**A Comparative Review of the Mercedes and Audi CLAs: Which One Reigns Supreme?**
As a motoring journalist, I recently had the opportunity to review two impressive cars in the compact luxury segment: the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi S3. In this article, we'll delve into my experiences with both vehicles, exploring their features, performance, comfort, and value for money.
My test drive began with the Mercedes-Benz CLA. I was eager to see how it would handle on the road, particularly in terms of steering response and handling. As I took the car for a spin, I noticed that the steering wheel felt slightly softer than I expected, which might be attributed to the CLA's more comfort-oriented setup. However, this didn't affect its overall performance or responsiveness. The CLA's adaptive suspension and advanced technology features made it feel agile and responsive on the road. One notable aspect of my test drive was when I decided to accelerate quickly through a particularly winding section of road; the car responded promptly, but I couldn't help but think that it didn't quite match the Mercedes-Benz's legendary handling prowess.
As I continued driving the CLA, I wanted to assess its comfort level on long drives. I took a break and allowed my colleague Jack to take the wheel for a short while. We set the car's speedometer to 70 mph (113 km/h) and used a sound meter app to measure how loud it was inside the vehicle. The result? An astonishing 80 decibels, equivalent to the noise level of a busy street or an alarm clock! Not exactly what you'd expect from a luxury sedan.
When it came time to discuss fuel economy, I was pleased to see that both cars delivered impressive results. The Mercedes-Benz CLA achieved an average of 30-30 miles per gallon (mpg), while the Audi S3 managed a slightly better 31 mpg under similar driving conditions. For context, if we were to fill the Mercedes-Benz's tank with petrol, it would only stretch for about three and a half miles.
Next up was the Audi S3, which I had previously driven in comfort mode. I was curious to see how it handled on rough roads, so I took the car for another spin. The adaptive suspension worked wonders in smoothing out bumps, making it comfortable enough for me to drink from a bottle of Coke while cruising along. However, there were some areas where the S3's ride could be improved – particularly over more extreme bumps.
One aspect that set the Audi apart was its unique sound signature. With the engine running at steady state, I was surprised by how muted it sounded. Not exactly what you'd expect from a performance-oriented sedan like the S3.
Now, let's talk about pricing. Both cars have relatively affordable starting prices: the Mercedes-Benz CLA begins at £40,000 (approximately $52,500 USD), while the Audi S3 starts at £39,000 (around $50,800 USD). However, it's worth noting that prices can vary significantly depending on the trim level and features chosen. On average, buyers can save around £2,500-£3,000 (approximately $3,250-$4,000 USD) compared to buying a similar Mercedes-Benz CLA.
In conclusion, both cars have their strengths and weaknesses. While neither truly surpassed my expectations in terms of performance or handling, they both delivered impressive fuel efficiency and comfort levels on the road. Ultimately, the choice between these two luxury sedans will depend on individual preferences and priorities. If you're looking for a more affordable option with comparable features, the Audi S3 might be the better choice.
**Car Comparison: Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. Audi S3**
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Audi S3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price (starting) | £40,000 (approximately $52,500 USD) | £39,000 (around $50,800 USD) |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 30-30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Handling and Performance | Responsive, but not quite as precise as the Mercedes-Benz's flagship models | Agile, with a unique sound signature |
| Comfort Level | Smooth ride on rough roads, but some areas for improvement | Comfortable on long drives, with adaptive suspension |
| Decibel Level (inside) | 80 decibels at 70 mph (113 km/h) | Loudness comparable to a busy street or alarm clock |
**Finding the Best Deal**
To help you make an informed decision, I've partnered with CarWay to find the best deals on both cars. Simply click the link below to explore available offers and discover how much you can save on your dream car!
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I hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of my experiences with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi S3. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them in the section below!