A-class Vs. A3
The new A-class is good v. good. But, so is the A3. Reliability isn't easy to judge for the new A-class as it not yet a year old, but the car and its platform is nearly win or brake for MB, so its important they got it right, this time! The launch of the new platform for A- and B-class was delayed for a year to sort out quality glitches. So, I belive it should be ok. (well, we bought a new one in march, and its still works! [
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Personally I like how the A-class looks, but prefer the feel and the experienced interior quality in the A3. But the new A-class is not bad inside at all, and its miles a head of the poor interior quality of the previous model. Driving the to cars is different. I have tested the 1.6 A3 sportsback and currently drives a A-170(w169) and have to say, the A3 is more sporty and possible a bit more refined, but the A-class is more comfertable. The luggage compartment is bigger in the A-class and interior wise the A-class fells bigger and can carry more. You also sit quite higher in A-class, with excelent view out. And rear seats are set higher than the front wich is excelent for kids proned for travel sicknes and grannies with bad hips, but it a little bit more noisy in the A-class than the A3. Also, the suspention feels a bit harder than the A3, and on country roads you will feel the pot holes a bit!
The A3 scored four stars in the EuroNCAP, but the A-class still haven't been tested. MB is expecting five stars, but so did Audi before it was tested. But the A-class is full of drivers aids and safety devices. Wich should be reasuring for a young family. The ESP cant be switched off, making hard to going up hills in snowy conditions. The lights are spoot on, though!
In city the A-class is a better choice as its so easy to park, and a very light stering wheel (its gets harder when speeds increases)! Also for dayly use for a young family, I dont think you can go wrong with the A-class, but be aware, the extra optional equitmentlist is long, very long! And soon youre cheap little car, has turn into a expencive experience!!!
I would say go for the A-class if you value a more user friendly and kids friendly car, but if you like a more sporty car go for the A3. But make sure you opt. for automatic deactivation of pass. airbag and get a special MB child seat with transponder. Cause you cant turn the pass. airbag off, manually in the new A-class!
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