Cars similar to Mercedes A-Class
If you like the Mercedes A-Class but want to see what other options you have, here are some of the best cars like it.
By Ben Welham
Last updated: 30 May 2025
There’s no hiding the fact that the Mercedes A-Class is one of the fanciest hatchbacks on the market, but it faces tough competition.
With so many other options available, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve listed some of the best cars similar to a Mercedes A-Class that you should consider buying.
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Our eight top cars similar to the Mercedes A-Class
Fancy something a little different? Here are some cars like a Mercedes A-Class:
VW Golf
BMW 1 Series
Audi A3
Honda Civic
CUPRA Leon
Mazda 3
Peugeot 308
Mercedes GLA
VW Golf
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The Volkswagen Golf, the ‘people’s car’, has long been the go-to hatchback for families, working professionals, first-time car buyers and so on.
While it may not be as luxurious inside as the Merc, it does offer a functional cabin with all the features you’d ever need, even in more basic versions.
Engine-wise, you get the choice between petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric, so there’s plenty of choice.
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BMW 1 Series
 "BMW 1 Series (120) front three quarters")
More closely matched to the A-Class, the BMW 1 Series is an upmarket hatchback but with a sporty edge.
Inheriting the genes of BMW’s sports cars, a little 1 Series is quite the pocket rocket, especially in 128ti form. There are also more sensible petrol and diesel options on offer.
Inside, it’s a luscious affair like the A-Class, with plush leather seats and the option of a manual gearbox if you fancy it. Plus, the usual tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Audi A3
 "Fourth-generation Audi A3")
Another premium German rival is the Audi A3 – a great A-Class alternative, not just because it’s premium but also in the way it drives.
Sharing its platform with the Golf, the A3 is a great all-rounder with a more premium touch than the VW, also available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options.
If you want an electric version, you’ll have to get an e-Golf or something from VW’s ID range.
The highlight of any Audi’s interior is its digital cockpit, which makes it so much easier to see all the functions and information you need while driving, including your maps.
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Honda Civic
 "Honda Civic driving")
When you think of reliability, the first car that comes to mind is probably a Honda Civic, then maybe a Toyota of some description.
But as A-Class alternatives go, the Civic is a great option with loads of features, a logical interior and one of the most dependable hybrid engine and gearbox setups known to mankind.
Not to mention they’re incredibly fuel-efficient, with a claimed 56.5mpg from its 2.0-litre hybrid engine.
You’ll get similar fuel economy from a Toyota Corolla, but the Civic is more similar to the A-Class with a more premium cabin than the Toyota.
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CUPRA Leon
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The CUPRA Leon is basically a SEAT Leon but with a bit more power and posher styling, like the GTI is to the Golf range, which is why it’s a solid alternative to the A-Class.
In fact, the Leon shares its platform with the VW, so it’s virtually the same car but with different clothes on.
Because of this, it’s also a practical car with a 380-litre boot and five usable seats. Not to mention its performance, which is proper hot hatch-like.
Engines include a range of four-cylinder units, including a rather nifty e-Hybrid with up to 82 miles of electric range.
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Mazda 3
 "Silver Mazda 3 driving on a curved road, surrounded by grassy hills and wildflowers")
The Mazda 3 is one of the most well-rounded compact cars in its class, standing out for its premium feel, sharp handling and refined design – all at an affordable price point.
Even compared to the more expensive Mercedes A-Class, the Mazda 3 offers an upscale cabin with high-quality materials and a minimalist, driver-focused layout that feels closer to an entry-level luxury vehicle.
And its Skyactiv-G engine delivers responsive performance while maintaining solid fuel economy of more than 50mpg.
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Peugeot 308
 "Peugeot e-308 driving")
Peugeot’s on a bit of a roll at the moment. It’s making some really compelling cars, especially hatchbacks like the 308, which not only look great, but drive nicely too.
The highlight is the interior, which feels a bit like a spaceship with its wrap-around cockpit and small, sporty steering wheel. It feels almost as premium as the A-Class but without the price tag.
There’s also a fully electric e-308 version, if that tickles your fancy, getting you 258 miles of range from its 54kWh battery – an option the A-Class doesn’t have... yet.
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Mercedes GLA
 "Mercedes GLA driving")
Hear us out.
No, the Mercedes GLA isn’t a hatchback, but it is an SUV version of the A-Class, making it essentially a hatchback on stilts.
This means it’s easier to get in and out of, has a bigger boot, and it’s just as pleasant to drive and as well-equipped inside.
With more and more buyers looking towards SUVs, this seems like a no-brainer if you’re thinking about an A-Class but might want a little more space for your family.
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