The grass is always greener on the other side, or is it? We take a look at bare-bones cars you can purchase in the UK and spec them up to how we would normally spec a vehicle to see exactly what you get for your money in the UK vs. the U.S. Let’s dive in!
2026 BMW 120 Sport ($44,360)
1.5 turbocharged three-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid, 170hp and 206lb-ft torque. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive layout.
Options:
Blue cloth seats ($237.84). Harmon Kardon Sound System ($747.49). Technology Package ($2,106.57). Panoramic Sunroof ($1,427.03). Cross-bars ($406.36)
Total: $49,327.63
We were very conservative on the options here. A 1-series with a three-cylinder turbo producing 170hp would run us almost $50k with front-wheel drive.
2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe ($42,000)
2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 241hp. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive layout.
Frozen Pure Grey Metallic ($2,350). Premium Package ($1,350). Comfort suspension ($0).
Total: $45,050
Our pick: 120i Sport. You can’t go wrong with the trusty hatchback. It’s much more stylish and practical for everyday use compared to the 228 Gran Coupe.
Audi A1 (Sport 25 TFSI 95 PS 5-speed) ($33,031.48)
1-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, 95hp. 5-speed manual gearbox. Front-wheel-drive.
Options:
Cross bars ($473.14). Technology Package (1,760.68).
Fun fact: 120i doesn’t offer power-folding mirrors or DAB radio standard, despite being more expensive.
Total: ($36,047.07)
2026 Audi A3 (Premium 40 TFSI quattro S tronic) ($40,100)
2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 201hp. 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel-drive.
Options:
Convenience Package ($1,500).
Total: ($42,995)
Our pick: The A1 only comes with 95hp! But it makes the most of that with a 5-speed manual gearbox. There’s no sunroof option with the A1, which is a bummer! However, the A3 offers much more for the money.
2026 Mercedes A 180 Sport Edition ($43,330.45)
1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Mild-hybrid, 136hp. Front-wheel-drive. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
No options added.
Total: ($43,330.45)
Fun fact: The bare-bones basic Mercedes doesn’t look like it on the inside. However, just like the A1, there is no option for a sunroof or glass roof.
2026 Mercedes CLA 220 Hybrid Sedan ($43,900)
1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, mild-hybrid. Total output: 208 hp. Front-wheel drive.
No options added.
Total: ($45,330.45)
Our pick: It’s a bit strange that the A180 doesn’t offer an optional sunroof and the CLA has it standard. We prefer the looks of the A-class and the powertrain of the CLA. With that being said, we’d still choose the A-class simply for the looks and hatchback body style.
2026 Volkswagen Polo Life 1.0MPI ($28,626.38)
1-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder, 79hp. Front-wheel-drive. 5-speed manual gearbox.
Options:
16-inch alloy wheels ($706.99). Panoramic Sunroof ($1,332.41). Keyless access ($557.44). Cross bars ($410.60)
Total: ($31,633.81)
Fun fact: The Polo base trim can be optioned with a panoramic sunroof while the A1 base trim doesn’t offer one at all.
Volkswagen Jetta S ($23,995)
1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 158hp. Front-wheel-drive. 8-speed automatic transmission.
Options:
Cross bars ($414).
Total: ($24,410)
Our pick: The Jetta S can’t be optioned with any luxury features like the Polo. In fact, the Polo doesn’t even have a turbo engine. If you overlook the power difference. The Polo is the better deal with a nicer interior and simpler engine technology.
Toyota Aygo X Icon ($29,428)
1.5-liter naturally aspirated hybrid petrol. Front-wheel-drive. CVT transmission.
Options:
Convenience package ($500)
Total: ($30,264.70)
2026 Toyota Corolla LE ($23,325)
2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 169hp. CVT transmission. Front-wheel-drive.
Options:
LE Premium Package ($1,135)
Total: ($24,620)
Our pick: Despite the Aygo X having less horsepower. The Aygo X can be optioned with luxury features that the Corolla doesn’t offer. Both are base trim levels, and that’s insane!
