Which is the best premium hatch BMW 1 Series or Audi A3 2015

[jbsportstech]

Been debating with a colleague since we can have both which is best.

Discuss.

BMW 1

Pros

-Best to drive rear wheel drive.

Cons

-Cramped cabin

-Pedal box offset in my opinion



Audi A3

Pros

-Better cabin feels more spacious

-Bigger boot more practical

Cons

-Not rear wheel drive (would be FWD Model)

[User33678888]

I've not tried one of the new A3s, but the 1 series seems to change direction really quite well for a little hatchback

[DoctorX]

Suspect it really depends on the specific model.

[andburg]

Had this choice as a company motor

Went 1 series, more fun to drive, better seating position, didn't really notice any pedal offset and didn't need the bootspace

For me the A3 just fealt like a hatchback. Interior was more modern but wasn't as alive as the bmw on the road.

A colleage went the other way for the same reason, he fealt he enjoyed the bmw more but the quicker steering rack would end up annoying him on motorways and he couldn't relax in it as it was so lively.

[NelsonM3]

The new A3 is a better drive than the 1 series IMHO and RWD wouldn't be a deciding factor if I was looking at a four door hatchback.

[Riskins]

I would be looking at Seat Leon, basically the same engine/drivetrain as the A3 and about £5-6k cheaper on like for like spec which will make reasonable savings on your car tax if company vehicle. Agreed the interior isn't quite as 'plush' as the A3/Golf equivalents but it's still a decent place to sit and IMO looks very similar from the outside.

Plus we has a 120d M-Sport from new and I just never got on with it, agreed it feels cramped. It's a world away from my 320d M-Sport for comfort too, literally no comparison in ride quality.

[jbsportstech]

There is a seat 1.6 tdi or 2.0 tdi se but really wanted more premium having had a skoda octavia and mondeo/focus's and passats wanted a change.

I am not buying so I dont save £5k on a seat I get around £9 less company car tax a month. The seat leon se really does do anything for me the interior is so bland and a bit like the octavia which again was an option but wanted something different even thought we get the tech pack with sat nav and the 2.0 tdi 150 instead of a3 se 1.6 n 110.

The audi a3 8v is very nice on long journey just done 300-400 and driven around central london and still managed 53mpg on 180 miles from oxford street to the westcountry. Cabin is quiet and refined seats are noticeably more conformtable to my focus zetec hire car and interior is quieter (not sure if the 2015 is much better the the 2014).

I was looking at:

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK 1.6 TDI 110 SE

BMW 116D 5DR ED

[oldnbold]

Riskins said:

I would be looking at Seat Leon, basically the same engine/drivetrain as the A3 and about £5-6k cheaper on like for like spec which will make reasonable savings on your car tax if company vehicle. Agreed the interior isn't quite as 'plush' as the A3/Golf equivalents but it's still a decent place to sit and IMO looks very similar from the outside.

Plus we has a 120d M-Sport from new and I just never got on with it, agreed it feels cramped. It's a world away from my 320d M-Sport for comfort too, literally no comparison in ride quality.

I have a new 120d M-Sport Auto, well 6 months old now, and I really like it. Having come from a Scirroco it has more room, a better shaped boot and more comfortable seating. For me the only downside is the 8 speed auto is not quite as good as the VAG DSG, but its marginal.

I looked at the Seat Leon, and to be honest it felt £5-6k cheaper, interior especially was very poor quality/feel and well below any other VAG group cars, even Skoda.

[andburg]

jbsportstech said:

I was looking at:

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK 1.6 TDI 110 SE

BMW 116D 5DR ED

Those were the exact specs I had available as a company motor at my last employer.

you won't go wrong with either car in reality

worth noting the 116ED does not use runflat tyres so rides a little better than other models.


Currently waiting for delivery of a 1.6 TDI Octavia estate....damn TUPE!

[Nardies]

I test drove both and went with the Audi for the better cabin, given that I'll spend 75,000 miles in it. The A3 is a great drive too, vastly superior on the handling & ride front to the 8P.

[Dick Seaman]

oldnbold said:

I have a new 120d M-Sport Auto, well 6 months old now, and I really like it. Having come from a Scirroco it has more room, a better shaped boot and more comfortable seating. For me the only downside is the 8 speed auto is not quite as good as the VAG DSG, but its marginal.

I have that exact model too, five months old. I'm very pleased with it, it's not outstanding at anything, but it does most things very well. It's fun to drive, in a gently involving day-to-day way, it's efficient, comfy and practical.

[jbsportstech]

andburg said:

Those were the exact specs I had available as a company motor at my last employer.

you won't go wrong with either car in reality

worth noting the 116ED does not use runflat tyres so rides a little better than other models.


Currently waiting for delivery of a 1.6 TDI Octavia estate....damn TUPE!

I like the octavia and could of have a hatch/estate 1.6 tdi se business which isnt a bad spec but the 105ps isnt as puncjy as the new 110ps unit in the a3 and the interior in the skoda feels made to a price were as the audi feels very nice inside. Also the fact I had one on long term hire for some time 1.6 tdi s estate.



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[va1o]

Probably the A3 but not a lot between them. 1-series is due a facelift next year.

[rs990]

The Audi A3 is better to look at, the BMW 1 series is better to drive.

When I was changing my car a few months ago, I looked at the S3 and the M135. I preferred the BMW, and the huge discount made it a no brainer. It might not be a looker, but I can't see the exterior from the drivers seat

[Bill]

I'd take the Seat with 40% more power, or a Citroen Cactus as it's interesting and you won't be dealing with the depreciation

[RobM77]

Totally depends on your priorities - the OP's summed it up nicely. My choice would be the 1 series because I prefer the handling. Even if the Audi had 200bhp and a £5k hi-fi, I'd still take the 1 series, but that's not cause the 1 is a better car, it's just that 90% of my interest in cars is handling.

[jwo]

BMW better engine (if not sounding a bit rough), handling better and RWD. Audi better build quality and more refined.

I speak from experience having a 120d (64) and A4 2.0T quattro (12).. If you could build an audi with BMW engine (efficiency etc.) or BmW with Audi build quality spot on....

[andburg]

dont know that the economy on the A3 is like but i was averaging 56mpg in the BMW in mixed driving

didn't matter with a fully expensed fuel card but could be of interest to you

[JackReacher]

Bill said:

I'd take the Seat with 40% more power

This if you do a lot of motorway driving, a 2.0 diesel will feel more premium performance wise than a 1.6. I'd take a bigger engine in exchange for a slightly lower rent interior.