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BMW 1 Series vs. Audi A3 vs. Mercedes-Benz A-Class - READ ONLY

25 messages,  Last post on Oct 18, 2007 at 5:40 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz, Car Comparisons, Hatchback

Messages Page 3 of 3

#16 of 25 Re: The answer is.... [rorr] by andres3

Apr 24, 2007 (3:31 pm)

Replying to: rorr (Apr 20, 2007 1:02 pm)
I don't consider the GTI a competitor to the A3, more like just a brother/sister type models. Too similar, just a matter of taste between the two.

#17 of 25 well... by eldaino

Apr 27, 2007 (10:43 am)

when it losses sales because its so similar and only offers a few luxury features that the gti does not, i would assume that would be of a compitative nature.

#18 of 25 Re: well... [eldaino] by andres3

May 14, 2007 (10:42 am)

Replying to: eldaino (Apr 27, 2007 10:43 am)
it's still like claiming the TSX and TL steal sales from the Accord.

#19 of 25 Re: A Class or 1 Series [eldaino] by circlew

May 19, 2007 (9:32 am)

Replying to: eldaino (Apr 20, 2007 3:16 pm)
The engine for the US will be the six...200-260 HP, no turbo as far as I understand....various body styles. (See Inside Line Video)
 
link title
 
This will be an interesting release next year. More geared toward the pure handling enthusiast as per the older 3 series regarding size/weight bracket.
 
Regards,
OW

#20 of 25 Why not the 1-series hatch for the U.S.? by gordonwd

Jul 24, 2007 (12:42 pm)

I currently have a '04 325i and before that had a '98 A4, both excellent cars IMHO. My wife is now shopping for a car and wants something no larger than mine, and preferably a bit smaller but practical. What we are seriously looking at is the Audi A3, which is quite nice with the 2.0T and DSG tranny.
  
I had some hope for the 1-series, but was surprised that they're just bringing it in as a coupe. For us, a car that size is not very practical unless it has the extra space that you get with the hatch style. So the 1 is out and the A3 might be in for us, but we're also waiting to see what they do with the Opel Astra when it comes here later this year with a Saturn badge on it.

#21 of 25 astra notes by kurtamaxxxguy

Aug 04, 2007 (11:26 pm)

The Saturn Astra will come with a 140 Hp engine, not the more powerful ones used in Europe. This has been a GM trait to be "small" on the motor first time around (same thing happened with Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, etc.)
The Astra Red Line, should there be one, will have a more sporting feel and be a better match to the A3.
 
BMW also tried a Hatch here once, and it apparently failed miserably. Seems like they are playing it safe this time around - and in all honesty, how many BMW drivers want other than a sedan or coupe?

#22 of 25 I'd like to see BMW by andres3

Aug 05, 2007 (11:37 am)

enter the hatchback craze/rage here in the US.
 
Okay, so its just my individual craze....

#23 of 25 Re: I'd like to see BMW [andres3] by elemoncelli

Aug 06, 2007 (2:46 pm)

Replying to: andres3 (Aug 05, 2007 11:37 am)
Can I join your individual craze? We'll go crazy together dreaming about a 5 door 1-series. Preferably diesel.

#24 of 25 the 3 series hatch by eldaino

Aug 22, 2007 (6:35 am)

did fail miserably, but it was a bare bones model, that looked like normal coupe.
 
i'd still take an a3 over the 1 series hatch, simply because there would be actual room for my passengers.

#25 of 25 Have driven all three by sangrecaliente

Oct 18, 2007 (5:40 am)

Recently testdrove 'em all (Minimum of 2 days each).
 
1 Series BMW - Sharp and enjoyable cornering. Great Diesels. Hard ride, poor rear visibility, space in the back for a couple of small hamsters, minature boot and above all, a truly horrid facia inside. The sort of tinny plastic you have nightmares about. Tamiya makes better plastic than this. The lack of quality here is unacceptable. In the final analysis, this is a hatchback for one adult.
 
A3 sportsback - Supercool styling, great alloys, nice dashboard. Small, close-set pedals in a footwell suitable for petite women. Headroom almost non-existant. If you're six foot or over, you aren't going to be comfortable driving this. Room in the back for two adults on short journeys. Diesels coarse and taxi-like.
 
A-class (169) - Wouldn't have touched the outgoing model with someone else's bargepole. This model is something else. High driving position with great visibility all around. Sectioned panoramic sunroof perfect for sunny days. Excellent quality, comfortable for four tall adults with an option on five. Massive loading capacity with the vario-plus system. Awful, loud diesels that are nonetheless punchy. Economical. External looks not too everyone's taste, but definately a Mercedes.
 
I've ordered the A-class with a petrol engine. It replaces a C180 sportscoupe (that I sort of wrote off) and will save me a bucketload of money.

Messages Page 3 of 3

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