[alex004600]

Originally Posted by rickk

I read that test too, it was a rave review for the (new) A3. Maybe it's really that good.

In any case, they didn't have any major problems with the F20 apart from the offset pedals (which is worse problem in the RHD cars I think). Now, the Guillieta, that came out really bad..

In the same magazine they chose the F20 as the best green hatchback (or small car, or whatever). The F30 320ed was the overall winner across all categories.

- Rick

In the tests i have seen, the A3 is the more neutral in driving and because of that doesn´t deliver the driving pleasure of a BMW. The new 2.0 TDI with 150cv is taking a lot of good comments, although i would prefer a 20d with rear wheel drive.

The BMW suspension kinematics plus the ~50/50 weight distribution, the good gearbox/steering wheel feel, score a lot of points.

[TreDirtyFive]

Obviously looks and brand bias makes most of this supremely subjective...esp. on a BMW forum. I've seen the new 1er outfitted in M-Sport garb at the Welt in Munich, and like may have said, I think it does look and feel better in person. With that said, looking better in person does not mean it is necessarily a successful design in my book. The side profile is pleasantly proportioned and it has a great wedge like shape but, over-all, the front is pretty ghastly...I can say the same about my E82 135i and its startled catfish face...A face only a Mom and Dad can love. But I purchased it based on that old school BMW small car heritage. Short wheel base and frisky to drive with some grunt and luxury to boot...I learned to really fall in love with it despite those looks. And, not to mention, all the looks and questions I got from people on the street and on the road. Whatever the case, I believe the F20 will do well in europe and, if released in the US with decent engine options, will do well in the new high-gas price economy because of its utilitarian and much better fuel handling.

I gotta say though, maybe a little clinical and boring, but those Audi interiors are the Bee's Knee's...I still drive my 2006 A3 as a daily driver and feel the interior still holds up very well, even comparably to newer vehicles. Plus it has really held its value. Go figure.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Sol01

not in the autocar one. they really slagged off one series even in handling department. bags of understeer was the reason to blame. and it came last in pretty much all departments

I don't understand how they make it understeer. What wheel/tire-setup did the car have?

My F20 116i M-Sport with 205-tires in all corners is not bothered with understeer.

[rickk]

Maybe they're driving them backwards?

I'm also a bit puzzled that the magazines are all raving about the F30, yet the F20 gets mixed reviews while as far as I can see both cars share a lot of technology and characteristics.

But I don't care that much about reviews. The F20 really won me over from the first drive - despite it's funny looks.

[F20MAW73]

The 125i comes out on top in this review out last week in Autoexpress.

[OzBMW84]

These magazine, particularly the British ones, need to get their selection of test vehicles in order. Without properly considering the vehicles they are comparing their comparisons are pointless.

For instance why would you compare a non M-sports 1 series to an AMG pack A.

Secondly there is a BIG difference between an A250 with an AMG pack and an A250 sport engineered by AMG. The former is just a cosmetic upgrade while the A250 sport actually has revised suspension (unique to the sport), steering, transmission and engine mapping. In fact it gains an extra 10kw in an overboost feature that lasts for 30 seconds. The giveaway is the red stripes that the AMG sport has. That vehicle in the Autoexpress test is NOT a proper A250 Sport Engineered by AMG. It is simply an A250 with an AMG pack which is largely cosmetic and a lowered suspension.

[Jameson]

Well, I think if the chosen car would have been an 1er three door, M, EB, I´d been reading another test conclusion. Anyway, the result is not bad. The Mercedes is a great car, I also like it a lot. The A3, not so good like the other two, pretty but worse car in general.

[Gras]

"You will find most of the same interior parts in a 100k SL"???

What's that? A fake carbon fibre trim? or a tom tom like display handing in the middle? I don't think so..

[vladberca]

A Class looks so bad from the back, A3 with S Line is not aggressive enough, but M Sport 1 series stands out somehow from the multiple compact cars