Merc A Class vs New A3

[JS1902]

Hello,

Before we go to the respective dealers, test drive etc, I thought it would be a good idea to get the thoughts and ownership experiences of the helpful folk on here.

My wife is looking to upgrade to something a bit more upmarket from her 2018 Ford Focus to an A Class or the new A3. Either will have to be automatic and petrol.

The VAG fan in me says A3 but I have not driven the new one nor have I experienced the A class although you do see a lot of the latter on the roads.

I express my gratitude in advance

[andburg]

not driven either but from colleagues who's got the A class.

the screens are brilliant, but only if you pay for the upgrade, the standard pair of screens with huge bezels just ruin the interior feel as the dash was designed around the premium ones.

I wouldnt buy an A class unless it had the premium screens.

no experience of the new A3

[anonymous-user]

Depends on whether you are leasing. Very strong deals on the A3 at present.

[Disco You]

Unless there is something specifically that is wrong with your focus or something that it lacks, changing to an A3 or A class isn’t really going to be worth the amount that it will cost you, in my opinion.

[MondeoMan1981]

I just clocked up 13k miles in my W177 that I sold last week.

The interior is a great place to be if you have the exec pack or above as you get the one piece screen with ten inch main screen. Higher spec models have coloured lighting, AMG seats etc.

Driving wise I found mine fine for a daily. Pretty good room for its class.

Quality wise I was disappointed with trim rattles and mine took a few visits to the dealer to rectify. They are built in Germany, Finland and Hungary, mine from the latter.

Overall I would have another but would want AMG Line Premium or Premium Plus.

[Nick_MSM]

Wife has an A35 with premium pack, going back soon after nearly two years. Absolutely no issues aside from the sat nav is absolutely rubbish - don't think it has ever taken us anywhere correctly! Seems to get you within the next road or two but never exactly to postcode. The screens/dash is excellent though, interior is fine with no rattles. Everything feels solid enough.