A Class question

[PeterCLK]

Hello folks.
I'm new to the forum but have owned my CLK for over 3 years. Excellent vehicle and excellent service from MB of Blackburn.

Looking to replace our second vehicle (a manual Polo) with a small auto - considering an A class.
However, notice that the auto box is a CVT - anyone give me advice about usability and durability.

Not sure whether to go for petrol or diesel - likely mileage 12k p.a. Looking to keep it 5 or 6 years minimum.

Also, which engine do you think will be best married to the auto box?

Thanks in advance.

Peter

 

[slender]

Hi, Peter

Are you considering a pre or post 2005 A Class?
They are very different animals.

 

[PeterCLK]

looking to buy new.

peter

 

[Splatt]

I think the consensus of opinion will come out in favour of the A180. Plenty powerful enough and will run on only the smell of diesel. The Vario trans sits well with the diesel engine as the arrangement maintains the engine speed constant (except under acceleration) and varies the car speed on the transmission ratio.

 

[slender]

I recently bought a 6 month old, CVT, A160 diesel in Avantgarde spec which I thoroughly enjoy driving and have now had for five weeks and 1200 miles. Mine is the lowest powered A Class but I have no regrets with my choice. A recent long weekend to Wales saw the car on motorways with long hills which it climbed up without running out of puff, A roads which saw the mpg figure pleasingly into the 50's and narrow, twisty, mountain pass roads which it negotiated with ease and still, even at very low speeds (15mph average during one day) recorded very respectable mpg figures. By no means is it a speed machine, but, if that is not your thing, I doubt you'd be disappointed. I have not driven the petrol variants so I cannot comment on them and your diesel/petrol option is going to be a personal one. If you're looking at simply the best value you'll need to get a calculator out, I guess, and do some sums when you finally get a short-list drawn up.

General consensus of opinion is the A180 is the best all rounder. Looking at the figures that would seem a sensible conclusion as the mpg difference between that and my A160 are negligible but the overall performance is better. If MPG is of great importance to you I would suggest doing some internet research on claimed and actual mpg for the petrol variants. I did and found a number of owners were surprised at how much lower the actual figure was from that claimed, particularly with the A150.

I find the CVT works beautifully with even Honda driving family commenting on the smoothness of the 'box. The cabin is extremely roomy and at 6' 4" tall with very long legs I fit inside with ease, always comfortably, and with ample head room and leg room to spare. If you want to know anything specific about my first impressions of ownership, please don't hesitate to ask.

I am so impressed with mine that I would not hesitate to buy another one if I was to rewind the clock a month and buy again.

For very comprehensive information on the new A Class, and the A180 in particular, do a posts search on Hawk20 as he is the man who single handedly convinced me that an A Class would be a worthy contender to replace a big, comfy, Volvo S80 - and he was completely right. I imagine he'll be along at some point to post on this thread himself.

Good luck with your future purchase.

 

[PeterCLK]

Thanks to all.
Looks like the A180 CDI is the one to go for.

Peter

 

[NewMB]

Thanks to all.
Looks like the A180 CDI is the one to go for.

Peter

Spot on!

The A class to have is the A180 Cdi. Great engine, CVT works well. Nice to drive and economical as well. The option of "Easy-Vario" seats are well worth having btw.