Mercades A-class A180 Amg or CLA Class CLA180 Amg

craigdbarnes

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Hi All,

I hope you're all well. I'm in the process of looking to purchase my first Mercedes, but I am drawn between the A-class A180 Amg Sport and the CLA180 Amg Sport. Both models will be equipped with the same engine and will have the same options (7 speed auto, Satnav, Night package etc). However my only issue is which one do I choose?

Does anyone have any an facts that would sway me towards one of the two?

I look forward to your replies.

Thanks,
Craig
 

roop_the_loop

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Seems to me that since both have the same engine, same platform, same layout, same 'box, etc., the main difference is the body shape. The A-class probably wins on practicality, the CLA looks sexier (IMHO). No doubt you also get a bit more 'premium' feel and goodies with the CLA given the 10-15% higher price point.

All just opinion and conjecture of course - go and take each one in turn out for a date and see which tickles your fancy. :)
 

orb the Impaler

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Won't the CLA be RWD too?

I had an A klass as a loaner for a week til last week - it was an A220CDi AMG with what appeared to be all the toys. The RWD/FWD thing didn't bother me in the slightest, and it handled and went really well.

Looks-wise there's no contest - the CLA. Also there is one reason I would never ever ever have an A class - that awful screen stuck to the dash; it looks like something from the Halfords RipSpeed catalogue. Nasty.
 

Pappilo

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Also there is one reason I would never ever ever have an A class - that awful screen stuck to the dash; it looks like something from the Halfords RipSpeed catalogue. Nasty.

Its exactly the same interior in the CLA.

@OP

Get the CLA. It looks the dogs bollocks and well done for getting the petrol engine.... Death to Diseasel!
 

aquiss

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Looks-wise there's no contest - the CLA. Also there is one reason I would never ever ever have an A class - that awful screen stuck to the dash

You not been in a CLA then? The CLA has the very same after-market looking screen as the A-Class.

For the record, the W205 (2014 C-Class) also has the same screen.
 

JBell

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I would go for the A Class purely for the practicality of the hatchback or wait for the GLA Class
 

mattkh

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You not been in a CLA then? The CLA has the very same after-market looking screen as the A-Class.For the record, the W205 (2014 C-Class) also has the same screen.
Hi
Are you guys referring to the windscreen or what ?
 

aquiss

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Its exactly the same interior in the CLA.

It's about 95% the same. Looks wise, yup, similar. However, the CLA does in places have slightly higher finishes....small things like door storages have felt fabric at the bottom, but A-Class remains plastic.

Does the 5% account for the increase in 15% price...debatable.
 

orb the Impaler

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I didn't know they were the same drive platform and interior. However the CLA looks great (not that the A doesn't look good either) - so it'd be an easy choice for me.
 

TheBluetac

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I have not driven the A class so I cant really talk with any authority on it at all, but I have just purchased a CLA and can really recommend it. I too, was put off by the dash screen, but I can honestly say I really like it - it grows on you. Having moved from nearly a 100,000 on a W204 C class I can only tell you that I am glad that took a chance and bought a CLA rather than go for another W204 - which is starting to look dated (that awful too new to be a classic yet - too old to be modern) . The CLA is a joy to drive, and the FWD thing that some members rubbish is not a concern whatever. The interior and electronic gizmos seem very well finished and looks wise - well enough said.
 
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Personally I'd have the A-Class. There's more headroom in the back, it would be cheaper, I think it's nicer looking and with the extra dollar you could probably get a couple of extra options.
 
OP
C

craigdbarnes

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  • Thread Starter
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Thank you everyone for your opinions. I have seen a couple of CLA's on the road and they catch my eye everytime. I have driven the A-class and I think its superb. The boot space however is terrible, which is a bit of a problem with being a golfer. The CLA's boot is much bigger, but as GottleibDaimler mention I could spend the extra money on a few more extras.

I think I will have to take both cars out one after the other and make my decision from that.

Thanks,
Craig
 
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roop_the_loop

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I have driven the A-class and I think its superb. The boot space however is terrible

Don't forget that the A-class rear seats provide more flexibility to enlarge the cargo area.

Per MB website, the CLA load capacity is 470 litres, whereas the A-class has min 341 / max 1157. So yes, A-class is smaller with the seats up, but potentially much bigger with them down or removed.

My missus had the old shape A class, and once we had to carry a lot of stuff in it so removed the rear seats and the front passenger seat altogether, and it almost turned into a van! :shock:

Also, the A-class has a bigger 'aperture' (hatchback door vs. boot lid), which makes loading easier. Could make a difference when you try to squeeze in a couple of golf bags and a trolley. :)
 

TheBluetac

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Don't forget that the A-class rear seats provide more flexibility to enlarge the cargo area.

Per MB website, the CLA load capacity is 470 litres, whereas the A-class has min 341 / max 1157. So yes, A-class is smaller with the seats up, but potentially much bigger with them down or removed.

My missus had the old shape A class, and once we had to carry a lot of stuff in it so removed the rear seats and the front passenger seat altogether, and it almost turned into a van! :shock:

Also, the A-class has a bigger 'aperture' (hatchback door vs. boot lid), which makes loading easier. Could make a difference when you try to squeeze in a couple of golf bags and a trolley. :)

The CLA's rear seats split and 1/3 2/3rds and fold.
 

roop_the_loop

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The CLA's rear seats split and 1/3 2/3rds and fold.

But a sedan is still more restricted height-wise even with the seats folded, whereas in a hatchback that creates a much bigger load area. Fold down the seats in a sedan vs. a hatchback, and try to put a washing machine into each.
 

st4

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But a sedan is still more restricted height-wise even with the seats folded, whereas in a hatchback that creates a much bigger load area. Fold down the seats in a sedan vs. a hatchback, and try to put a washing machine into each.

Used 212 estate is the best bet for space. You'd get a 5k miler for the price of a CLA, no brainer IMHO
 

roop_the_loop

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Used 212 estate is the best bet for space. You'd get a 5k miler for the price of a CLA, no brainer IMHO

Very true. Bought my S212 (ca. 8 months old / 10k miles) for £25k. New CLA prices start from £24.4 OTR (obviously list price, but still).

I know which one I'd rather drive.

Then again, someone is now going to say you can get a five year old S-class for the same money. :)

I guess it's horses for courses etc.
 


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