Luxury subcompact cars remain a preserve of German automakers. As the category has not changed significantly over the past year, we logically find a German car on the first step of the podium of the best purchases of the 2022 car guide.
And as in 2021, it’s the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class at the top
The A-Class is an entry-level vehicle at Mercedes-Benz. Available with two different body types, it is also possible to opt for a sedan or a hatchback version.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The sedan gets a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, the hatchback models, with a similar powertrain, boast 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. Although dapper and more alert in the hatchback version, the A-Class is not underpowered in the sedan version.
As far as handling is concerned, the A-Class hatchback offers the most European of the two rides, with that extra bit of soul that’s nice if you like to drive. It will still be necessary to deal with a firm bearing, but which remains acceptable for daily use.
And for those who want to head for an AMG model, the hatchback offers an AMG 35 4MATIC version, whose 2-liter turbo engine spits out 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. With a 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds, we are dealing with a really powerful and very fun little bomb!
Photo: Louis-Philippe Blanchette
Note, however, that if you are interested in the A-Class, it is better to hurry to get one, because Mercedes-Benz will remove it from its range after the 2022 model year.
The other finalists
In second position, we find the Audi A3. At the time of our deliberations, the new version of the Audi A3 had not yet arrived at dealerships. But even after several years without a major overhaul, it was still very relevant in its category and well deserved its second place.
Photo: Audi
Interesting dynamically, powerful, the Audi A3 does a good job. The sportier S3 version is also interesting for lovers of more dynamic driving. Indeed, the RS3, which would normally come to Canada, will ultimately not be sold in the country. Shame…
Finally, the last position of this top three goes to the BMW 2 Series. Or rather to the two BMW 2 Series since this name includes two very different cars. The first is a small two-door sports car (coupe and convertible), powerful and fun to drive. Whatever the engine selected, driving pleasure is clearly highlighted.
Photo: Antony Lajoie-Beaudoin
The second version, dubbed Gran Coupé, is a sedan equipped with a front-wheel drive, a feature never before seen at BMW. This entry-level model is intended to broaden the customer base and has absolutely nothing to do with the coupé mentioned above.