We test drive the Audi A3

.

The perception of luxury is beginning to change and the proof is the Audi A3. It may be the most inexpensive way to leap into Audi’s Line-up. But at least it’s not a penalty box. Here’s why:

The 1.8 turbo that was shared with the Volkswagen Golf is no longer offered. Instead you get to choose from two very potent 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The front-wheel-drive configurations get 186hp while the versions with Quattro All-wheel-drive get the familiar 220hp output. Pick of the range depends on what you want the most from your A3. If you really do need the extra traction your only choice is to get the more powerful engine option, while everyone will find that the front-wheel-drive form is good enough for their needs. Our tester car came equipped with the all-wheel-drive seeing that the first time around when we drove the A3 it was front-wheel-drive and had a 1.8 turbo engine.

The A3 is quite easy to drive around town and is very nimble. What we enjoyed the most about the A3 is how refined it felt without ever feeling dull or boring. The 2-liter turbo engine offered the low-end torque that we loved especially when merging and overtaking on faster paced roads. We did get the chance to experience the all-wheel-drive in action as it did rain during our test. The grip was there and we loved it but like we said prior, you’ll have to really want it to justify the slight increase in price and the spike in running costs. The 1.8 turbo we tested proved that the front-wheel-drive A3 is just as capable of holding its own on slippery surfaces. Steering feedback was where it should be, it provided enough feedback to provide confidence in corners and bends without being overly heavy like in some BMW vehicles we’ve encountered. Wind and road noise are far from an issue but the ride comfort can get slightly too firm with the larger alloy wheels. The sports suspension option that our tester car came equipped with made the ride comfort overly firm and borderline unforgiving. It would’ve been different if the A3 had the trade-off of fantastic handling like the Mini Hardtop 4-door Cooper S, but it’s nowhere near as good as the Mini.

Audi knows how to make an interior and the A3 is no exception to this, even though the A3 is the cheapest of the range. The materials used inside of the cabin feel high class and well put together, you won’t have any complaints about the interior. We love how the infotainment system leaps out of the dash, it adds a bit of classiness to the overall impressive interior layout. The controls and dials are easy to read and are also easy to navigate through. What we love the most is how everything feels substantial and doesn’t feel like it’s built to a price. The front seats offer plenty of support while those in the rear seat will feel shortchanged on legroom. The boot space is actually quite good for such a small sedan.

The A3 we had as a tester car was the Premium Quattro which came fitted with the following options: keyless entry with push button start, sport front seats with Audi drive select, heated front seats and a sports suspension riding on 18-inch alloy wheels. Bi-xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof and leather-wrapped gear selector all come standard on the A3.

The Audi A3 is a great option for those who want an Audi but can’t afford the price premium of the A4. However, just like the CLA we have to say that the A3 is pretty hard to justify when there are so many indirect rivals that offer more standard kit and a bigger backseat. You’ll really have to want an Audi to be willing to dish out the premium that is associated with it. Our tester car mildly kitted came with a price tag near $40k and well for that money we could go elsewhere and get more value for our money.

Likes: The new 2-liter turbo engine is way better than the old 1.8 turbo. The interior is classy with high quality materials used.

Dislikes: The A3 is bland to look at. Our tester car was pretty pricey and that was just the entry-level trim.

Our pick: The premium with front-wheel-drive will be enough for most buyers. You don’t really need all-wheel-drive unless you just have to have the extra traction. Otherwise, running costs wise and performance wise the front-wheel-drive is just as good and can hold its own well.

Devon test drives a CLA (Used)

Audi and Mercedes both are offering four-door sedans for buyers who can't afford the more expensive A4 and C-class offerings. The CLA is the stylish of the two and offers that Mercedes quality at a lower asking price. But does this mean that you get what you pay for with a cheap Mercedes?

Performance: The CLA only offers two engine choices. It's a no brainer here as to which engine is the pick of the range. The CLA250 which is the cheaper of the two offers a turbocharged four-cylinder producing 208hp. Top of the range CLA45 AMG offers the same turbocharged four-cylinder producing 355hp. Most buyers will pick the CLA250 because it's cheaper to buy and makes the most sense financially.

On the road: The CLA suspension is set up towards comfort which is fine if you desire a smooth ride. The car still shimmies around over rough surfaces. The sports suspension sharpens handling but the ride comfort is much firmer and produces a choppy ride over rough surfaces. The AMG is great fun but is much harder to live with. There is little wind noise at highway speeds, there is a lot of road noise on patchy road surfaces. Both engines are smooth in operation but the AMG has a contagious exhaust that makes it hard to drive casually.

Behind the wheel: The driving position is good for drivers of all sizes. With plenty of adjustments for both driver's seat and steering wheel. This is sadly where the positives end. Just like all other Mercedes, you have to operate many functions by scrolling through menus with a single control dial in the center console. The lay out isn't very user friendly and is just too distracting to fully operate while on the go. The swooping roofline means that rear visibility is poor. There's plenty of room in front for two with so-so rear passenger space. You'll have to becareful not to bash your head when getting in the back of the CLA. The boot is fairly large but its shallow and makes loading bulky items tricky.

Equipment: The CLA250 comes with decent kit for the money. Although you'll have to pay extra for Bi-xenon headlamps and a sport package which makes the CLA look sportier. Attention Assist is standard as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, start/stop system and Bluetooth hands-free interface. Top of the range AMG offers unique AMG trim, all-wheel-drive system and Bi-Xenon headlamps.

Buying & owning: The CLA looks pricey compared to the A3 sedan. Many of the features you'll most likely want pushes the price higher. At least the running costs will be decent if you stick with the front-wheel-drive variant. Resale value should be strong too thanks to good looks and the legendary Mercedes badge.

Quality: Interior quality and materials used feel upscale but don't feel as classy as the A3. Plus there are some areas that feel cost cutting. What worries us even more is the fact that Mercedes continues to score low in reliability surveys even though they have improved dramatically over the years. It's still not as good as Audi and BMW.

Safety: 10 airbags come standard as well as Attention Assist which monitors drowsy drivers. Optional is Bi-xenon headlamps on the CLA250 as well as blind spot warning detection. Deadlocks and an imobiliser come standard to keep theft at bay.

The CLA is a great entry level luxury sedan for those who really want the Mercedes badge but can't afford the more expensive C-class. Even though it is a great car all round, it still makes us wonder is it really worth considering? There are many indirect rivals that offer more kit for similar money and there's the Audi A3 which offers a few extra bits standard for the same price tag. Unless love the looks and can over look the short comings of the CLA this is the car for you. Otherwise we suggest looking at the A3 and top of the range indirect rivals.

Likes: Stylish inside out. Smooth turbo engine. AMG is a total hoot to drive. Mercedes at a low price what's not to like?

Dislikes: You'll pay an arm and leg to get the features you'll most likely want. AMG version is expensive. Reliability is still iffy and there's too many better indirect rivals.

Devon's Choice: The CLA250 is a no brainer here. If you want a cheap Mercedes this is the version to go for. However, you'll have to pay extra for features that you'd most likely want. They don't come cheap either!

Devon test drives an Audi A3 (Used)

If you acquire the taste of luxury but the price tag leaves you running for the hills. Fret not because the Audi A3 is here.

There are two engines to choose from. The standard 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 170hp while the top of the range 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 220hp. Picking between the two is all a mere matter of taste. The 1.8 only comes with front-wheel-drive and is our pick of the range. It makes the most sense financially and running costs are decent too. It’s nice though that you can have more power with the 2-liter turbo but you can only have it with all-wheel-drive. Both versions don’t even offer a manual gearbox, in both cases however you’ll have to go with the upcoming redesigned Volkswagen Golf/GTI to satisfy that desire.

Unless you’re downgrading from a Bentley, the interior won’t be as classy in comparison. However both are classy and both won’t disappoint. Audi's interior decors are some of the best in the industry. Even the optional infotainment display that sort of leaps out of the dash is a welcome touch; everything is within easy reach of the driver’s hand and the seats are comfortable with plenty of support. Rear passengers however may suffer a bit in legroom.

Premium trim offers leather seats, Xenon headlamps, dual zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Premium plus trim adds keyless start, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats. You’ll have to step up to the Prestige trim to full LED headlights, 14 speaker 705watt sound system and voice control navigation system.

The A3 may seem expensive compared to indirect rivals such as the Mazda3 and even Volkswagen GTI. But for those who crave the Audi badge but can’t afford the A4 we strongly suggest sticking with the standard form and you’ll be fine. Resale value is too soon to call since the A3 is new to the market.

The A3 is a classy offering and is worth considering if you want a four-door sedan with premium image. However it’s just not as compelling to look at compared to the Mercedes CLA and it’s not as fun to drive as a BMW 2-series. It is the best between the two and we think it’s the top pick for those who want a classy well rounded sedan.

Likes: Both engines have strong pull. The standard kit is impressive for such a low asking price.

Dislikes: Bland exterior looks. There are so many indirect rivals that offer more for similar money.

Devon’s Choice: The A3 Premium 1.8t is where our money would go. It offers enough kit to satisfy most needs without being too expensive. Plus running costs are decent too.