Any comments on e new A Class

[Bmw318]

Any comments on e new A class? Advice.

thks,

regards,

KC

[Blacklancer]

I got to say premium price with a small engine. Very well built ,

for those whom hav extra extra cash. Well 30k more than Colt / Jass.

[Vblaster_w211]

Much better than the previous A Class. Interior is well built and luxurious. Exterior is pleasing to the eye.

[Tron]

WHAT FOR???

[Hatch_lover]

Why not eh? u have problem is it?

[Secondhand]

I guess he Anti Merc cars...

[Hatch_lover]

Haha, i know he anti-merc only pro Ah-Fa You Meh You..... rite Tron

 

but seriously, the W169 A Class is a vast improvement over the previous A Class and the interior quality is way better than the Golf 1.6, with a touch of class that befits the 3 pointed star. IMO, an excellent entry point to enjoy the 3 pointed star at <$100k.

[Tron]

heh... no lah... im never anti-any marque... cos i love cars...

 

i do absolutely agree tat the present NEW A-class is a vast improvement over the previous.. but again, frm the start i find the A-class a tad pointless. Jus lik the 1-series... !!

 

imo, Merc shld stick to its main strengths & improve frm there - e.g: i'd rather they come up wit a more sporty/powerful VARIANT of the C-class tat will not burn holes in pocket ala the AMG C55...

 

i feel tat wld attract a larger following than the A-class which seems to be niche within the Merc marque???

 

[Bmw318]

which u will choose?

De new A class or de old A class?

[Vblaster_w211]

Of course the new A Class!

 

Tron, the A Class allows $100K'ish market to the 3 pointed Star world. Enhancing C Class will means it'll be >$150K. The C230K is very popular overseas, but we hardly see any around here due to "more metal for less $" mentality. $150K and $100K are very different market segments!

[Rm2s]

About 99K for a 1.5L hatch. No leather and 15" rims.

 

Personally I feel that the car is a major improvement over the previous model, you need to find out how much the OMV is and figure out if you are willing to pay the premium to own a Merc. I feel that the Golf is a better buy, slightly larger interior space .. Golf even come with rear aircon vents.

 

Overseas reviewers prefer the A170, which is 5K more I think. With half leather, larger rim and a more willing engine.

[Tron]

i understand ur point... and it aint wrong.

 

but wat im tryin to point out is tat IMO i'd rather merc spend its resources on having more powerful engine options & a sportier design/setup wit a more "reasonable" or attainable price for the C-class.... it seems tat if one wants a C-class sport sedan - it has to be the AMG C55... anything less doesnt make sense - to me at least.

 

jus look at RM2's comments... the gist is tat the a-class is supposed to be for the affluent mass market... but the a-class is hardly seen on the road and seems to be more niche than even an alfa!! and their e-class cars are as common on the road as a toyota altis!! (not tat its bad!)

 

fact is tat there are simply too many better alternatives in this category in terms of power/design/quality/brands & most importantly PRICE...

 

so wher does the a-class stand? why even bother i ask? are u implying its simply to allow the supposed less well-off to get a chance to own a merc?? a tad pathetic right?

 

an extreme example is to imagine Ferrari making an MPV....

 

in short, my personal feel is tat merc shld stick to wat it does best & IMPROVE on it...

 

P.S: actually i think i'd be the first in line for a Ferrari MPV!! my oni chance to ever own one ma!!!

 

cheers!

[Vblaster_w211]

It's market segmentation. Merc is introducing not just the A Class, but has already introduced B and other classes to cater to a wide range of markets. They have no need to offer their already popular C Class sedans on a discounted basis, as they are already popular in an established market. The C230 is in fact, one of the most popular model in the world, and is considerably sporty without breaking the bank as the C32 AMG!

 

Ditto for BMW with their SUV's, or Porsche and their Cayenne.

 

The previous A Class was a disaster in design. I think they'll do quite well with the new A, B, M and R Class. I sat in one, and quickly realised this is very much improved over the older A.

Edited June 20, 2005 by Vblaster_w211

[Fluffy]

Any comments on e new A class? Advice.

thks,

regards,

KC

 

how much is it? $100k?

 

with that much moolah, unless you're hardup for a 3 pointed star on your bonnet, you can get a

 

Skoda Superb

Astra 2.0L turbo

Alfa Romeo 2.0JTS

Golf 1.6

 

 

a review from What Car? mag RATING 3 of 5 stars

 

Performance

The engine range includes 1.5-, 1.7- and 2.0-litre petrol units and three 2.0-litre diesels. We

Edited June 21, 2005 by Fluffy

[Vit4wd]

$99K for a 1.5l hatch (A-class)?

 

I'd rather pay $48.8K (and save $50K) for a brand new 1.5l saloon that serves the same purpose, minus the status symbol and snob appeal - Hyundai Accent 1.5 auto.

[Cklasse]

I once owned the W168 from 2001 to 2004 (It clocked 110 000km). It was an excellent car as far as design and engineering concern. Due to its height, you cannot expect to push the car round a bend like a Ferrari, but it can still take a bend fast due to its wide tyres, firm suspension and ESP.

 

The height is perfectly just right to get in and out of the car and suddenly all carpark ticketing machines are at the right height and view in front is good.

 

I have observed that babies and kids love to sit in the car because of the low rear window (so that they can see outside). Have you guys noticed the curved rear window? It curves nicely up to the rear spoiler smoothly without any interruption. (just look at the Matrix rear window)

 

That engine is design to curve below the floor so that you get as close as possible to the front and it is a joy to drive and change lane because the 4 wheels are at the corners of the car. In the event of a collision, you can be sure the engine will slip under and not crush your feet.

 

The chances of walking out of that A-class is pretty high compared to all hatch because cars will crash into the A-class floor level due to its height. And the electronics, ESP, BAS, Traction control will ensure the car stick to the road, dry or wet as long as we don't push the car out of limit of physics.

 

I do agree it won't drive like a Golf, ride like a saloon, but it is hell of a car that deserve that three pointed star badge. I will gladly buy another A-class if I can't have my c-class.

[Vblaster_w211]

Hyundai and Merc/BMW/Other premium Conti's are clearly in different class and price bracket.

 

Based on your assumption of similar 1.5L and price savings, why would anyone buy the 5 series and E Series over Sonata? Different market, that's all.

Edited June 23, 2005 by Vblaster_w211

[Firstcall]

which u will choose?

De new A class or de old A class?

The new A Class is nicer in ll aspect esp the front and interior. However I kinda think the rear end seems to be somewhat out of coherence to the more resolved front design.

 

The previous model look like a midget to me = man in a child's body.