The Mercedes A-Class offers luxury features in a compact, city-friendly format.
While that makes for a tempting package, there are loads of seriously talented small cars revving up to take a slice of its pie. We've listed 10 of the best Mercedes A-Class rivals here.
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BMW 1 Series
Better than an A-Class for: handling
The BMW 1 Series is the most obvious rival to the A-Class. It's a similar size and shape to the A-Class, with just enough room to use it as a small family car. There's a similar engine range too, with smaller, more affordable options all the way up to red-eyed performance versions, but all 1 Series models feel sportier than an equivalent A-Class. The BMW is more willing to dive into corners and remains flatter through direction changes, although there's a slight trade-off to make against the Mercedes for ride comfort and refinement.
Shop used BMW 1 Series cars or read our BMW 1 Series review
Audi A3
Better than an A-Class for: technology
The other obvious A-Class competitor is the Audi A3. Like its four-ringed stablemates, the A3 has a sharp, ultra-modern look inside and out, plus a touch more rear-passenger space than the A-Class and a slightly larger boot. Range-topping A-Class models get a fancy dual-screen infotainment setup, but older, more affordable trims use a cheaper-looking version with thick plastic bezels. The A3, on the other hand, features a large 10.1-inch centre screen as standard, with a similar unit for the driver's dials, both with clear, easy-to-read graphics.
Browse used Audi A3 cars or read our Audi A3 review
Mazda 3
Better than an A-Class for: styling
The Mazda 3 brings something new to the table. Your eye is drawn from the car's sharp front end down the long, sweeping roofline to the coupe-like rear bodywork – few hatchbacks can match the 3's upmarket presence. A little function is sacrificed in the name of form, with rear headroom being on the tight side for taller passengers and mediocre boot space. However, the Mazda's graceful styling, along with its plush, luxurious cabin might tempt you away from the A-Class – and that's before you've experienced the Mazda's sporty handling.
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Peugeot 308
Better than an A-Class for: comfort
Too many hatchbacks chase sportiness at the expense of comfort. The A-Class generally rides pretty well among firmly sprung rivals but the Peugeot 308 manages to be even softer – no mean feat for a small, relatively affordable car. There's lots of absorption over big bumps, substantially reducing their severity before they make it to the cabin. Plus, if you choose a model with smaller alloy wheels, most high-frequency imperfections on the road surface are simply ironed away. The softly trimmed cabin helps enhance the 308's calming personality.
Check out used Peugeot 308 cars or read our Peugeot 308 review
Mercedes CLA
Better than an A-Class for: coupe looks
In many ways, the Mercedes CLA is very similar to the A-Class. They share engines and mechanical parts, and most of the interior is carried over to the CLA unchanged from its hatchback sibling. However, one glance at the CLA's more dramatic profile tells you this car wants you to feel a little more special when you drive it. The gracefully curving roofline and extra length makes the CLA feel like one of Mercedes' far pricier models, and you'll only find the more powerful engine options under the bonnet to match its loftier positioning. Geeks can rejoice in the fact the CLA's left and right wheels are further apart than in an A-Class, giving it slightly more confident handling.
View used Mercedes CLA cars or read our Mercedes CLA review
Mini Hatchback
Better than an A-Class for: quirky design
The three-door Mini Hatchback is probably too small for buyers considering an A-Class, but the five-door version might be just the ticket. It's physically longer than the three-door as well as adding an extra pair of doors, so rear legroom and cargo space is substantially improved. Buyers don't tend to pick the Mini for its practicality, however, instead being swayed by the car's funky design, with features like the large circular dashboard panel, plush materials and retro toggle switches being highlights, along with the go-kart-like driving experience.
Take a look at used Mini Hatchback cars or read our Mini Hatchback review
Honda Civic
Better than an A-Class for: practicality
Over the years, the Honda Civic has grown in size – now sitting in a middle ground between hatchbacks like the A-Class and larger models like the C-Class. What hasn't changed, however, is the model's commitment to being simple and satisfying to use – the dashboard makes immediate sense, the driving experience is composed and competent, and the cabin is supremely practical with acres of passenger and cargo space. There are certainly more affordable options in the class, but Civics tend to hold on to their value well over time.
Find used Honda Civic cars or read our Honda Civic review
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Better than an A-Class for: EV driving
If you have the ability to charge your car at home or at work, you open up a world of battery-powered options. There are Mercedes EVs like the EQA but they're pricey, so nearly new and used buyers might want to consider something like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This clever family hauler sits somewhere between a hatchback and a small SUV, with delightfully retro-futuristic '80s styling to boot. The EV platform means there's huge interior space – much more than the A-Class – plus a big boot and a range figure that can crest 300 miles.
Search used Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars or read our Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Ford Focus ST
Better than an A-Class for: performance
If you're willing to forgo the A-Class's premium billing, you can trade some of that luxury for something even more intoxicating – speed. No one's going to mistake the Ford Focus ST for a posh car but the build quality's solid and all the modern conveniences are present and correct. Put your foot down, however, and you'll instantly notice that this is no pedestrian hatchback – diesel versions get a muscular 190hp while petrol models get a tyre-shredding 280hp for rapid acceleration. To get the same performance in an A-Class usually costs twice as much.
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Renault Captur
Better than an A-Class for: hybrid driving
Once again, ditching the desirable-but-expensive Mercedes badge means you have a lot more cars to choose from. While entry-level Renault Captur models are capable but unremarkable, self-charging-hybrid versions higher up the range are far more compelling. They offer strong performance, especially around town, along with excellent fuel economy and a totally fuss-free driving experience. Plus, choosing the Captur means you get a handsome body, a cabin that's a little more spacious than the A-Class, and good ride comfort.
Shop used Renault Captur cars or read our Renault Captur review
Superb small cars at great prices
Motorpoint has thousands of nearly new and used cars for sale with huge discounts off their list prices. For even more alternatives, check out our picks for the best BMW 1 Series competitors.
