Hot hatch. Hyper Hatch. Super Hot Hatch. Call them what you will, there's no denying that the goalposts have moved so far that very few manufacturers even know where to start looking. Gone are the days of a Hot Hatch being a mildly warmer version of its stablemates, now they are the pioneers in compact vehicle performance.
Their flagship counterparts are usually the ones to come equipped with the latest technology, driver aids and convenience features but as the prices on these hatchbacks climb, customers are expecting similar levels of functionality.
On the cards today is arguably the most expensive Hyper Hatch on the market, the Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC. With a price tag of over R 1-million, it's no cheap exercise. Taking it on is the slightly older Audi RS3 Sportback and we've thrown the BMW M135i in for good measure. The BMW is the newest and while not the most powerful or expensive BMW 1 Series we will see, it will be on the same consumer's radar.
Related: Porsche Cayman vs Toyota GR Supra vs Mercedes-Benz A45 S: here's our winner!
All three of these offerings have significant options lists and included in those lists are infotainment options. We'll be comparing the typical system that most buyers would select.
Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC
Our rating: 4/5
The Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC gets the luxury of the rather impressive MBUX system as found on most new models these days. This comprehensive system utilizes two 10.25-inch screens in landscape orientation. One serves as the driver display with three different AMG Display styles, including the Supersport display with its centrally 'mounted' tachometer.
The menu and operating system feature high-resolution 3D-style graphics in bold vivid colours. Navigating through the menus is easier than in the past but some time is still required to completely familiarize oneself with the hierarchy. Navigation is optional as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but both systems are made available for the A-Class.
Interaction with the system comes in the form of a COMAND-style controller in the centre console with handwriting recognition, touchscreen input as well as from the multifunction steering wheel which features two Blackberry-style touchpads. These take some getting used to but allow the pads to perform a multitude of functions. The MBUX system is also equipped with intelligent voice control with natural speaking, allowing you to speak commands simple by starting with "Hey Mercedes".
Audi RS3 Sportback
Our Rating: 3.5/5
As the Audi RS3 is the oldest of the three compared here, it suffers a little when it comes to infotainment. It's clear to see what sort of advances have been made in the last few years with regards to infotainment systems. As it has recently been dropped from the new car lineup as we wait for the new RS3 to break ground. Nevertheless, we include it here for comparison.
The Type 8V RS3 is fitted with the MMI Navigation package which, as the name suggests, includes navigation and a clean, uncluttered interface. The infotainment screen rests atop the dashboard and unlike the other two, doesn't blend into the driver display. The Audi Virtual Cockpit is an option and this allows the driver display to integrate with the infotainment system, displaying the navigation route, trip and vehicle information and even a satellite image of your surroundings.
Drivers can interact with the system through the rotary commander in the centre console or through the multifunction steering wheel. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A Bang & Olufsen audio system is also optional and will see a 705-watt, 14-speaker audio system fitted for accurate music reproduction.
BMW M135i
Our Rating: 4/5
The BMW system mimics that of the Mercedes-Benz systems with two 10.25-inch screen serving as info display and control display. The standard size is 8.8-inches when the Live Cockpit Professional package isn't selected.
Utilizing the tiled, pad design of BMW's OS7.0, the menu is simple enough to use and customize to the driver's wants and needs with common function easily accessible from the home screen. Input comes either from the iDrive-style controller in the centre console or through the touchscreen interface. Users can also use the steering wheel-mounted controls or, if equipped, gesture control. A further input method comes from the Intelligent Assistant which can perform a multitude of tasks through voice activation. A simple "Hey BMW" command activates the system but sadly it struggles with the local accent and dialects.
The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped and can connect wirelessly. The optional wireless charging sees a sensible slot installed in the console to hold your mobile phone in place while it charges.
Recommended next:
First drive - Merc's alluring A-Class
