The Mercedes A-Class condenses the brand's luxury features down into 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 the A-Class's pie. We've listed 10 of the best here.
If any of these alternatives floats your boat, find out how much you could save by buying a nearly new or used example from Motorpoint.
BMW 1 Series
Better than an A-Class for: handling
Probably the most obvious alternative to the A-Class is the BMW 1 Series. This small family hatchback tracks the Merc' closely on price, performance and equipment, while bringing a little more 'BMW' flavour to the mix. That means you get firmer suspension and noticeably more agile handling than an A-Class, plus BMW's engines are generally a little quieter than their Mercedes equivalents, making the 1 Series an effortless motorway cruiser. Keep an eye out for 128Ti and M135i versions that have loads of grunt to make the most of the fun handling.
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 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 and, 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 for sale
Mercedes GLA
Better than an A-Class for: SUV looks
You might generally like the A-Class but find its cabin is just a little too small for your needs. If that sounds like you, check out the Mercedes GLA – the A-Class's SUV sibling. It uses mostly the same parts and engines as the hatchback, along with boasting the same upmarket cabin, but gets a substantial boost in passenger space thanks to its longer, taller and wider body. Alternatively, take a look at the Mercedes CLA, which refits the A-Class's parts to a stylish coupe body, or the Mercedes B-Class, which adapts them to a practical people carrier.
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.
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MG4
Better than an A-Class for: EV driving
You can get a plug-in-hybrid engine for your A-Class but, if you want a fully electric model, you're out of luck. A brand like MG might not have the cachet of the three-pointed star but the MG4 presents a compelling alternative to the A-Class. All models can muster at least 200 miles on a charge and you get snappy acceleration from the electric motor. It's not quite a Mercedes inside but the MG4 has a clean, minimal design, lots of equipment and a reasonably good amount of space considering its compact, easy-to-park footprint.
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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, the self-charging-hybrid and plug-in-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.
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 more alternatives, check out our picks for the best BMW 1 Series competitors.
