Photo: Car Magazine
Since Mercedes-Benz launched the ultra hot hatch A45 AMG, everyone wondered what car is the best in the hot hatch premium segment. Up until now, all comparisons were done head to head between the Merc and BMW's M135i. It's time Audi joined the battle.
The guys from Car Magazine took them all out for a stroll to decide, once and for all, who's who. The Merc is the most expensive of the line-up, with a 2-liter turbocharged engine under the bonnet, forced to produce 360 HP and 450 Nm of torque, hooked up to a 7-speed automatic, dual-clutch gearbox.
The M135i came with its usual 320 HP delivered by the 3-liter turbocharged N55 engine and 450 Nm of torque, hooked up to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox with only one clutch and sending the power to the rear wheels only (unlike the AWD Benz).
Last but not least, the Audi S3 came prepared with 300 HP and 380 Nm of torque 2-liter engine and a manual 6-speed transmission, sending the power to all 4 wheels. It is the slowest of the bunch here.
On the road, the A45 feels like a proper AMG and it's hard to drive on rough surfaces. Furthermore, it's a proper sports car and you'll find it hard to use it every day on a variety of tasks.
The BMW on the other hand is extremely versatile and has a bipolar character. You can use it as a grocery shopper every day and your back won't hurt a bit. Press the buttons near the gearshift lever and the car will change into a monster capable of breaking your back if you're not careful.
As for the S3, it's a good car, easier to drive even than the Bimmer and will keep up in the corners. At one point though it will lose contact with the pack and differences will show up.
For the conclusion and final thoughts we think we should let Car Magazine take over but we do have something to point out: unless you want a track car, get the BMW.
The M135i came with its usual 320 HP delivered by the 3-liter turbocharged N55 engine and 450 Nm of torque, hooked up to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox with only one clutch and sending the power to the rear wheels only (unlike the AWD Benz).
Last but not least, the Audi S3 came prepared with 300 HP and 380 Nm of torque 2-liter engine and a manual 6-speed transmission, sending the power to all 4 wheels. It is the slowest of the bunch here.
On the road, the A45 feels like a proper AMG and it's hard to drive on rough surfaces. Furthermore, it's a proper sports car and you'll find it hard to use it every day on a variety of tasks.
The BMW on the other hand is extremely versatile and has a bipolar character. You can use it as a grocery shopper every day and your back won't hurt a bit. Press the buttons near the gearshift lever and the car will change into a monster capable of breaking your back if you're not careful.
As for the S3, it's a good car, easier to drive even than the Bimmer and will keep up in the corners. At one point though it will lose contact with the pack and differences will show up.
For the conclusion and final thoughts we think we should let Car Magazine take over but we do have something to point out: unless you want a track car, get the BMW.
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