Mercedes-Benz CLA Facelift Vs Audi A3 Sedan, a Comparison

The Mercedes-Benz CLA facelift was launched on November 30, when the brand's Managaing Director Roland Folger said, "Picture abhi baaki hai", in context to another launch lined up before the end of this year. It's a stunner to look at and has engine units capable of outstanding performance. However, there already exists a stiff competition to the CLA in the market - the Audi A3 sedan. Following is a comparison of the two to help you choose better.Looks

Both the cars are quite the premium products from Mercedes and Audi. The two have visible German sensibility without any unnecessary bling. However, the CLA facelift is a tad more of an eye-catcher, with its new LED headlamps, black radiator grille and a slopping roofline. But, if you're looking for a basic sedan with less of a sporty appeal, the A3 matches the profile.

The CLA in the 200 guise comes with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that churns out 134bhp/300Nm while the Audi’s 2.0-litre unit produces 141bhp/320Nm. The Mercedes has a seven-speed automatic gearbox while the Audi has a six-speed unit.

The Audi A3 in the 40TFSI guise comes with a 1.8-litre engine that produces 178bhp/250Nm while the Mercedes has a 2.0-litre unit that produces 181bhp/300Nm. Both the Mercedes and the Audi have seven-speed transmission.

Mercedes' counter to A3 Cabriolet is in the CLA 45 AMG, in which Affalterbach have tuned the 2.0-litre engine to produce 355bhp/450Nm. Also, it is an All Wheel Drive with a 4MATIC system and seven-speed sport shift. It is expected to be launched at a later date in 2017.

Also read: 2017 Mercedes Benz CLA Facelift Launched in IndiaInterior

The space in the cabin is somewhat the same as both the cars have similar dimensions. The layout of the interiors too is quite the same. The A3, however, has a simplistic approach to features compared to the CLA. It also has some chrome finishing on the inside.

The CLA, on the other hand, may appear fantastic from the outside because of the sloping roof, but that has compromised on headroom at the back. However, when speaking of boot space, the CLA wins the match with 470-litre capacity, compared the Audi's 425-litre trunk.Price

The Audi A3 comes within the price brackets starting Rs 27.10 lakh - 35.65 lakh for the top-of-the-line diesel. The cabriolet which is a CBU has been priced at Rs 47.35 lakh.

The new CLA has been priced at INR 31.40 lakh (ex-showroom) for the diesel variant, INR 34.68 lakh for the diesel sport and INR 33.68 lakh for petrol sport. Mercedes Benz will also offer a road and track package for the 2017 CLA. The current CLA 45 AMG is priced at Rs 70.90 lakh.