Audi S3 Saloon vs Mercedes CLA 45 AMG
Audi's sizzling S3 saloon takes the fight to Mercedes' CLA 45 AMG in the battle of the fast four-doors
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Fast four-door saloons have been a staple of Audi’s model line-up for decades, but this is the first time the A3 has been given the trademark go-faster treatment.
By packaging a muscular 296bhp turbocharged engine and quattro all-wheel-drive system into the handsome A3 Saloon body, Audi has created the S3 Saloon – a car that aims to blend scorching performance and agile handling with sharp-suited style and plenty of premium kerb appeal. Andat around £33,000, it looks like decent value, too.
However, Audi isn’t the only German brand that offers a hot version of its smallest saloon, because Mercedes has treated its sleek CLA to a muscular makeover courtesy of in-house tuning division AMG.
Featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that boasts a dizzying 355bhp, as well as the company’s grippy 4MATIC all-wheel-drive transmission, the CLA 45 has all the right ingredients to take the fight to its S3 Saloon rival.
This exotic specification comes at a price, though, because the Mercedes will set you back by almost a hefty £42,000. So which of our heavy-hitting duo will land the knock-out punch in this encounter?
Click the links above to read each review, then read on for our verdict.
Head-to-head
Practicality
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On paper, there’s little to separate the Audi S3 Saloon and Mercedes CLA 45 AMG for versatility. The Mercedes’ 470-litre luggage space is 80 litres larger than the Audi’s, but the S3 offers more head and legroom for rear passengers.
More reviews
Car group tests
In-depth reviews
Long-term tests
Road tests
The CLA is hampered by its high-backed front seats and narrow side windows, which create a claustrophobic feel for those in the back. A sloping roofline and narrow door openings also make for tricky access to the rear bench.
Styling
Many buyers will put up with the compromised practicality to get such a bold design. While the subtle Audi looks every inch the traditional three-box saloon, the CLA apes sleek and stylish coupés. The blend of A-Class hatchback nose and rakish rear end is a little awkward, but it catches the eye.
Verdict
1st place: Audi S3 Saloon
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The Audi S3 Saloon is fast, composed and agile, plus it has a classy cabin and decent practicality. Better still, it can switch from sports saloon to cosseting compact exec at the flick of a switch. Factor in the £10,000 saving over the Merc, and the Audi is a worthy winner.
2nd place: Mercedes CLA 45 AMG
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When it comes to style and excitement, the rakish and raucous Mercedes CLA has the upper hand over the Audi S3. It’s also blisteringly quick and has incredibly sure-footed handling. Yet it’s not as comfortable as the Audi, while the hefty price tag and running costs are hard to ignore.
Figures
Audi S3 Saloon | Mercedes CLA 45 AMG | |
On the road price/total as tested | £33,245/£39,855 | £42,270/£54,715 |
Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) | £18,218/54.8% | £21,854/51.7% |
Depreciation | £15,027 | £20,416 |
Annual tax liability std/higher rate | £1,651/£3,301 | £2,186/£4,377 |
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) | £2,894/£4,824 | £3,058/£5,096 |
Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost | 36/£407/G/£180 | 45/£575/G/£180 |
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service | £17pcm (3yrs) | £24pcm/2yrs 24k |
Length/wheelbase | 4,469/2,631mm | 4,691/2,699mm |
Height/width | 1,392/1,796mm | 1,416/1,777mm |
Engine | 4cyl in-line/1,984cc | 4cyl in-line/1,991cc |
Peak power/revs | 296/5,500 bhp/rpm | 355/6,000 bhp/rpm |
Peak torque/revs | 380/1,800 Nm/rpm | 450/2,250 Nm/rpm |
7-spd auto/rwd | ||
Transmission | 6-spd man/4WD | |
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel | 55 litres/space saver | 56 litres/sealant |
Boot capacity (seats up/down) | 390/845 litres | 470 litres/N/A |
Kerbweight/payload | 1,430/550kg | 1,585/490kg |
Turning circle/drag coefficient | 11.0 metres | 11.0 metres |
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery | 3yrs (unlimited)/3yrs | 3yrs (unlimited)/4yrs |
Service intervals/UK dealers | Variable/121 | Variable/136 |
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos. | 12th/23rd* | 9th/12th* |
Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars | 95/87/74/5 | 91/75/74/5 |
0-60/30-70mph | 5.6/4.8 secs | 4.5/3.9 secs |
30-50mph in 3rd/4th/kickdown | 2.6/3.6 secs | 2.3/3.8 secs |
50-70mph in 5th/6th/kickdown | 4.5/5.8 secs/N/A | 4.6/6.9/13.3 secs |
Top speed/rpm at 70mph | 155mph/2,500rpm | 155mph/1,800rpm |
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph | 51.1/36.1/10.4m | 41.3/30.8/9.7m |
Noise outside/idle/30/70mph | 26.2/5.8/317 miles | 24.8/5.5/305 miles |
Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range | 31.0/48.7/40.4mpg | 31.0/47.9/39.8mpg |
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined | 6.8/10.7/8.9mpl | 6.8/10.5/8.7mpl |
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined | 249/162g/km/25% | 263/165g/km/26% |
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket | ||
Airbags/Isofix/cruise control | Seven/£345/£275 | Seven/yes/£300 |
Electric/leather/heated seats | £1,305/yes/£225 | Yes/yes/yes |
Met paint/xenons/split/fold rear seats | Yes/yes/yes | Yes/£1,640^/£300 |
Park sensors front/rear/climate ctrl | £525/yes/£425 | £660/yes/no |
Sat-nav/DAB radio/Bluetooth | £495/yes/yes/yes | £495/yes/yes/yes |