Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S-tronic (A) vs BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i (A)
18 Sep 2013|43,728 views
In the increasingly diversified breeds of automobiles, hatchbacks seem to have it good. Or at least we were given such impression, looking at the long standing and increasing fan base (especially hotter hatches), and manufacturers scurrying to produce more and better of these cars.
Though both cars cost upwards of $169,000 each, they are some of the easiest methods for entry to their premium badges
The 116i may be the easiest way to own a piece of the premium Bavarian marque, but that does not mean it plays second fiddle in any way to its bigger and more expensive stablemates.
The A3, on the other hand, has an even smaller sibling to sit beneath it in the family tree - the A1. But price wise, it is pegged very closely. The bigger A3 only costs $8k more than the A1, which means the A3 is easily the more bang-for-buck choice - with the mass market in sight.
Exterior
Frankly speaking, we had our doubts when we first saw the 1 Series back in 2004. It didn't look quite as dynamic as the 3 Series or anywhere as pleasing as the 5 Series.
The 116i may be the easiest way to own a piece of the premium Bavarian marque, but that does not mean it plays second fiddle in any way to its bigger and more expensive stablemates.
The A3, on the other hand, has an even smaller sibling to sit beneath it in the family tree - the A1. But price wise, it is pegged very closely. The bigger A3 only costs $8k more than the A1, which means the A3 is easily the more bang-for-buck choice - with the mass market in sight.
Exterior
Frankly speaking, we had our doubts when we first saw the 1 Series back in 2004. It didn't look quite as dynamic as the 3 Series or anywhere as pleasing as the 5 Series.
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Now in its second generation, the 1 Series retained much of its proportions, with an outward front profile that seem a tad clumsy from some angles. That said, the oversized bespectacled headlamps have been trimmed to give a more aero efficient look.
In comparison, the latest A3 looks more sleek and modern, although changes are subtle - which require more than a keen eye to spot.
Surely the new headlamps must be one of the aesthetic highlight. The LED daytime running lamps are now presented in continuously strip forms, and are a notch up from those in its predecessors. They are also more thinly slit, which give a more elegant feel compared to the 1er.
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Interior
Both Audi and BMW are proficient in crafting functionally delightful interiors. Going head on with the newer A3, the 116i's may lose on novelty, but it stands strong in other areas such as functionality and quality of materials used, especially the Bimmer's well-received infotainment control.
The 1er's cabin features well-contoured door cards and seats, which provides a bolstered surrounding for the occupant. This brings about a sense of security in the cabin - a premium and luxurious feel that Bimmers never fail to exude.
The A3's 'cockpit' (left) is simpler through the use of lesser button, portraying a modernistic feel; the 1 Series' (right) look largely familiar - as with other BMW offerings
Both Audi and BMW are proficient in crafting functionally delightful interiors. Going head on with the newer A3, the 116i's may lose on novelty, but it stands strong in other areas such as functionality and quality of materials used, especially the Bimmer's well-received infotainment control.
The 1er's cabin features well-contoured door cards and seats, which provides a bolstered surrounding for the occupant. This brings about a sense of security in the cabin - a premium and luxurious feel that Bimmers never fail to exude.
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On the other hand, the A3's completely makeover cabin feels fresh and invigorating. The clever design makes use of lesser buttons to create a cleaner look, and at the same time without losing on ergonomics or functionality. Audi's latest controls to its infotainment system are also much easier to use now, and are almost on par with the Bimmer's.
New A3's cabin (left) is more spacious than before, and feels bigger than the 1 Series' (right)
The biggest advantage of the A3's cabin has got to be the spacious quarters. At the rear especially, occupants are treated to greater dimensions in almost all areas - the most significant in legroom. One will also get more boot space in the A3 - 380 litres compared to 360 litres in the 116i.
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The biggest advantage of the A3's cabin has got to be the spacious quarters. At the rear especially, occupants are treated to greater dimensions in almost all areas - the most significant in legroom. One will also get more boot space in the A3 - 380 litres compared to 360 litres in the 116i.
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The Drive
BMW's 1.6-litre unit may have a slight edge over the Audi's smaller 1.4-litre in the power chase, churning out 14 more horses and 20Nm more torque. That said, the Audi does not feel thwarted on the road at all, feeling lighter on its feet than the Bimmer.
The A3 is also tighter as a handling package, thanks to its tauter setup, giving an extra bit of confidence boost to the driver and urging him to chuck it into the corners. It is also the more enthusiastic drive of the lot, something which the Bimmer falls short of.
A3's 1.4-litre (left) pushes out 122bhp and 200Nm of torque; BMW's 1.6-litre (right) offers 136bhp and 220Nm of torque
The 1 Series, on the other hand, makes up by having more driver connection - credits to its well-weighted steering, which feels more engaging than the A3's. You get a strong feeling that the cognitive, fun-to-drive experience that is synonymous with bimmers is still present in the 1 Series.
Still, the 116i is more foot and steering heavy, which give it a more sombre and matured character when compared to the A3.
While both cars are enjoyable to pilot in their own ways, the A3 is quieter and more refined, with a cabin that soaks and obliterates most external noises at higher speeds.
BMW's 1.6-litre unit may have a slight edge over the Audi's smaller 1.4-litre in the power chase, churning out 14 more horses and 20Nm more torque. That said, the Audi does not feel thwarted on the road at all, feeling lighter on its feet than the Bimmer.
The A3 is also tighter as a handling package, thanks to its tauter setup, giving an extra bit of confidence boost to the driver and urging him to chuck it into the corners. It is also the more enthusiastic drive of the lot, something which the Bimmer falls short of.
 |  |
The 1 Series, on the other hand, makes up by having more driver connection - credits to its well-weighted steering, which feels more engaging than the A3's. You get a strong feeling that the cognitive, fun-to-drive experience that is synonymous with bimmers is still present in the 1 Series.
Still, the 116i is more foot and steering heavy, which give it a more sombre and matured character when compared to the A3.
While both cars are enjoyable to pilot in their own ways, the A3 is quieter and more refined, with a cabin that soaks and obliterates most external noises at higher speeds.
Kudos, too, to the 1.4-litre plant, which works with minimal fuss with a sensible right foot while returning an impressive 14.5km/L. The 116i, when driven light footedly, will do 12km/L - less frugal than the A3 but still respectable.
The bimmer's eight-speed still has a clear edge in intuitiveness, though Audi is quickly catching up with its seven-speed dual-clutch
Conclusion
It is a close fight between these two premium hatchbacks. The 116i still has the bimmer magic to charm those after a driver-centric ride, while the A3's well-mannered and refined character should appeal to the crowds too.
Moreover, the two cars are very closely priced, with the 116i commanding a mere $3,000 premium over the A3 Sportback. It wasn't easy to pick one from the duo, but if we need to, we reckon the new A3 Sportback is the more complete choice.
Conclusion
It is a close fight between these two premium hatchbacks. The 116i still has the bimmer magic to charm those after a driver-centric ride, while the A3's well-mannered and refined character should appeal to the crowds too.
Moreover, the two cars are very closely priced, with the 116i commanding a mere $3,000 premium over the A3 Sportback. It wasn't easy to pick one from the duo, but if we need to, we reckon the new A3 Sportback is the more complete choice.
In the increasingly diversified breeds of automobiles, hatchbacks seem to have it good. Or at least we were given such impression, looking at the long standing and increasing fan base (especially hotter hatches), and manufacturers scurrying to produce more and better of these cars.
The 116i may be the easiest way to own a piece of the premium Bavarian marque, but that does not mean it plays second fiddle in any way to its bigger and more expensive stablemates.
The A3, on the other hand, has an even smaller sibling to sit beneath it in the family tree - the A1. But price wise, it is pegged very closely. The bigger A3 only costs $8k more than the A1, which means the A3 is easily the more bang-for-buck choice - with the mass market in sight.
Exterior
Frankly speaking, we had our doubts when we first saw the 1 Series back in 2004. It didn't look quite as dynamic as the 3 Series or anywhere as pleasing as the 5 Series.
The 116i may be the easiest way to own a piece of the premium Bavarian marque, but that does not mean it plays second fiddle in any way to its bigger and more expensive stablemates.
The A3, on the other hand, has an even smaller sibling to sit beneath it in the family tree - the A1. But price wise, it is pegged very closely. The bigger A3 only costs $8k more than the A1, which means the A3 is easily the more bang-for-buck choice - with the mass market in sight.
Exterior
Frankly speaking, we had our doubts when we first saw the 1 Series back in 2004. It didn't look quite as dynamic as the 3 Series or anywhere as pleasing as the 5 Series.
Now in its second generation, the 1 Series retained much of its proportions, with an outward front profile that seem a tad clumsy from some angles. That said, the oversized bespectacled headlamps have been trimmed to give a more aero efficient look.
In comparison, the latest A3 looks more sleek and modern, although changes are subtle - which require more than a keen eye to spot.
Surely the new headlamps must be one of the aesthetic highlight. The LED daytime running lamps are now presented in continuously strip forms, and are a notch up from those in its predecessors. They are also more thinly slit, which give a more elegant feel compared to the 1er.
In comparison, the latest A3 looks more sleek and modern, although changes are subtle - which require more than a keen eye to spot.
Surely the new headlamps must be one of the aesthetic highlight. The LED daytime running lamps are now presented in continuously strip forms, and are a notch up from those in its predecessors. They are also more thinly slit, which give a more elegant feel compared to the 1er.
Interior
Both Audi and BMW are proficient in crafting functionally delightful interiors. Going head on with the newer A3, the 116i's may lose on novelty, but it stands strong in other areas such as functionality and quality of materials used, especially the Bimmer's well-received infotainment control.
The 1er's cabin features well-contoured door cards and seats, which provides a bolstered surrounding for the occupant. This brings about a sense of security in the cabin - a premium and luxurious feel that Bimmers never fail to exude.
Both Audi and BMW are proficient in crafting functionally delightful interiors. Going head on with the newer A3, the 116i's may lose on novelty, but it stands strong in other areas such as functionality and quality of materials used, especially the Bimmer's well-received infotainment control.
The 1er's cabin features well-contoured door cards and seats, which provides a bolstered surrounding for the occupant. This brings about a sense of security in the cabin - a premium and luxurious feel that Bimmers never fail to exude.
On the other hand, the A3's completely makeover cabin feels fresh andinvigorating. The clever design makes use of lesser buttons to create a cleaner look, and at the same time without losing on ergonomics or functionality. Audi's latest controls to its infotainment system are also much easier to use now, and are almost on par with the Bimmer's.
The biggest advantage of the A3's cabin has got to be the spacious quarters. At the rear especially, occupants are treated to greater dimensions in almost all areas - the most significant in legroom. One will also get more boot space in the A3 - 380 litres compared to 360 litres in the 116i.
The biggest advantage of the A3's cabin has got to be the spacious quarters. At the rear especially, occupants are treated to greater dimensions in almost all areas - the most significant in legroom. One will also get more boot space in the A3 - 380 litres compared to 360 litres in the 116i.
The Drive
BMW's 1.6-litre unit may have a slight edge over the Audi's smaller 1.4-litre in the power chase, churning out 14 more horses and 20Nm more torque. That said, the Audi does not feel thwarted on the road at all, feeling lighter on its feet than the Bimmer.
The A3 is also tighter as a handling package, thanks to its tauter setup, giving an extra bit of confidence boost to the driver and urging him to chuck it into the corners. It is also the more enthusiastic drive of the lot, something which the Bimmer falls short of.
The 1 Series, on the other hand, makes up by having more driver connection - credits to its well-weighted steering, which feels more engaging than the A3's. You get a strong feeling that the cognitive, fun-to-drive experience that is synonymous with bimmers is still present in the 1 Series.
Still, the 116i is more foot and steering heavy, which give it a more sombre and matured character when compared to the A3.
While both cars are enjoyable to pilot in their own ways, the A3 is quieter and more refined, with a cabin that soaks and obliterates most external noises at higher speeds.
Kudos, too, to the 1.4-litre plant, which works with minimal fuss with a sensible right foot while returning an impressive 14.5km/L. The 116i, when driven light footedly, will do 12km/L - less frugal than the A3 but still respectable.
Conclusion
It is a close fight between these two premium hatchbacks. The 116i still has the bimmer magic to charm those after a driver-centric ride, while the A3's well-mannered and refined character should appeal to the crowds too.
Moreover, the two cars are very closely priced, with the 116i commanding a mere $3,000 premium over the A3 Sportback. It wasn't easy to pick one from the duo, but if we need to, we reckon the new A3 Sportback is the more complete choice.
Conclusion
It is a close fight between these two premium hatchbacks. The 116i still has the bimmer magic to charm those after a driver-centric ride, while the A3's well-mannered and refined character should appeal to the crowds too.
Moreover, the two cars are very closely priced, with the 116i commanding a mere $3,000 premium over the A3 Sportback. It wasn't easy to pick one from the duo, but if we need to, we reckon the new A3 Sportback is the more complete choice.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i 5dr Urban (A)
CAT B|Petrol|17.2km/L
Horsepower
101kW (136 bhp)
Torque
220 Nm
Acceleration
9.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 1 Series HatchbackAudi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic Ambition (A)
CAT A|Petrol|20km/L
Horsepower
92kW (123 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
9.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi A3 Sportback
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