Having never intended, the new Mercedes Class A tense rivalry more so enter the three German premium brands. Quality and technology is common in their models, but each claims his own personality.

Until "Yesterday"In the compact segment, Audi, BMW and Mercedes They have been less rivals including what you would expect for such disparate points of view. The rear-wheel drive content and size of the first series 1, We placed sportsmanship on any other matter, sacrificing space and functionality for betting Mercedes the format minivan and mechanics ‘ad hoc’ of their First Class. In between, the A3 Sportback, a compact conventional in its variant 5 door, It is suited to provide greater interior space and luggage compartment without interfering with the "sporty" body dynamics of three.

Today the differences do not jump to the eye. All three models have come very close to each other, or perhaps we should say that the BMW and the Mercedes They have approached the standard Audi. In its second generation, series 1 has grown and improved livability and trunk, but following faithful to longitudinal engine and exclusive RWD, own all BMW. He Mercedes Class A It is now a compact style more traditional, size of content with transverse engine and front wheel drive and a surprisingly dynamic frame. Meanwhile, New Audi A3 Sportback He remains true to its principles and combines functional 5-door body with a frame, like its rivals, you can choose different settings for comfort care or exalt dynamism.

Audi, winner in space

In the case of versions 5 door, perhaps the most functional aspect of their bodies interest you. And here the Audi is the best. If the meter does not justify its supremacy, the subjective feeling of space is itself far superior to its rivals, perhaps simply because the sheet / glass ratio. Mainly, in the rear seats of Series 1 and Class you feel caged. The porterage also mark important differences: very good 370 liters of the A3 Sportback, up to 295 Class A, There is a world of difference. In addition, the gate of the Audi releases greater loading mouth.

It putting in motion a dynamic that can reach conclusions depend very much on the final configuration of frame you have available on each model. The combinations These brands offer you (Wheels, tires, suspension, gearboxes, springs, address, etc.) They are endless and in our case we have encountered units of different profiles. In any case, the most surprising is the Serial basis Class A, that makes touch-up in the sportiest car Lot. Its overall firmness provides a soaring dynamism, working very little about the direction. very flat and fast turns, at the slightest hint with a very effective front end for guiding and traction, that seems insurmountable lateral grip and traction. between curves, series is probably the car that you will feel safer going very fast. Quite a contrast against the series 1.

It’s funny how BMW in recent years he has changed the development of their suspensions. Of the minimum "tolerances" of yore, we have moved to more flexible suspensions, which make BMW and specifically this series 1 always sits a few millimeters loose buffer. In my view, he has lost sense of poise and touch some information entering curve for better filtering, but BMW amateur does not convince me first. I have not had the chance to try a series 1 with piloted damping, but they have told me that is the solution to contain these vertical movements that will remain accurate. It is true I think it’s more a matter of tact, that the inlet bend and guide the series 1 is as fast you can expect. Only when you start to go very fast, truly missing greater containment of movement. By its power level is very clean curve and not for good or evil your propulsion with good weather seems to condition its dynamics. He contrast in front of Mercedes also it appears in the ride quality. But here, by comparison, Series 1 is more smooth and refined that a Class A somewhat rough and babbling rolling and in certain phases of bacheo not seem "Mercedes".

He balance It is again the starting point A3 Sportback. We’ve tried with sport suspension Serial finish Ambition, A suspension does not reach the Class discomfort or the "vagueness" 1 Series, with results of dynamism, drivability and comfort ideal for all types of paths.

Around 150 CV

The technological wealth of these brands also it puts you on the table many mechanical combinations. Over the Diesel blocks of each brand, A3 features 150 hp, 143 and 136 hp the 118d CDI 200. In all cases, you can count on manual or automatic transmissions. Here the A3 had the manual shift and the other with respective automatic excellent performance that made us remember S-tronic Audi.

The three engines meet all the necessary qualities to shine in every way. Brazenly pushed easy from very low engine speeds, They are Smooth, progressive and very fast in acceleration. With great development but only 6 speed compared to 7 Mercedes and BMW 8, the A3 sees no reason so much and its rivals use their gearboxes for equal benefits. But in any case, A3 2.0 TDI It shows an absolute solvency. Its operating system is amazing, so much pushing barely exceeded 1,000 rpm and by how up to 5,000 read.

Change Mercedes It is double clutch and has a very good performance that enhances the engine response. On paper, the 1.8 CDI not so strong at the ends as 2.0 TDI, It may seem slower, but look at our measurements and will amaze you. In manual operation also undertakes changes very fast and smooth, from paths steering wheel paddles. Draws attention to the tiny main lever anchored behind the wheel, which is easily reached with your fingers.

He BMW Steptronic by torque converter is equally fabulous for speed and smoothness, but it stresses primarily for its 8th march, that allows you to llanear very low engine speeds. The combination of 118d Steptronic It is also a source of dynamism and comfort. It is very fast, pushes well from below and rises smoothly up to 4800 rpm. Now it’s your turn to choose the car and set it to your liking.