At first glance may confuse you with their big brothers, but both the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes CLA both derive from compact front-wheel drive. Let’s see how van with diesel engines 150 and 170 hp respectively.

It’s funny, a few years ago the compact sedan versions derived were not very successful in Spain. There was a time in the 80s that compact three or five doors made that such bodies were lowering their presence on our roads. However, there have always been, since the generalist brands still betting on them-not all reached Europe, however the premium and it raised. We are now in a global market and, as in Asia or America if successful, models like the Mercedes CLA or the Audi A3 sedan are now possible. And so I am now testing two bodies that years ago would never have thought it would come to exist in brands such as Mercedes or Audi, and waiting for the third, which comes from the hand of BMW and Series 2.

It is appreciated that their designers have done more than put a hairpiece boot lid A3 or A class, integrating well into its design. Customization reaches such an extent that a first front look costs differentiate them from larger models, especially boring Audi has the habit of making extremely similar designs in its various segments. At first you’re not sure if what comes from front is a CLS or A5 and when put side when you solve the "scam" visual.

In both cases we are dealing well conducted two cars. Audi sedan used in the MQB platform with independent rear suspension and a 2.0 TDI 150 hp, while Mercedes uses same independent scheme Class A 220 CDI engine with 170 hp and automated change, the first sedan transverse engine and front wheel drive in the history of the brand, something I hope not impediment for you if you’re a fan of Mercedes; At first I acknowledge that my bother me, but once I get tested as a different range to which I do not get hit.

Dynamic First

Dynamically both models put the bar very high, but each with his personality. He Audi A3 Sedan He does everything well. It provides driveability, comfort, safety and sportsmanship, in some cases antagonistic concepts but knows how to combine well. I have already spoken many times of balance MQB, which is how good can even get bored to anyone claiming sporting sensations, but I turn my hat to their quality; last week tried a Golf Variant with this same combination and I assure you if I be blindfolded in any of them would not know, except for the seats, tell which is which in their behavior. This one will see it as something very positive and there who would not like; My summary is that it is a very good behavior.

He Mercedes CLA It goes the other way, but get the same. It brings more personality in his behavior and I dare say it’s faster frame. I really like how comes cornering and poise. This CLA unit came with the optional sport suspension. I recommend you save you the 998 euros it costs, since the performance benefits it brings can only appreciate if you go on the attack. I tried this same car with standard suspension and I feel really good, It does not need to go as hard as it becomes inconvenient. If it were only for behavior stayed with the CLA without hesitation, and why I have said that the Audi is very good.

With engines something similar happens. Each has its own touch but come the end to a very similar and matching power with performance. Are fast cars, the most powerful finest cold or idling Audi and Mercedes. Your Stop / Start function properly and allow very good consumption in city. By mechanics I would not know what to stay, although the greatest power in the Mercedes attracts me, the TDI is softer and progressive when it comes to deliver. CLA is logically faster and does not spend more, but the difference in performance on the street are barely noticeable.

This Audi came with manual gearbox (€ 2,150 more costs DSG) while the Mercedes opted for the dual automated clutch, as this version 220 CDI there is no manual. The interior is nice in both. In the front seats anyone can satisfy your tastes, being in the back where changes everything. Audi offers a slightly more livable places; It is a matter of height and shape of the roof on the side rather than width or longitudinal space. In addition, access is less complicated; If you have to put a child seat or the child itself, you’ll do more easily in the Audi. With everything, in both four adults can travel, always bearing in mind that no taller than 1.80 m high. There is space for a fifth, but oddly enough going here narrower than their five-door versions, since the height of both lateral forces passengers to "come close" more to the center.

The trunk capacity is good look where you look, but before choosing for this reason note mouths cargo tie-nen, lest you disappoint; well to the type of car they are but trying to fit within, for extreme example, a bike, may be more than a pleasure Tetris. I will not deny that they are expensive. If you try to match the Mercedes equipment always will be about 3,000 euros, and that’s a lot; in any case understand that their orientation is sportier than generalists potential rivals, focused a little more to offer a familiar product. There are good alternatives, such as the Opel Astra or VW Jetta, but the price difference points them to different audiences. And if you take for equipping the invoice you can increase to infinity and beyond, but have a unique car.