The BIG A

[MMorbo]

Originally Posted by WAY

A250 especially in blue is becoming an Azn girl's car. I've seen a few!

I had to lookit up... Thanks urban dictionary... Amusing to see what Azn means

[BMW86]

It's a really nice blue though. I did see 2 guys sitting at the lights in a white A250 staring at me as I passed them and that didn't look anywhere near as impressive. Have to admit it didn't look like the manliest looking car either, but I suppose the 1ers give off the same impression.

[VGR00]

Spoke to MB today and apparently the AMG version is due in Aust in June. Base price at approx $75k + on roads. The Dealer is spoke to have got orders for 18 of them and thinks any new orders placed will be delivered in 2014. Very interested to see it in the flesh.

[aus135i]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

NO NO NO.... NOT another hairdresser's car..

LKS like I will be seeing plenty of these Azn girls cars in Rhodes, if thats the case..

HAHAHAH you love azn girls Joe, and Rhodes is full of them!

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by aus135i

HAHAHAH you love azn girls Joe, and Rhodes is full of them!

Especially late at night shopping at Coles in their PJ's.

[Alpine*]

[david.orr]

nah

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

[510135]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Looks good! I think that With a bit of modding the CLA45 AMG could be a winner. The only thing that I don't really like is the quarter panels (particularly) the front, they look disproportionate to the wheel arch size or too chunky. Might look better in the flesh.

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by 510135

Looks good! I think that With a bit of modding the CLA45 AMG could be a winner. The only thing that I don't really like is the quarter panels (particularly) the front, they look disproportionate to the wheel arch size or too chunky. Might look better in the flesh.

Black on black, super dark tints, 20' in gloss black and dumped

[510135]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

Black on black, super dark tints, 20' in gloss black and dumped

Not sure if taking the piss.?.?.?

[Alext]

I test drove the A200 and so did the other half.

Looks wise it's nice in the flesh. Not too over the top. Interior feels solid enough. Demo had the AMG pack so had some extra materials. No rattles etc that I could detect in my short drive.

Rear had suprisingly more room than I expected.

Ride quality reasonable and noise intrusion above average for the price.

Power was adequate for town use. Response decent in sport mode. The transmission felt smooth however was not as quick at downshifting compared to BMW's DCT. Did not like the gear shift lever being a small stick on the side of the steering wheel though.

Steering felt overly light with less feedback than I would like in a car of this size and weight. Sport mode appears to tighten it up. I think a 1 series has better dynamics but this takes it on looks. Much better than a Mazda 3 , Polo Gti (not power though).

The other half really liked it. Feels safe and solid to her + badge value. But prefers my Z4 for driving experience by a longshot haha! Going to be her car so will let her decide but first get her to drive a Golf to compare.

[flinchy]

saw an A250 in white in the flesh the other day (parked so i could walk around it)

didn't peek inside (rushed) but it looked GREAT outside, very much a 'hot' hatch.

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by 510135

Not sure if taking the piss.?.?.?

TTP

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by VGR00

Spoke to MB today and apparently the AMG version is due in Aust in June. Base price at approx $75k + on roads. The Dealer is spoke to have got orders for 18 of them and thinks any new orders placed will be delivered in 2014. Very interested to see it in the flesh.

I understand production starts June and first A45s expected in September or so. Australian pricing and specs to be announced April with build numbers assigned shortly. Can't wait to see a 45 next to M135i or 1M.

[VGR00]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

Thanks for sharing...... BMW better get their sh#t together as this thing looks hot. It's got me seriously thinking about one. Coming from a person who would have never contemplated buying a MB - I think I'm in Love!!

[VGR00]

Originally Posted by jaffa12

I understand production starts June and first A45s expected in September or so. Australian pricing and specs to be announced April with build numbers assigned shortly. Can't wait to see a 45 next to M135i or 1M.

Yeh I think you are right about a June production start as the dealer was unable to give me firm pricing as yet. Sorry to all the current M135i guys but I think the only way BMW is going to continue to win sales on that car over this is by dropping their pants on the price. Note to BMW - Be afraid - be very afraid.

[AndrewCowley]

I think Audi are in more hot water than BMW with pricing. The new S3 comes in at a stonking 221kw (finally cracking the 200kw mark) and its gonna get blown out of the water even before its released. The A45 is probably more equivalent to an RS3 in performance and for less than Audi would be selling the S3 at.

BMW at least have an engine that's in the same league.

[Alpine*]

The A is gonna be a real baller IMO, with all the standard features and the fact it is an AMG not a SLine or M Sport AND 260kw bang for bucks it sounds great. How it drives is yet to be seen of course.

Latest news from Ausmotive .... A45

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by AndrewCowley

I think Audi are in more hot water than BMW with pricing. The new S3 comes in at a stonking 221kw (finally cracking the 200kw mark) and its gonna get blown out of the water even before its released. The A45 is probably more equivalent to an RS3 in performance and for less than Audi would be selling the S3 at.

BMW at least have an engine that's in the same league.

I fully agree. I believe Audi got its pricing all wrong with the TTRS circa $130k on road which killed any chance of RS3 coming to Oz when the 1M came under $110k on road. Despite their compliance excuse, they couldn't bring the RS3 20-30k cheaper than the TTRS. They will have a stiff challenge bringing the S3 and RS3 to compete with M135i, A45, M235i and M2 (in 18+months?).

Re: M135i and A45, there are key differentiators.... manual available in M135i v DCT, RWD v part time AWD, BMW allegiance v Merc allegiance etc etc. I don't believe BMW would worry excessively about the A45, especially with the 2 series and M2 to come.

For enthusiasts .... M135i, A45, S3, RS3?, M235i, M2 or 1M replacement, 428i, M4.... exciting 12-18months ahead!!

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

The A is gonna be a real baller IMO, with all the standard features and the fact it is an AMG not a SLine or M Sport AND 260kw bang for bucks it sounds great. How it drives is yet to be seen of course.

presumably it should drive as well as the RS3 (particularly in media tests v 1M)?? as per RS3, probably not as raw as the M??

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by jaffa12

presumably it should drive as well as the RS3 (particularly in media tests v 1M)?? as per RS3, probably not as raw as the M??

But what... >25% less $ than a 1M? WITH more goodies and an auto for gratis for those missing a left foot.