Audi A3 Reviews

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 and Audi A3 go head-to-head in this comparative review..star {width:135px;}#article-corpus {width:100%; padding-right: 0;}

Audi Australia has continued the rollout of its A3 range with a four-door sedan variant joining the A3 and S3 Sportback models that were released in 2013. Surprisingly, despite the A3 being on sale here since 1997, this is the first time that it’s been available in sedan format.While hatchbacks are traditionally more popular than sedans, with younger Australian buyers, the booted format appeals more to their elders. With most of A3’s main competitors still only available as hatches Audi is looking to close, even overtake the sales gap with its bigger-selling German rivals.An apparently sub-$40,000 starting price (it doesn’t include on-road costs) brings a prestige German marque within the budget of many family buyers who had previously sourced their larger cars mainly from Asia. However, such buyers should cost out the A3’s long options list to make a true price comparison.STYLINGAudi designers have done an excellent job with the new A3 sedan giving it the semi coupe-like appearance that’s growing in popularity. While it shares the same name as the Sportback hatch and most of its engines the four-door uses different visible body panels throughout.It’s longer and wider than the hatch, however the sedan’s coupe styling makes it marginally lower. Despite this there’s sufficient rear seat width and headroom to fit three moderately sized adults. At 425 litres, boot capacity is 45 litres larger than the Sportback and has the convenience of a lower loading lip. The front is dominated by the single-frame grille that Audi pioneered more than a decade ago and which quickly became the company’s design signature.ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONSNew Audi A3 sedan offers a good choice of engines, two petrol units with three levels of tune, and one diesel. All are turbocharged. The entry level A3 Attraction is powered by a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine that generates up to 103 kW of power, and 250 Nm of torque between 1500 and 3500 rpm. It also has the Cylinder-on-Demand technology that shuts down two of the four cylinders when minimum power and torque are required such as when the car is cruising on flat rural roads.The Ambition 1.8-litre TFSI petrol lifts power to 132 kW but with the same torque figure (250 Nm) as the 1.4 but with a wider spread (1250 to 5000 rpm). When linked with the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system torque increases to 280 Nm from 1350 to 4500 revs. The 2.0-litre diesel TDI Ambition gets 110 kW and 320 Nm from 1750 to 3000 rpm. All engines are mated to Audi’s S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmissions, six-speed in 1.8 TFSI Ambition quattro and 2.0 TDI Ambititon; seven-speed in the 1.4 TFSI and front-wheel drive 1.8 TFSI. Steering wheel paddle shifts are standard in all models.SAFETYAudi A3 sedan achieves the maximum five-star ANCAP rating and comes with seven airbags; Electronic Stabilisation Control; Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR); ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD); Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and rear parking sensors. An optional ($1800) Assistance Package adds Adaptive cruise control with Emergency City Braking that automatically brakes the car if it detects an obstacle ahead to either prevent or reduce the impact of a collision, as well as lane departure warning and high beam assist.EQUIPMENTAll variants get 17-inch alloy wheels (18s and 19s are available in option packages); cruise control; leather-trimmed upholstery; dual-zone climate-control air conditioning; and light and rain sensors.There are five option packages ranging from $1800 to $4200 that add a variety of additional features. In addition to the safety equipment and larger wheels mentioned previously, these include Audi’s S line body kit; satellite navigation; reversing camera; LED daytime running lights; powered front seats; and more. Look on-line at Audi’s website or contact your local dealer for a full list. Non-package options include a panoramic sunroof ($1950); LED headlights ($2950); and a Bang and Olufsen sound system ($1750).INFOTAINMENTStandard equipment is limited to Audi’s eight-speaker MMI radio system and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming with information displayed on a retractable 5.8-inch colour monitor mounted on the top of the dashboard. A 7.0-inch screen is part of the Technik option package.DRIVINGWe were able to drive all four variants of the new Audi A3 sedan during its recent media launch in the NSW Southern Highlands. Unfortunately the combination of frequent thick mist and the police getting into holiday-weekend mode prevented us from getting any real driving enjoyment from the cars.Nevertheless there were sufficient twists and turns to show off the A3 sedan’s excellent driving dynamics. Handling is safe and secure and it pushes through corners with no sign of understeer at the speeds at which we travelled. Noise and vibration levels are low and more like those of much larger, more expensive luxury cars. With the entire route being on rural roads there was some coarse-chip surface tyre noise but not to any annoying level.Audi Australia expects the $39,800 1.4 TFSI to comprise almost half of total A3 sedan sales and, following our test drive we see no reason to doubt that prediction. With 250 Nm of torque, 0-100 km acceleration in 8.4 seconds and an official combined fuel usage of 4.7 L/100 km it really does provide the level of performance that will satisfy all but the most demanding of drivers. For the latter the 1.8 TSFI quattro awaits.As is almost always the case on launch drives our fuel consumption reading from the 1.4 TFSI was well above that official 4.7 L/100 km. We’ll be able to provide a better assessment following our upcoming extended test.VERDICTThe A3’s combination of classic Audi styling, the convenience of a sedan with a fair-sized boot and an eye-catching price tag should attract many downsizing buyers who have previously felt priced-out of the luxury car market.Audi A3 SedanPrice: from $39,800-$47,800Engines: 1.4 TFSI COD 103kW/250Nm, 1.8 TFSI 132kW/250Nm, 2.0 TDI 110kW/320Nm 1.8 TFSI quattro 132kW/280NmTransmission: 6 or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD or 4WD Thirst: 4.5-6.6L/100km, C02 109-152g/km

Swanking along the Cote D’Azur in a swish cabriolet was something I’d dreamt of ever since seeing a Hitchcock movie with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant cruising along there in a Sunbeam Alpine.

How much Audi do you really need? Think about it.

Now there are three. The premium small-car segment began as a one-horse race in 1996 when Audi took the bold step of introducing a small model called the A3. BMW was extra wary of the possibility of diluting its brand with a small car, but watched Audi sales closely and finally decided it was safe to enter the prestige small-car race in 2004, with its 1 Series.Mercedes-Benz was a very late starter, not joining the fray until it introduced the all-new A-Class in 2012 (the original A-Class was a stubby city car operating in a totally different market area). Having led the way, Audi is very keen to build on its 17 years of expertise in small cars and has added additional models to both ends of the A3 Sportback lineup.The most exciting is the quattro version. With over four decades of harnessing all-wheel-drive to powerful engines this model was a given. At the other end of the scale is a super-economy model tagged the Audi A3 COD. Which doesn’t mean you have to pay cash for it on delivery, but that it has a 'cylinder on demand' powerplant.ENGINES | TRANSMISSIONSThe A3 Sportback quattro has a hot(ish) four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces up to 132kW of power and a high 280Nm of torque. The use of quattro all-wheel-drive is the big feature of this model, as it provides huge amounts of road grip, even on slippery roads. Automatic transmission in the quattro is a six-speed dual-clutch unit.The cylinder on demand Audi A3 Sportback engine runs on four cylinders in normal driving conditions, but drops to just two cylinders when minimum power and torque are required, such as in gentle country or motorway running on level loads. It’s aimed at economy and has an officially measured figure of just 4.7 litres per hundred kilometres.Again, it’s a turbo-petrol unit, this time with a capacity of 1.4 litres and 103kW and 250Nm. Transmission is to the front wheels only and the automatic is a conventional six-speed unit. Both of these Audi engines coast downhill when you throttle right off, using zero litres of fuel when doing so.STYLINGThough it’s termed the Sportback, with the suggestion it has a hatchback body, this A3 is more station wagon in its shape. Thus it has a good sized load area that’s reasonably squared off and simple to load. A handy 380 litres of boot volume, including a large underfloor stowage area is a feature of the latest A3. Cargo capacity of 1120 litres is offered if the rear seats are folded down. There are various other ways of arranging the rear seats / boot to juggle luggage and people carrying.The sporty A3 quattro has a rear roof spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, sports seats in leather trim, leather finished steering wheel, and an aluminium-look cabin design.INFOTAINMENTThese models have a full-colour 5.8-inch display for Audi’s MMI eight-speaker audio system. It has Bluetooth integration and satellite navigation. The screen can be retracted into the dash for those who choose to minimise driver inattention.SAFETYLighter weight and a stronger body meant the Audi gained five stars with ease in crash testing. The added traction of quattro all-wheel-drive gives it an edge in crash avoidance on low-traction surfaces.DRIVINGRemembering that torque is more important than power, it didn’t surprise us there’s plenty of grunt from the 280Nm quattro Audi A3. It has fast throttle response and combined with the quattro system provides plenty of driving excitement at a modest price of $37,990 plus on-road costs.Oddly, the cylinder on demand engine doesn’t have a light on the dash to let the driver know the car is running on just two cylinders. Volkswagen does on its virtually identical engine and we feel that the challenge of getting fuel consumption and emissions down as low as possible would be enhanced by just such an indicator light.Ride comfort and handling are nicely balanced in both models with even the sporting A3 Sportback quattro providing a supple ride and low noise levels. Coarse-chip sealed roads, often an achilles heel on European cars when driven in Australia, didn’t create undue noise in this pair of Audis.If the high-performance Audi A3 Sportback doesn’t stir your blood sufficiently, you will only have to wait another 10 weeks or so for the hot Audi S3 models. A challenger for the redhot Mercedes A 45 AMG is surely in the wings and will presumably be tagged the Audi RS3. Can’t wait for that one…The complete Audi A3 Sportback range is:A3 Attraction 1.4 TFSI S tronic: $35,600A3 Attraction 1.6 TDI S tronic: $36,500A3 Attraction 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic: $37,900A3 Ambition 1.8 TFSI S tronic: $42,500A3 Ambition 2.0 TDI S tronic: $42,500A3 Ambition 1.8 TFSI quattro S tronic: $45,500Audi A3 Sportback quattroPrice: from $45,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: NoResale: 52 per cent (previous model)Service interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto; AWDThirst: 6.6L/100km, 95 RON PULPDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1380kgSpare: Space-saver 

Time in the gym, new powerplants and a diet give Audi’s small car more muscles.

Why fit amazing technology to a car and then try to conceal it? Audi's new A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic COD features new, multi-displacement technology that slashes fuel consumption and turns the 1.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine into a 700cc two cylinder at times.They're calling the system COD but it stands for Cylinder On Demand rather than Cash On Delivery -- though it could deliver a little of both. The thing is there is nothing to indicate when the change takes place, unlike the three other Audis that already have the tech.In fact, Audi has tried to make the transition from four to two cylinders and back again as seamless as possible. In contrast, in the S6, S7 and RS6 models, a dash indicator tells the driver when the car is operating at half capacity.Try as we might we couldn't secure any real explanation from Audi, apart from the fact that the proof was in the pudding -- drivers can see the benefits when they refuel. You see the “COD” technology is claimed to cut fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent and that is all that really counts, explains Audi Australia boss Andrew Doyle.The car is one of two new models that Audi have added to the A3 Sportback lineup this week. The other is a range topping (for now) 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol model with the addition of Audi's ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive system.VALUEPrices start at $35,600 for the entry level 1.4-litre Attraction. For $36,500 you can have the same car with a 1.6-litre diesel, or for $37,900 you get the new COD model -- all in Attraction trim. Stepping up to the Ambition model gets you a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine or 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, either of which will set you back $42,500 before on-road costs  or the new 1.8-litre quattro for $45,500. The red-hot all-wheel drive S3 arrives later in the year priced from $59,900.The Sportback's standard equipment list includes leather, climate and cruise control, auto lights and wipers, 16 inch alloys, dynamic suspension, 8-speaker audio system with music interface and Bluetooth phone audio streaming.DESIGNBased on the Volkswagen Golf, the A3 Sportback is Audi's swoopy backed A3 hatch-cum-station wagon. It's a car with which Audi claims started the premium hatch segment with its launch back in 1996. The addition of the two new models brings the number of Sportback variants to six, with entry level Attraction and aspirational Ambition trims and a number of add-on packs as options.Part of the new-generation A3’s design brief was to reduce weight, and as a result it's up to 90kg lighter. This has been achieved mainly through the introduction of lightweight aluminium parts. High tensile steel is used for the passenger cell and the bonnet and front guards are all aluminium.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine in the COD produces 103kW of power and 250Nm of torque, compared to the entry level model's 90kW and 200Nm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, with fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100km. The larger 1.8 turbo four delivers 132kW and 280Nm and is good for 6.8 secs, at just 6.6 litres/100km.The latter's ultra-flat torque curve sees maximum torque kick in from a low 1250 revs right through to 5000 revs. Both engines are teamed with Audi's S tronic, twin-clutch auto as standard that includes steering wheel mounted paddle shifts.Of note the 1.4 is teamed with Audi's dry-clutch 7-speed box and the 1.8 with the wet-clutch 6-speed unit, the latter to cope with the extra power. Any of the petrol models can also be ordered with a six-speed manual at no extra cost.SAFETYFive stars for safety, with seven airbags and a complete suite of safety systems. A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are standard. For $1800 the optional Assistance Pack adds adaptive cruise, high beam assist and lane departure warning. The car also scores a 5 star rating from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide -- the same as the benchmark hybrid Prius.DRIVINGWe had a crack at both cars in the rolling hills outside Adelaide. For an extra $2300 the 1.4 litre COD offers considerably more power and torque than the entry level Sportback. Power rises to 103kW and torque increases 20 per cent to 250Nm, and the COD system slips easily into two cylinder mode when full power is not required.This will generally occur at cruising speeds on the motorway or at other times when the engine is not under load. We couldn't tell if or when the change took place, so there's no real downside to the equation. The more powerful 1.8 offers stronger straight line acceleration, tighter body control and plenty of mid-corner grip thanks to all wheel drive. But it's still not as good as BMW's more powerful but more expensive 125i Sport. If you want more than the 1.8 can offer, then you'll have to wait until December for the fire-breathing S3 because there's nothing in between.VERDICTBoth cars are good but we are not sure the 1.8-litre model is worth the extra dough. The 1.4-litre model offers plenty of punch, all the grip needed and near diesel levels of fuel economy and for that reason alone stands out.Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI CODPrice: from $37,900Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 103kW/250NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto; FWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Thirst: 4.7L/100kmAudi A3 Sportback 1.8TFSI quattroPrice: from $45,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto; AWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Thirst: 6.6L/100km 

Audi is often in the vanguard of vehicle design and the A3 is a classic example. Audi was the first of the iconic German makers to make the bold move of moving down into smaller, relatively affordable cars.Prior to the Audi A3 you had to find something north of $60,000 to get into one of the big make Germans. The A3 dropped the starting price to the sub-40 grand region. There were mutterings that this would devalue the prestige rating of the larger, more expensive models in the range. That didn’t happen and soon arch rivals Mercedes and BMW joined Audi in introducing smaller, affordable cars.Though the Audi A3 is considered a small car by Australians, in Europe it’s often used as a family car. Four adults are more comfortable than you might expect given the relatively small size of the car. Rear-seat access in the three-door is better than in just about any other car of its type with front seats that move right out of the way in an ingenious fashion. Having said that, the five-door is obviously more practical if the back seat is going to get a lot of use.The Audi A3 has the solid feel that’s very much part of the marque.There’s plenty of stowage space in the cabin so this is a practical machine that suits many people living in crowded suburban regions in Australia. Two good sized suitcases can be carried in the boot together with some small bits and pieces. Tie-down clips secure the load in a crash or under heavy braking.Audi A3 sales were reasonably good from the May 1997 launch of the three-door, but didn’t really get up to full speed until the introduction of the five-door models in October 1999. Many of the earliest A3s are now on the used-car market, but they may be nearing the end of their lives - and they aren’t as cheap to repair or service as more mundane cars of this size.The Audi A3 has the solid feel that’s very much part of the marque and this has shown up in good durability as the years have gone by. Handling is very good, though there is perhaps just a little too much understeer at the limit to suit the full-on driving enthusiast.Engine choices in the original A3 were a 1.6-litre single-cam unit with two valves per cylinder and two 1.8-litre twin-cam models with the Audi trademark of five valves per cylinder (three intakes and two exhausts). The 1.8 came with or without a turbocharger, with the turbo engine tuned to give flexible torque and economy at low to mid-range engine speeds, rather than flat-out sports performance.Power in most Audi A3 models is transmitted to the front wheels.The second-generation cars retained the 1.6-litre in the entry level models, but also offer a 2.0-litre FSI petrol unit, with or without a turbo. It was also available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Best of all is a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine that gives a huge amount of get-up-and-go in a relatively small car like this one.Power in most Audi A3 models is transmitted to the front wheels, the 2.0 turbo-petrol can be specified with Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. It comes as no surprise that quattro is mandatory with the big V6 engine.Audi S3 is the high-performance variant. The S3 has a sporting three-door body and uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.Audi has been on fire in the Australian sales race over the last few years and the number of authorised dealers has increased as a result. Naturally, there’s a concentration on the major metropolitan areas, but some regional areas are starting to get into the act as well.Spare parts and servicing are reasonably priced for a prestige car but fairly expensive for a machine of this size. If you are shifting up to an Audi from an Asian or lower priced European car ask the dealer about servicing costs.Check your insurance company’s policy on turbo-petrol engines as some charge very high premiums that can add significantly to the purchase price of a used car.WHAT TO LOOK FORMake sure the engine starts quickly and idles smoothly even when it’s cold. If there’s any hesitation from the engine under hard acceleration there could be computer problems.Check that a manual gearbox changes smoothly and quietly and that an automatic transmission doesn't hunt up and down the gears when climbing moderate hills with light to medium throttle openings.Uneven front tyre wear probably means the car has been the subject of some hard driving, so is more likely in one of the high-performance models.Uneven tyre wear may also mean one of the wheels is out of alignment as the result of a crash, though that crash may have simply been a hard thump against a kerb.CAR BUYING TIPUpmarket cars almost invariably cost more to run than everyday ones, be sure to factor this into your purchasing budget.

Being first isn’t always best but the move is likely to pay off for Audi as it sets the pace in the prestige compact sedan. The A3 might lack the dynamics of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz - and that’s yet to be established, given its rivals haven’t hit the streets yet - but Audi research shows premium compact sedan buyers invest in style and brand.The A3 sedan backs that up with build quality and on-road manners to tempt potential owners behind the wheel and keep them there.VALUEA $3000 premium over the comparable A3 Sportback models adds a 425-litre boot and a similarly large lift in style. Local prices haven’t been finalised - the cars won’t land here until January or February - but expect prices to start around $38,600 for the 1.4-litre petrol that will be sold in Attraction specification, rising to $45,600 for the 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the higher Ambition spec.The dual-clutch S-tronic transmission is the default option, with six or seven gears; a six-speed manual is a no-cost special order. Sitting behind the wheel, the car feels more expensive and expansive than the price suggests, to the point potential A4 buyers may decide they can do with marginally less space. Standard gear is fairly basic at this level but Audi has bundled its best features in a variety of packages that cost from $2000-$3000.TECHNOLOGYCylinder deactivation flows to the compact class in the base 1.4-litre petrol launch engine (the same size engine without deactivation will arrive next year). It’s a clever approach that uses camshaft sleeves with two different profiles.When the engine is under low load and running at 1000-4000rpm, the sleeve rotates to avoid activating the valves on two cylinders Audi says it trims fuel use by 0.4 litres/100km and shut down is all but imperceptible, with a tiny jolt when the driver accelerates and the cylinders kick back in.Weight savings are evident across the range and in every area of the car, from an aluminium bonnet to the alloy crank. Audi continues to turbocharge all engines to satisfy power/economy targets to the point even the 1.4 is capable of axle tramp on a wet road yet officially uses just 4.7 litres/100km.DESIGNAudi has gotten kinky and it transforms the A3 sedan into the edgiest-looking sedan in its range. The sharp crease-lines typical of the brand now extend into three dimensions - the shoulder and character lines aren’t creases so much as extruded edges and it gives the profile a genuinely sporty look.Flared guards with a recessed rim enhance the effect. The back is just as distinctive - identifiably Audi but with more character than other models. The VW Group’s MQB chassis let the engineers trim the front and rear overhangs and the body is wider and lower than the five-door A3 Sportback.The interior is at least a match for the quality seen in the larger, more expensive, and supposedly more luxurious A4 sedan. All surfaces are soft touch or hi-gloss contrast inserts and the tactility of the switchgear, from the vents to the electronic park brake is as good as you’ll find in any vehicle.The seats are supportive and a pair of 180cm adults can sit in the front or back, though the centre rear seat doubles as the ski port, so it is hard on the back and will be uncomfortable after more than a couple of blocks.SAFETYThe A3 is a five-star car and the sedan is a step up on the Sportback. Gas-charged struts pop the bonnet to counter ANCAP noting the already-released Sportback poses a potential risk to passengers. Seven airbags are standard, though buyers will pay around $1990 for the advanced safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure and blind spot warnings.A reversing camera isn’t standard - it is paired with the MMI Navigation Plus package that extends the pop-up infotainment screen from 5.8-inches to 7-inches and adds satnav and auto-parking software. The package is expected to match the $2990 cost on the Sportback.DRIVINGA patchwork of repaired potholes and distinct wheel track ruts make the Hungarian back-roads close to Australian country conditions and the compact sedan shines. The ride is expectedly firmer than Asian cars without being harsh and will only be improved when Audi releases its optional magnetic dampers soon after the car’s local launch.It handles like a small car but rides like a mid-sized sedan and even in the back seat there is little perception of body roll or pitching. Wind noise is subdued but Carsguide suspects the optional low-profile 19-inch rubber fitted to the 1.8-litre petrol car will generate some tyre noise on our coarse-chip bitumen.The steering is light and direct but lacks the feedback of its German rivals, so cornering is based on visual rather than visceral stimulation. The 221kW S3 sedan should arrive in March to satisfy four-ringed fans who want more driving dynamics. A quattro system for the regular 1.8 model will be available at launch for those who want to take advantage of the ski port in the rear seat with trips to the snowfields.VERDICTAudi needs something special to take on the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the still gestating BMW 1 Series sedan. The A3 is that car - at least for those who want a premium sedan that performs but aren’t too bothered about buying a pseudo sports car.Audi A3 sedanPrice: from $38,600 (est)Warranty: Three years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: NoService intervals: 12 months/15,000kmSafety rating: 5 starsEngines: 1.4-litre turbo 4-cylinder, 103kW/250Nm; 1.8-litre turbo 4-cylinder, 132kW/250Nm; 2.0-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder; 110kW/320NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWDDimensions: 4.46m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.42m (H)Thirst: 4.7L/100km, 109g/km CO2 (1.4), 5.6L/100km, 129g/km CO2 (1.8), 4.1L/100km, 107/km CO2 (2.0)Weight: 1250kg-1315kgSpare: Space-saver

Audi A3 1.8 Ambition and Mercedes-Benz A200 go head-to-head in this comparative review.