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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Ford Focus

What's the difference?

VS
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes-Benz A-Class

$59,999 - $117,990

2023 price

Ford Focus
Ford Focus

$26,990 - $50,990

2021 price

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
2021 Ford Focus
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L
Fuel Type
-

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
-

6.4L/100km (combined)
Seating
-

5
Dislikes
  • Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
  • Ride feels unresolved
  • Big price jump over old model

  • Optional advanced safety
  • Better tyres would be nice
  • Too many optional colours
2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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2021 Ford Focus Summary

Ford's small hatch, the Focus, is criminally under-bought in Australia. The latest model is  one of the best hatchbacks on the road and when you chuck in the decent price, impressive equipment and absurdly powerful engine for its size, it's a winner.

But you lot? You don't buy it in nearly the kinds of numbers it deserves. Partly because there isn't a bait-and-upsell boggo model to lure you in, partly because it's got a badge that is not exciting Australians any more and partly because it's not a compact SUV.

Or is(n't) it? Because alongside the ST-Line warm hatch is the identically priced and therefore technically a co-entry level model; the Focus Active. Slightly higher, with plastic cladding, drive modes and a conspicuous L on the transmission shifter, it's a little bit SUV, right?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2021 Ford Focus

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