Hope I can be of some help!
I bought the Aclass 160 2 years ago the Elegence spec it was a lovely motor both well built and reliable. The reason for selling and purchasing the A2 was mainly because the novelty had worn off with the merc, and everywhere I drove seemed to be following another Aclass!
Both cars have excellent qualities to the build, although some of the Audi refinements, like the built in stereo/speakers and climate control are superior.
The handling of the A2 is better, on corners the heavier and taller Merc seemed to feel as if it was pulling to the side.
I've opted for the sports pack on my A2 this offers quattro tuned lowered suspension, 17" alloys, sport seats etc, therefore looks wise it's personal preference, the Aclass avangarde offers other extras, although the A2 opensky is again superior to the Mercedes Hole in the roof!
Engine wise, which is most probably the main issue which you're concerned with, both cars are completely different. The 1.6fsi needs to be driven more intelligently, in a normal drive the car drives as expected smooth, but if you need speed you'll have to drop down a gear and kick in the higher revs and the car seems to change personality, the car is lighter than the Aclass and with the fsi technology return much higher mpg than the A class. The Aclass is heavier but has one driving personality which is reasonable in speeds etc. Audi's gearbox is tighter and again more refined. It is important to use the correct petrol with the FSI if not the performance does suffer!
I suppose now as an A2 driver and a previous Aclass owner I will be bias to the Audi but both are excellent vehicles, and I'm sure that others on the site will give you a lot if information on the A2 of great value, although you will hear about a lot of problems etc, don't let this put you off, if there is an Aclass forum I'm sure the read would be equivalent!
I once test drove the Aclass 1.9injection, and if you're after performance and not a balance of and mpg this car had great performance, I think it was an automatic as well with 2 driving options, normal and sport!
Although to conclude I'd say it's down to price on both cars, I'm unsure as to what the best deal on the Aclass is but I think the A2 is cheaper therefore savings in the region of 2k should sway anyone towards the A2!
hope this helps
Auto express review
If there's one thing Audi's A2 has always lacked, it's a bit of poke under the bonnet. It might be light in weight thanks to the aluminium body, but the 1.4-litre engines have never made it quick. Yet wouldn't better performance mean a heavier thirst and increased CO2 tax? Not with the new 1.6-litre FSI direct-injection petrol-powered version, which offers pace and running costs to send city slicker rivals packing.
The FSI emits 142g/km of CO2 - two less than the 1.4-litre A2 - placing it in the lowest 15 per cent company car tax bracket for the next three years. And the savings don't end there. The FSI will travel further on each gallon, returning a diesel-rivalling 48mpg. So can the car really offer performance to match its penny-pinching economy?
Getting up to speed is surprisingly easy, but you need to keep the engine spinning up to the higher end of its rev range to appreciate its 110bhp. This peak power is produced at a heady 5,800rpm, and the maximum torque doesn't kick in until 4,500rpm, meaning the Audi can feel gutless at lower engine speeds. It's because the FSI system has two modes of operation, and the excellent fuel economy figures result from ultra-efficient combustion when cruising at low revs. But press on and the unit's thirst increases dramatically - as does the gruff engine note. Contrary to early reports, though, the FSI can run on regular unleaded petrol, although ultra-low sulphur fuel is preferred.
If economy is not your primary concern, however, the direct-injection system helps the lightweight Audi hit 60mph from standstill in a highly respectable 9.7 seconds - that's 0.8 seconds quicker than a 2.0-litre VW Golf GTI! And with the Sport version's 17-inch wheels, the A2 even looks the part, although the ride is not as impressive as it's even firmer than that of a standard model. Initial outlay is also high, with FSI prices being £750 more than those of the smaller petrol version. Sitting between the 1.4-litre petrol and diesel models in the line-up, the newcomer is available in base spec for £13,895, SE trim for £14,395 and Sport specification for £14,895.
That extra outlay brings great economy and sprightly performance. With the more expensive oil-burner subject to a three per cent diesel tax penalty, it will be difficult for company car buyers to find a more frugal package. Chris Thorp
Comments: 0 Article from: Auto Express
A2 1.6fsi sport climate cd amulet red
and just better in overall finish. Lot's of options over the Mercedes made it a easy choice for us.
