ? theres golfs 1.6d even bmw 116d why involve 2.0 bmw and 2.0 golf? stupid and shit race

[@stanleyknifeoo]

So where's the new Volvo V40 on this test, same price as the golf only more economical at 78.5mpg, lower emissions 94g/km. It's stylish and cabin is exceptional. It's the safest car euro nap have ever tested with the world's first pedestrian airbag. Why is it missing from this test?

[@Locoroco0007]

bmw 1 series diesels are a bit slow, altough still doing good in this test. the bmw 116i and 118i dont cost 22.000 pound but are way way faster.

[@globalmedia116]

iphone 5 working with Drive kit plus?

[@evalsberg]

You misunderstood, its renault engine, also fitted in dacia. But i agree, its bs.

[@herrgolf]

No Focus? No Giulietta? And the A3 and Golf are redundant in the same comparison.

[@gogothepro]

Longitudinally mounted engine and RWD. Every day (even if it doesn't look the sexiest here)

[@kk1200ts]

So, you guys compare the Mercedes entry level engine, the 1.5 with the Golf 2.0 engine and found out that the Golf is better performing. Well, I could have saved you time and money, because the 1.5 has not been built for performance. All is in the specs. This is just an unfair comparison.

[@yashinnil5047]

one of the best most entertaining reviews of everyday cars Ive seen in a a while , kudos props and then some to the reviewer and his team

[@cars_and_coffee_by_bruno]

Get a Mazda3 2.2 Diesel. It looks better than all these cars, drives very nicely, has a posh interior, it's practical and it HUMILIATES these cars on a drag race.

[@edgiebraahhh7280]

get out with mazda ...

[@edgiebraahhh7280]

Bruno Danese sweet "Bruno" why are you not working

[@cars_and_coffee_by_bruno]

I work full time bud. That's how I can afford brand new cars

[@edgiebraahhh7280]

Bruno Danese you're acting like a child ... Thats probably what you are

[@cars_and_coffee_by_bruno]

Sure

[@XPoChangLinX]

They're campairing price point. The 1.6TDI is cheaper than all the cars here... and if you're considering buying the 1.6 you're trying to save money