New Mercedes A35 AMG vs Audi S3

[S3LOK]

Mercedes have finally released details about there S3 rival. Still not sure about the rear look and very surprised to see it as only 2 exhausts instead for 4. I do like the steering wheel and the front sport seats. Will be interesting to see what the Saloon version looks like next year.

What do you think? better than the current Audi FL S3?

More information and Pic's can be found here:
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-amg-a35-revealed-302bhp
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/merce...bhp-mercedes-amg-a-35-revealed-ahead-of-paris

 

[Scotty75]

Absolutely hideous, S3 is better by a country mile

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[NevMan]

Absolutely hideous, S3 is better by a country mile

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@Scotty75 please don’t beat about the bush, just say what you really think . I agree by the way!

 

[Scotty75]

Lol....... I do like some Mercs...... . that is not one then though

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[Rideen]

That wing is... mildly discomforting to my eyes.

How I see it - AMG looks more like a boy racer car, S3 looks more classy.

 

[Scotty75]

That wing is... mildly discomforting to my eyes.

How I see it - AMG looks more like a boy racer car, S3 looks more classy.

Quite agree. Clearly Mercedes are trying to rival Audi but in my opinion their blend of styling / performances is way off.

S3 is an animal under the bonnet but aggressive looking in a sophisticated almost understated way. It has class. Chucking a whale tail on a car as stock....... Who are they aiming this car at ?

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[Rideen]

Who are they aiming this car at ?

18 year old German student drivers it seems.

 

[NevMan]

That wing is... mildly discomforting to my eyes.

How I see it - AMG looks more like a boy racer car, S3 looks more classy.

Well summed up @Rideen. Let’s hope Audi keep making post WLTP and make a good ‘un I am sure they will (well apart from dodgy touch screens)

 

[winrya]

Good use of facts as ever by autocar. Beats the s3 to 60 at 4.7 with s3 at 5.3. As they're talking about the auto then s tronic s3 at 4.6 secs is still (just) faster

I was quite looking forward to this merc but what doesn't seem to translate in photos of the a class is the interior is really low quality when you sit in one. Loads of cheap plastics, a big step down from the c class that feels a much better quality product

 

[oli356]

I wouldn't buy one but I don't think it looks too bad. But it is too boy racer for me, nicer than the Civic Type R though!

Interior seems a bit cluttered, compared to the S3 anyway which wouldn't be more bare really.

 

[TYb]

I really like the look of the A35, personally I think I the S3 is a tad conservative. The recent Civics hurt my eyes though.

 

[Jassyo06]

Junk

 

[Tictap]

I quite like it, S3 would still be my first choice though.

 

[DJAlix]

Dash looks interesting tech wise but what a horrible looking thing! From the shown angle it looks like they make one "dash module" and then bolt it on the needed side of the vehicle depending on the market its going to. The exterior, to me, kinda looks like a Hyundai i30 with a "nicked" Merc badge and aliexpress wing stuck on it.

Like how Merc have stolen the PFL A3 DRL light signature lol

 

[Lehn]

I really like the look of the A35, personally I think I the S3 is a tad conservative. The recent Civics hurt my eyes though.

Couldn't agree more! But I'd still choose the S3 for the exact same reason, I'm almost 30 and although it's not time to grow up I still like to appear a bit more classy than driving a Type R or A35

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I also like it.

The exterior styling is quite aggressive and sharp IMO - I am sure the aero wing will be an optional extra, so imagine it with out this and it will be much more conservative and in keeping with the S3.

The inside I am not so sure of - so would need to see that first hand to judge properly.

But based on the weird design styling of the next platform A3 (if the images we have seen are accurate) then I would say the Merc actually looks better - so I hope these images are not final renders:

 

[Tej13]

I don't mind it, but I doubt I would get one over an S3 - I would have to drive one first though...

but the dash reminds me of the Rover SD1

 

[TYb]

Couldn't agree more! But I'd still choose the S3 for the exact same reason, I'm almost 30 and although it's not time to grow up I still like to appear a bit more classy than driving a Type R or A35

Haha I know what you mean, I suspect you’ll be able to get the A35 without the Aero kit as you can with the A45.

I do like my S3 but sometimes would like a bit more differiation between S line and S3.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I don't mind it, but I doubt I would get one over an S3 - I would have to drive one first though...

but the dash reminds me of the Rover SD1

ha ha lol ... yeah it does share the same kind of 'concept'

But that audi render above interior is all over the place with weird angles and vents & that centre touch screen looks gash

 

[moonlight]

Hmmm,,,certainly has the baseball cap look about it but that wing and colour doesn't help. Agree without it then it looks pretty ok......but the standard A Class through the range still doesn't stand up to the A3 range anyway, IMO

A colleague takes delivery of his 'loaded' new A200 (1.3 163BHP)next month so I'll be taking that for a spin ......will give the dash a good prod

A3 2019...looks similar to other pics etc....

http://www.autobild.de/videos/video-insider-neuer-audi-a3-2019-11715415.html

 

[Boydie]

I like it but I would probably put my money into an older A45

 

[mfl]

I also like it.

But based on the weird design styling of the next platform A3 (if the images we have seen are accurate) then I would say the Merc actually looks better - so I hope these images are not final renders:

View attachment 165776

I hope so too, that dash is just wrong - how many diferent design styles can you fit into a single dash , that centre screen just doesn't make sense. I actually prefer the Rover's dash.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I hope so too, that dash is just wrong - how many diferent design styles can you fit into a single dash , that centre screen just doesn't make sense. I actually prefer the Rover's dash.

That is exactly why I am hoping these are far from the final signed off design.
It just does not look Audi does it - it is literally all over the place mish mash & cluttered.
Audi are known for superb interiors so this makes no sense at all.

 

[Jassyo06]

That is exactly why I am hoping these are far from the final signed off design.
It just does not look Audi does it - it is literally all over the place mish mash & cluttered.
Audi are known for superb interiors so this makes no sense at all.

Your in for a shock then...... mate, best to go and buy the fugly Merc lol

 

[ictus_duplo2]

Initially looking at the first pic in the OP's post I thought I quite like that. In every other pic it looks wrong. Comparing a S3 Sportback rear view with the Merc the Audi looks far better.

No 3 door, I am out.

 

[oli356]

@Snake Pliskin what gets me about the interior image you posted is how the climate control heater buttons look the same as the 8V. Maybe they won't put in a larger screen for this function like on some of the larger cars, but leaving it exactly the same? Seems a bit odd to me.

 

[Rideen]

Also they won't put drive select, hazards, ESP, etc. so low down, it would not comply with a lot of standards (at least the hazards part).

 

[Pook]

Minging, inside and out. I saw a new A-Class at McDonald’s the other day and the rear was just dreadful - that said it wasn’t a top spec but still, you can’t polish a tu*rd.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Your in for a shock then...... mate, best to go and buy the fugly Merc lol

At this rate I will end up with a Golf lol .... especially if the A3 is anything like the renders

 

[Snake Pliskin]

@Snake Pliskin what gets me about the interior image you posted is how the climate control heater buttons look the same as the 8V. Maybe they won't put in a larger screen for this function like on some of the larger cars, but leaving it exactly the same? Seems a bit odd to me.

That did occur to me too ... I cannot see why Audi would transfer across the heater controls from the 8v - totally agree
So hope that these renders are either not official or bodged in some way ... let's hope so anyway.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I'm not sure what market or clientelle Merc are aiming this at

 

[Flying Scotsman]

I like the front end of the Merc.....it looks cleaner, sporty and a way better grill design. The Audi current snout grills look too large and protruding. The Merc dash is an abomination and if the spy shots of the Audi dash are correct, that is a winner.....no stuck on I-Pad.

 

[Scotty75]

I don't mind it, but I doubt I would get one over an S3 - I would have to drive one first though...

but the dash reminds me of the Rover SD1

Lol..... Showing your age there mate...... True though

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[msdmjb]

I find it such a shame that despite still having my >4yr old manual 3dr S3 and plenty of cash to burn there is nothing out there for sensible money (say sub £50k) that makes me think of changing...........new S3/Merc included. I am a fan of having a speedo and rev counter and am not interested in buying a new car cause of its tech, its slab dashboard, slightly different looking panels or number of exhausts. It will be no quicker nor any more efficient than my current one and lets be honest anything around 300bhp is way fast enough for on the road driving (anything around 5secs to 60 is quick enough me thinks). I don't expect a revolution but not even sure there is even evolution on show here, just shiny new things to justify increases in prices aka changes for changes sake. As for the nonsense rear spoiler..........whats it even for, appealing to 22yr olds with £500 a month to lease it??
Yep, grumpy ol' mustard

 

[NevMan]

All very very fair points there, can't argue

 

[Invicta]

I would buy one! And... sell it and get an S3 saloon instead. Revolting interior, apathetically-designed exterior who's aimed at chavs who'll pull up next to you in it shouting "HEYY LAAA!"

 

[oli356]

I'm not sure what market or clientelle Merc are aiming this at

Single, mid life crisis males I think? Haha. Deffo going full on sports mode though which aligns with the car styling at least.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I find it such a shame that despite still having my >4yr old manual 3dr S3 and plenty of cash to burn there is nothing out there for sensible money (say sub £50k) that makes me think of changing...........new S3/Merc included. I am a fan of having a speedo and rev counter and am not interested in buying a new car cause of its tech, its slab dashboard, slightly different looking panels or number of exhausts. It will be no quicker nor any more efficient than my current one and lets be honest anything around 300bhp is way fast enough for on the road driving (anything around 5secs to 60 is quick enough me thinks). I don't expect a revolution but not even sure there is even evolution on show here, just shiny new things to justify increases in prices aka changes for changes sake. As for the nonsense rear spoiler..........whats it even for, appealing to 22yr olds with £500 a month to lease it??
Yep, grumpy ol' mustard

That’s pretty much where I sit too.
Quite content with my current car & no thoughts of changing atm ... just window shopping lol what might be next
Cars are getting increasingly more expensive though and I’m preferring holding onto my cash atm than giving Audi another lump.

 

[kalniel]

Merc exterior. Audi interior. Please.

 

[Jassyo06]

The Mercs interior styling is of the love it or loathe it mindset, it's full of cheap tacky plastic as well according to reviews l have watched,The "AMG" Badge is now being utilised as much as the BMW M sport badge
so we will now have AMG lites as well as the current BMW M lites .. Fair do's as the full monty AMG models are stupid money, like RS models but only the real AMG cars sound ****** awesome all new RS models don't . . RS 4/5
Anyway @Snake Pliskin think you'll need to part with far more dot - dash for another new car this time around fact