New A-Class. I actually like it.

[GseRacing]

I really like it. i sat in one a little while back, I think it was at Goodwood FoS.

Apparently MB have received over 70,000 for this car and it has thus far only been unvailed in western europe....common as muck! WOuld very happily add my name to that list.

 

[whitenemesis]

Rear quarter - side view still looks so VX Astra to me. Front is OK'ish.

I had to look twice when the advert came on the tv! Really thought it was for the Astra..

 

[M6AJJ]

Great improvement from the old A Class which I never really liked. Looked a bit like a cross between a smart and a toy. I've got to say that I nearly like this.

Tony

 

[clk208]

I like the front grille on this.

I saw an old R170 SLK which has a retrofit similar grille yesterday in Manchester - it looked pretty good.

Having a damaged grille on my CLS I was wondering if anyone had come across this style of grille aftermarket for sale?

 

[Frontstep]

It looks well enoughif its deserving of an MB badge in build, design and ride then its got my vote,
oh and its fixable without resorting to voodoo.

 

[three pointed star]

But do the seats come out, and will it carry a flat pack 3 seater garden swing? And no need to say that is the role of the B class now..The original A class was smaller and a marvel of engineering/packaging, that is what I want from Mercedes, genuine pioneering models, not just another ‘me too’, eurojap clone.

 

[asinrutee]

I too like the front grill, but I hate the info/nav screen, looks like a big flat slab stuck to the front of the dash - classless

 

[rhud]

But do the seats come out, and will it carry a flat pack 3 seater garden swing? And no need to say that is the role of the B class now..The original A class was smaller and a marvel of engineering/packaging, that is what I want from Mercedes, genuine pioneering models, not just another ‘me too’, eurojap clone.

I agree with everything you say,but it seems that over a million sold (from 2005 on) was not enough. MB seem determined to go for volume above all else. They hate the idea that BMW and Audi sell more. We must hope that this does not lead them to compromise standards, as has happened before.

 

[nuvolablue]

Agreed. Let's hope the build quality is similar to C and E Class.

 

[jasonyw]

hey guys, all I read is the look, what about the technical aspects?

it is the same as the old model A-class sandwiched engine below the floorboard?

saw it advertised must be available for purchase in uk right now

 

[jasonyw]

renault engine!

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mercedes-a-class-concept-2011-05-08

 

[st4]

I would have one in a heart beat if it were RWD. At 27yo I am someone its aimed at. I'd want a RWD car, I'd expect it from MB or BMW. I'd expect if it were RWD to be a bit more cramped (not an issue) and a more fun steer (big issue)

As it were, bar styling and interior looks, I cannot see what it would give me over a lightly used C class or a new golf or 1 series BMW.

 

[rhud]

Agreed. Let's hope the build quality is similar to C and E Class.

I think the whole range has been fine quality-wise since 2004,after the dark days for 6-7 years before that. But they need to maintain it, without pricing themselves out of the market. Not easy.

 

[rhud]

renault engine!

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mercedes-a-class-concept-2011-05-08

I think one or more versions have a renault engine,but not all.

 

[nuvolablue]

renault engine!

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mercedes-a-class-concept-2011-05-08

Works for Sebastien Vettel !!

 

[ashakeeluk]

Mercedes Benz Manchester have three in at the moment. I saw the A180CDI Sport looks nice compared to the old one, the other two are being showcased at the Trafford Centre. They are offering test drives from next week, so it will be interesting to see how it drives.

 

[st4]

Mercedes Benz Manchester have three in at the moment. I saw the A180CDI Sport looks nice compared to the old one, the other two are being showcased at the Trafford Centre. They are offering test drives from next week, so it will be interesting to see how it drives.

Reading this weeks autocar they suggest normal suspension and 17s. The bigger wheels and firmer settings make it harsh.

Apparently it drives better than the rwd BMW 1series. From other press reviews the new 1er is a bit of a turkey but rwd cars tend to be more fun.

 

[gizze]

From other press reviews the new 1er is a bit of a turkey but rwd cars tend to be more fun.

Depends what the reviewer is looking for in a car like the 1 series.
I would guess many just don't get it.

The 1 series is a fantastic car, just look at the review from Chris Harris up against the RS3, that is a standard M-Sport 135i agains Audis flagship RS model.

However, I don't think that most people really need or really want a car that handles that well though, for most, extra refinement and comfort is what a 'luxury' car is all about.

 

[mikestrivens]

If it has a Renault engine then presumably it won't have the timing chain and the benefits that go with those.

 

[toby1]

I'm surprised they've bought an engine in. I assumed they'd use the new generation of 4-pots from the 204 and 212