Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: which one has the lowest running costs?
Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: which one has the lowest running costs?
By Farzana Chaumoo
We compare the running costs of three popular premium hatchbacks including warranties and maintenance plans.
The contenders
Engine type: from a 3-cylinder inline petrol engine with direct fuel injection, turbocharging with indirect intercooler, 4-valve technology, 2 overhead camshafts to a 4-cylinder inline petrol engine with direct fuel injection, turbocharging with intercooler, 4-valve technology, 2 overhead camshafts.
Power: 85-140 kW
Torque: 200-320 Nm
CO2 emissions: 104-163 g/km
Fuel consumption (claimed): 3.8-7.6l/100km
0-100 km/h: 4.5-10.7 sec
Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 year/Unlimited km
Service/maintenance plan: 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan
New List price: from R440,000 (base)
The A3 is a well-rounded hatch that has been holding its own in the segment for years.
Engine type: from a BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder petrol engine to a M Performance TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder petrol engine.
Power: 100-250 kW
Torque: 220-500 Nm
CO2 emissions: 103-163g/km
Fuel consumption (claimed): 3.9-7.1L/100km
0-100 km/h: 4.6-8.7 sec
Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 year/Unlimited km
Service/maintenance plan: 5 year/100 000km BMW Motorplan
New List price: from R446,979.50 (base)
As can be seen from the figures, the Audi A3 range is very closely matched to the 1 Series. Audi's base engine is less powerful and comes in cheaper, but they evenly matched for running costs, warranty and service plan. The 1 Series is usually flaunted as the sportier choice as the rear-wheel drive is a novelty in this segment and keen drivers will prefer this.
Engine type: 2 engines in the range: a 1.3-litre unit with a 7G DCT dual-clutch transmission and a 2.0-litre unit, also with 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. New features for both engines include camtronic for the intake camshaft and particulate filter as standard.
Power: 110-165 kW
Torque: 250-350 Nm
CO2 emissions: 107-149 g/km
Fuel consumption (claimed): 5.2-6.2l/100km
0-100 km/h: 6.5-8.0 sec
Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 year/Unlimited km
Service/maintenance plan: 5 year/100 000km Maintenance
New List price: from R499,000 (base)
The all-new A-Class represents a thorough upgrade over its previous model. There are only two models in the A-Class line-up at this point which is the A200 and the A250 of which both are turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol powerplants. Merc's acceleration is also slower.