Left underwhelmed :(

[aquiss]

Well today I test drove an A-Class as a bench mark for the CLA (only petrol available for CLA). The A-Class was fitted with a 220 CDI.

Coming from a C-Class 250CDI the A-Class just did not feel anywhere as nippy off the mark. In fact I would say it felt very sluggish. I did have a C-Class 220 4 years back, but it felt (if I recall) much more exciting.

The car felt very heavy upfront, certainly from a driving point of view. The C-Class seems so light to handle. I don't understand why?

I can't say I like all this new electric hand break/selecting gears stuff. I felt a little uneasy and out of control of the car.

I notice they have reversed the stalks (certainly on the A-Class). On my C-Class the indicator stalk is beneath the limiter/cruise control one, but not anymore. I generally come from underneath the steering wheel, but that makes indicating hard work on the A-Class as you end up messing with the limiter stalk

I will say the CLA build quality is much better than I expected and looks lovely in the flesh (IMHO), but is it a match for the C-Class, don't think so...well, I've not come away with a smile on my face

I can't believe I am saying this....but I think i'm going to consider looking at Jaguar.

 

[ThinkPad]

Don't dismiss the cla based on driving the a class. I would say give it a go when it is available to drive. You never know. Alternatively there are plenty of other merc that may fit the bill. Not saying jag is bad. But its not a mb!

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[toby1]

Which Jag? XF? Good cars by all accounts

 

[ianstaley]

XF bit too expensive for a pensioner.

 

[S.Speed]

Which Jag? XF? Good cars by all accounts

XF are fabulous.. Marvellous build quality as well..
Had a bit of a play in one whilst waiting for my alloys to be refurbed last week..

 

[st4]

Rwd car was the C class, A class and cla fwd like every other mass car.

Get another C class, 3 series or 1 series if driving pleasure are anywhere in the priorities for your next car.

 

[aquiss]

Rwd car was the C class, A class and cla fwd like every other mass car.

Yup, I understand that, but would that account for a heavy feeling on the steering wheel?

I'm sure my current car has adaptive speed steering, so it feels lighter/heavier under certain driving conditions (please correct me if I am wrong). Does the A/CLA not have this?

 

[BAD Arrows]

Interesting thread aquiss.

I think the new A is a stunning looking car so I'll be gutted if the drive doesn't live up to the looks.

I'd say try the CLA as well to see if it feels any different, also try driving a few more A's. I used to work for Audi and I frequently took a demo car home and thought "hmm, that wasn't very impressive" then the following night took home a different derivative of the same model and fell in love, spec level, engine and gearbox can make 2 similar looking cars drive in a manner poles apart.

XF is a stunning car, there's a lot of drama going on in an XF with rising gear lever, twisting air vents etc. I've recently remapped a friends XF 2.7d for him and it was a bit weezy pre map but quite potent post map, I'd still be tempted to try and get into a 3.0d if you can though as that's a stonking engine. I've never driven the 4 cylinder version so I can't provide an opinion.

Good luck either way.

 

[gizze]

You can tell straight away that it is no longer RWD, I didn't mind the car at all, but such a shame. It feels very nose heavy and you loose that turning on the rear axle going into corners that I think most of us don't notice normally, or just take for granted.

Nice car in many ways but could have been so much better.

Try a 120d M-Sport or a 118i. My oh my that is one hell of a car.
Plus being in a BMW you will know you have arrived in life!

Seriously though, do try one, they are stunning.

 

[unsure]

I initially went in to look at the cla, gave the diesel a test drive. It drove fine but there's not much room in cabin and rear passengers have to be short! but at the moment you can get better deals on the e class; it's a no brainer!

 

[gizze]

That is a problem, spec an A220cdi to match the E220cdi and it is more money, worth a hell of a lot less in 3 years and hence so much more to own.

 

[st4]

You can get a used E350 that's 6 months old for new CLA money that'll turn better, ride better, go faster and be more comfy

 

[Carabosse]

You can get a used E350 that's 6 months old for new CLA money that'll turn better, ride better, go faster and be more comfy

I looked at the CLA when going to test my nearly-new E350. The is no way I'd use that money to buy a CLA.

 

[aquiss]

I simply don't do the miles these days (max 8000 a year) to need anything as big as the E-Class. It would be a real waste of a car.

As for BMW, they will never get any business from me, ever. Walked into a showroom 10 years back. Got looked up and down as I was in Jeans and T-Shirt and was refused to be helped....walked next door into Merc and signed the cheque for a fleet of cars that afternoon.

 

[st4]

C250 petrol Aquiss? So much nicer than a CLA

 

[aquiss]

C250 petrol Aquiss? So much nicer than a CLA

The problem is a like the styling of the CLA, quite a lot infact....its just what's under it is what I am concerned about. Engine options are just too limited.

Speaking to a dealer a few moments ago, the CLA does not have Dynamic Steering Assist, which could well explain why it feels so much more heavier to drive.....I've been spoilt, clearly

 

[st4]

The handlings poor as your used a
To a real rwd car not a toy front drive car.

You've mentioned xF etc, why not consider a nice cls on pcp or a used one. Proper styling and a really accomplished car to drive.

 

[aquiss]

st4, you have made me do some digging.

Spoke another dealer to frankly be told me to avoid the CLA if coming from a C-Class, but instead look at E-Class as the dealer deals are better and would end up costing me less per month than the CLA and even my current C-Class deal.

Appears to be a lot as standard with the E-Class.

 

[unsure]

st4, you have made me do some digging.

Spoke another dealer to frankly be told me to avoid the CLA if coming from a C-Class, but instead look at E-Class as the dealer deals are better and would end up costing me less per month than the CLA and even my current C-Class deal.

Appears to be a lot as standard with the E-Class.

I came to the same conclusion, my e class arrives next week!

 

[geraldrobins]

Also worth noting that the 220cdi engine in the A and B class has considerably less torque than in the C and E class. Due to a single turbo I think.