Test drive A-class against Audi A3, BMW 1 series and VW Golf: first class

Comparison of the A-Class with the strongest representatives of the compact class

In the third generation of the A-Class, Mercedes has acquired a new physiognomy and captivating dynamics. In Generation 4, this is already fully understood with the help of a modern voice control system. It has also become larger and has a new petrol engine. We have yet to find out what can actually happen - through a comparison test with the strongest representatives of the compact class: the Audi A3, the BMW Series 1 and, of course, the VW Golf.

If there was a Hollywood script for the A-Class's career, it would have ended in 2012. Before that, she was playing hide and seek with fate. It first appeared as a Vision A at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1993, then, now as a production car, it collided with an imaginary elk from an obstacle course and rolled over. Then luck worked again with the help of the ESP system and the hot recommendations of Niki Lauda from the commercials. But on the road to great success, the revolutionary A-Class only emerged with the counter-revolution of 2012, when it went from innovative technology and practical design to practical technology and groundbreaking design. In the last frames of the film, we see how the designers remove the bottom of the sandwich from the first generations, waving flags and singing in chorus, of course, at sunset. Happy ending, final shots, curtain.

Because since then everyone lived happily ever after - both A-class and supporting actors. When we search the Internet for moose, after class A members have learned to avoid it so skillfully, the latest information is that the World Conservation Organization considers it a "non-threatened species." The new A no longer has to risk everything to restore his reputation, but must maintain and build on his success. To do this, he has more security systems, a modern concept for managing functions, new engines. Will it be enough against such serious contenders as A3, Blok and Golf? There is only one way to find out - a comparative test.

BMW - the other end

Let's start with the BMW 1 Series. With him, the revolution is still ahead - we are talking about the transition to front-wheel drive. The next generation will follow the path of world history in 2019 with front-wheel drive. Doesn't this wording hide dissatisfaction? Because there is a road… just before the palace there is a sharp turn to the right, then follow the narrow road that winds like a snake through the hills.

This is where, friends, there is a complete merging of spirit and matter. The "device" not only brings the driver together, but also attaches him to the magnificent sports seats (991 lev.) and is centered around him. First set of turns. When the rear axle is in motion and tends to turn, the car enters the turn very precisely and without hesitation, the rear always gives a little, but in order to keep you in the mood and not scare. The BMW takes off like a whirlwind down a winding road, steadily steered by strong hand pressure on a precisely working steering wheel. For such driving, manual control of eight automatic transmissions is suitable. Because the otherwise error-free ZF transmission gets worried if it has to react too quickly - this happens more often when it is connected to a gasoline engine rather than a torque-large diesel engine.

BMW has equipped the 120i's powerful sprint, high-torque and smooth-running engine with everything that can dynamize it: 18-inch tires with different sizes of two axles, M Sport package, adaptive dampers, sport steering with variable gear ratio. Thus, he turns any change of direction into a holiday and takes all opponents to the secondary track and slalom test section.

Naturally, the longitudinal layout requires compromises: the entrance to the cave back is narrow, the interior is not very spacious - we did not know anything before. However, superior brakes cannot balance the lack of support systems. The BMW model is superbly equipped, but its price is also excellent, and the quality of materials is the result of small bills. Most fuel is consumed by a powerful engine (since July it has been produced with a particulate filter). On long trips, the steering becomes a source of tension, and on the highway it feels uncontrollable rather than precise, and the suspension feels twitchy rather than stiff with short bumps in the road. Under full load, however, the compact BMW drives more friendly. However, all criticisms of it disappear from the first turn, as well as an empty straight section in the rear-view mirror.

Audi is far from over

Following our careful understanding of the facts, we recall the information of the summer of 2017, which is often neglected: the A3 hatchback is only available in the Sportback version. The fact that we are mentioning the end of the two-door version has its own historical reasons - the first A3 from 1996 was produced until 1999 only as a two-door model. What great times - when you could show nobility and exclusivity by eliminating the two rear doors of the model. For three generations, the A3 has remained true to itself in the pursuit of excellence. Its achievement is expressed in impeccable workmanship, high-quality materials and meticulous soundproofing. The infotainment system set new standards in 2012, but now it may be time to update the function controls. In terms of support systems, the A3 is no better than average for the class and should stop more vigorously.

Otherwise, its manufacturers update in a timely manner. In May last year, the model received a 1,5-liter gasoline turbo engine, cleaning the exhaust gases from small particles will not begin until early summer. At low load, the engine shuts off two of its cylinders, and then the other two run at a higher load and are therefore more efficient. This happens surprisingly often, as we see from the readings of the on-board computer, otherwise turning on and off the cylinders goes unnoticed. At the same time, the dual-clutch transmission neatly shifts seven gears and shifts them precisely and without interruption, whether fast or quiet. The designers even overcame the inherent jerkiness of these gearboxes when starting off. Thus, an economical (7,0 l / 100 km) and high-tech power unit becomes an integral part of the harmony in this car.

It easily accommodates four passengers - on a comfortable rear sofa and two front sports seats for long trips. Yes, with the A3 you want to travel long and far. Despite the tight settings, the adaptive dampers gently neutralize bumps and, unlike the VW model, do not allow jolts. The A3 thus gives the impression of greater precision and, unlike other Audi models, a better feeling of contact with the road and feedback from the variable ratio steering system (612 lv.), as well as faster handling without at any moment it puts endangering road safety, the steering response is soft and begins immediately after the middle position. This Audi does not bite as much in corners as the “unit”, but it can go around the track without any course fluctuations. This once again reinforces the impression that with the A3 you are driving a quality, robust, durable, even timeless car in its modern day.

Mercedes - finally a leader?

MBUX, you've done something bad again, look at that oh, oh sorry, we digress a bit because the A-Class materials are so enthusiastic about the "user experience" of the Mercedes-Benz MBUX. In the A-class, you need to be quite talkative, because voice control is one of the most important innovations in the car. It works really great (see connection test), but we will fully understand if - when it is not required for evaluation - you have some hesitation to talk to the car with the words "Hey Mercedes, I'm cold!", on case if you want the electronics to work increase the heat.

This can also be achieved via buttons or via the infotainment system. However, its menus are so confusing that it is often possible to get rid of it simply by pressing the "Return" button. As we know, today many development departments are convinced that the touch screen is the best solution, if only because Tesla does it. However, it may seem that following the driver so enthusiastically, everyone will get into a dead end.

Control devices with digital indication are also considered quite modern, because everyone can arrange the indicators to their liking. At BMW, the experts have grouped the devices however they see fit – much closer to perfection than the overloaded screen of the A-Class. There, instead of the speedometer, you can place an animated image of the remaining mileage. In a lot of games on large mirrorless monitors, there's no room for really important information, like the gear you're driving.

Why are we talking about this for so long? Because MBUX attracts a lot of attention - both in the way it manages features and when looking at the A-Class as a whole. And in general, this is a really new car. Moreover, it has become much more spacious - the overall length increased by twelve centimeters opens up a lot of space. In the low rear seat, passengers have more legroom and 9,5 cm more interior width than before. For everyday life, the increased space for small items, the lower threshold of the boot and the backrest that folds into three parts are important.

However, the cabin has seats without strong lateral support, which poorly integrate the pilot and the passenger next to him. In general, now the distance between the A-class and its driver has increased. In press releases, the company's marketers have placed a piece of the chassis far behind the show called MBUX. Only there can you find information that in the A 180 d and A 200, instead of a multi-link suspension, the rear wheels are driven by a simpler torsion bar design. However, with adaptive dampers as in the test car, the A 200 gets a multi-link rear axle. However, the A-Class handles corners more indifferently than before. However, first of all, the lack of agility and dynamics is due to the qualities of the steering system. It lacks the precision and feedback that is characteristic of today's rear-wheel drive models of the brand.

Despite the variable gear ratio, the A-Class's steering never responds really accurately, directly or quickly, and has too little time to get back in the right direction. In addition, significant body swaying in turns is noticeably annoying. It can be argued that the cure for these two ailments is the sport mode of the steering system and adaptive dampers. Yes, but it's so difficult that everything just gets rougher, not better. Even in comfort mode, the suspension reacts firmly to short bumps and becomes more intense under heavy load. The A-Class handles long waves better on asphalt.

Improved dynamics are expected from the new 200 all-wheel drive unit. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission comes from Getrag and the engine comes from a collaboration with Renault. Mercedes has a turbocharged petrol engine branded M 282. And it can deactivate two cylinders to improve efficiency. But despite the more intense downsizing, the all-aluminum unit with particulate filter in the test consumes 7,6 l / 100 km, that is, more than the A3 and Golf, and only 0,3 l less than the 1,6 -liter engine in the old one. A 200. 1300 cc engine. See is not very convincing in terms of ride and power disclosure. It tends to roar, reacts more clumsily to throttle, and loses power sooner at high speeds.

This is partly due to the dual-clutch transmission, which shifts smoothly like a torque converter automatic. But when faster action is required, the gearbox tries many gears and rarely shifts to the right one the first time. And the departure seemed to surprise her every time - in this regard, after overcoming initial difficulties, Mercedes' own two-wheel drivetrain proved to be better.

But isn't the A-Class setting new standards? Yes, it's security. The equipment of the auxiliary systems brings her a decisive amount of points. The range extends from warning systems to active automatic devices for observing and lane change, which, both quantitatively and qualitatively, significantly exceed the previous level in the compact class.

Above grade level? This is a very good time to get to the topic of costs. With AMG Line equipment and test-related accessories, the A 200 costs around 41 euros in Germany and 000 euros more in terms of equipment. Is the new A-Class really the class to win anyway?

VW - finally again

No, it's true that the tension could have been kept a little longer, but VW's victory is too obvious for such tricks. Unlike the A-Class, the Golf has always been a Golf, never revolutionized and never looked for itself again – thanks to which it has scored countless victories. Here it wins another one – namely, in its smallest dimensions, the Golf offers the most space for passengers and luggage, has every possible functionality: from a comfortable fit to a split rear seat with a wide opening for long loads to large seats for small items. To this should be added the ease of control of functions, as well as high quality. In addition, the VW model has a well-marked body. Of the testers, only Mercedes offers more support systems, which, along with the Golf's not-so-drastic brakes, is why it lags behind the A-Class in the safety section.

But only here – because with its adaptive dampers (1942 lv.) it continues to be one of the most comfortable compact cars. Its chassis diligently absorbs even the strongest bumps in the road - however, the Golf sways after long waves on the pavement, and in comfort mode it is not possible to fully control body roll in corners. Normal mode reduces sway and at the same time improves handling because pleasantly direct and precise steering conveys a clearer road feel. Sport mode makes the steering and chassis even stiffer, but even in it the road behavior is still very robust.

Of course, the Golf has never had a better petrol engine than the economical 1,5-litre turbocharged engine (a particulate filter will be available as early as late summer). True, the noise here is more rough than in a tightly insulated Audi, but otherwise everything is as it should be: the engine accelerates evenly from low revs and quickly reaches high ones. Although, like the A3, the Golf lags behind the 120i and the A 200 in terms of performance, the drivetrain always conveys a sense of good temperament and constant readiness. This is also due to the high-speed DSG, which shifts seven gears with vigor and precision, and only the sport mode can intimidate it. That's right - you need to delve into the details to find some minor flaws in the Golf. With the best equipment, it is offered at the lowest price - and thus wins the final victory over the representative of Mercedes.

The points of the new A 200 are only enough to win the quality mark - perhaps because, although he wants to be a winner, he wants more to be something else - first class!

CONCLUSION

1. VW

The game lasts 90 minutes, the goal is to get the ball into the goal, and finally ... Golf wins. It fulfills expectations with its efficiency, comfort, space and helpers at a good price.

2. MERCEDES

After the match - as well as before the match. At the time of its debut, the new A-Class remains second - with more space, better safety equipment and a diesel particulate filter. But it is expensive and difficult, and the drive is weak.

3.AUDI

The fruit of maturity - extremely durable, economical, comfortable and agile, the A3 earns points that put it far ahead. However, with few assistants and not very dedicated brakes, he missed out on second place.

4. BMW

With high costs, few support systems, and painful prices, the narrow “unit” comes last. For cornering enthusiasts, however, it remains the top choice due to its exceptional handling.

Text: Sebastian Renz

Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert

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