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Wagons Audi A3 BMW 1 Series vs. Audi A3 vs. Mercedes-Benz A-Class 
25 messages, Last post on Oct 18, 2007 at 4:40 AM
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Check out the article and come here to share your comments. European hatches have gone premium |
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I've been toying with the idea of getting a small fuel-sipping work-a-day vehicle for everyday commuting. I can always rent a larger vehicle for any (infrequent) long highway trip, so a small car seems to make sense, in view of escalating fuel costs, and tight city traffic and parking. The A-Class is not available. The 1-series, even if imported to NA, probably wouldn't be suitable for me due to the tight passenger space, and RWD (not good for foul weather). But MB does have the B-Class, which seems to compete with the A3 in terms of size, equipment, and price. Anyone (especially someone who has owned either one) has any thoughts as to pros and cons of each, in terms of my intended use?
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Replying to: bodble2 (Jan 31, 2006 7:55 pm) We are in Australia, and looked at several cars, and the A3 came down to the last couple of cars. Since my wife drives in traffic, she much prefered the B classes height in traffic as it provides good visability. Its three quarter view is also excellant. The A3 sits much lower, and its three quarter visability (over your should view before one changes lanes) is not nearly as good as the B classes. Also the B seats are higher than the Audi A3's seats. My wife is getting the MB air adjustable seats, which adjust for lower lumber, upper back and side bolster. Those seats are very comfortable indeed. The A3 seats did not even have adjustable lumber support in the leather clad model we looked at. The Audi has possably a nicer dash, but its very a marginal if not even real difference. And the Audi does not have ipod capability, which in the B class puts the song list into the LCD display between the instruments. the B class also has a setting whereby you can accellerate flat out up to a speed you set, and the car does not go over that speed. So if you are in traffic, you can move quickly away to clear a delivery van, but not break the speed limit. In the back, the B class is a different world: its roomy, and the passenger has a good site of the road. The A3 is in comparison quite cramped. Both cars can handle well on long trips with ease at over 100mph constant, but the B has more room, although the A3 would have higher ultimate grip limits. But both limits are beyond realm of normal driving. Both are great cars we felt - but the B seemed to us to suit our needs much more, and it seemed a better idea, a compact car that is roomy, practical, great in traffic, comfortable and fun.
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Replying to: melbourne (Feb 09, 2006 6:06 pm)  Looking forward to future ownership "testimonials" from you! Congrats and good luck with the new wheels! |
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"The (audi) A3 also has sporting aspirations. It's set up more aggressively than a Golf, to the extent that it can feel uncomfortably stiff on poorly surfaced roads" From edmunds comparison. |
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| They put IDRIVE IN THE 1SERIES!! I see it now, the panic, the stress and the emotional break downs... Is IDRIVE all that complicated? | |
Any news of anyone wanting to compete with the A3 other than the Mazda Speed 3.
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I love the A class Mercedes. For the past 2 yrs. in Europe, we've rented both the A-130 and the A-150. They are cofortable. The seating is high, and the size is great. They are economical on gas and fun to drive. We've driven it on the Autobahn and it was fine. Wish they exported it over here. I've also seen the 1 series BMW, really neat looking car. We are waiting for our A3 to be delivered and very excited. Hatchbacks are our favorite type of car.
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Replying to: andres3 (Mar 26, 2007 10:07 am)
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Replying to: shipo (Mar 26, 2007 2:15 pm)
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