The BIG A

[Alpine*]

So Donny..... When's yours arriving

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

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

on paper, it's good value no doubt. as you noted, driver outcome is yet to be seen but i assume it won't be worse than the RS3 or even the S3/Golf R?!!

[Alext]

BUT I much, much prefer the sound of the 1M. Seriously...from the vids the A45 AMG just doesn't sound that great esp. with the odd sounding DCT pops from the 4 cyl. on upshifts.

Performance-wise the A45 will take the cake I am sure by virtue of its 4WD and outright straight line ability.

[cat-like]

Love em or hate em, I applaud Mercedes for having a 100% crack at these two.

After living in Europe for a while, every time I see most Mercs, all I see is a taxi.

I think this is refreshing. To my eye, the A is better looking than the M135.

[BMW86]

I wouldn't rule the 1M out just yet. BMW has dominated this segment with the 135i for 5+ years already. They made an even more impressive car with the 1M.

I know these cars will go head to head but performance will be similar, for most enthusiasts it will come down to RWD v AWD, turbo6 v turbo4, and how it drives.

[TS135i]

Bye bye Audi S3

[VGR00]

The 1M is history because you cant walk into a showroom and order a new one any longer. The A45 represents the future therefore we should be looking forward to what BMW will have on offer to compete with it in performance, looks and value for money. For those looking for a 4 door, BMW's offering will only be the M135i and if choosing between the two, my money would be on the baby AMG. The forthcoming M235i should be the response to the A45 although with 2 doors.

[kaitan]

Have said that with all the hype about the A class. Might detour abit away from the AMG but even with the A250 which is a GTI eater (according to media) after reading the this month issue of Motor where they did a test between 4 carsa the VW GTI vs A250 vs Meganes rs250 vs Can't remember what was one more, the A250 came out last in almost all aspect of the test ie 0-100, track time which was interesting as I believe they did the test somewhere in brisbane and the A250(4th) turns out to be 4 sec slower than the GTI(1st).

Sorry to stir things up :P but sometime journalist get paid to write up bias remarks. Well atleast thats my views.

[woosh]

I wouldn't be surprised if the 2 series gets offered as an Xi if A45/CLA sales start taking a large enough chunk out of the BMW N54/5 market...

[TS135i]

Thinking it will take the Golf R and Audi S3 market , both AWD and inferior on paper.

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

So Donny..... When's yours arriving

September

Buyer remorse creeping in...

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by jaffa12

September

Buyer remorse creeping in...

Don't can it, they won't care one bit if you cancel even if it arrives and you change your mind, they will have bulk people on the waiting list. If you do want to pull out, let me know, we may sell the frog and take your slot (oh yeh, what colour did you order by the way?)

[PeteA]

Quite like both the A45 and the CLA45. But for me, the A45 is a hatch so I wont go there, and the CLA is a sedan; I want a coupe again next car. I'm very keen to see the M235/M2. I think also a determining factor is that many of us here like to mod (tastefully). BMW has a fantastic mod scene that will probably see me coming back to the brand after my finance ends.

[oystero]

Originally Posted by jaffa12

September

Buyer remorse creeping in...

Congrats Donald !!

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by PeteA

Quite like both the A45 and the CLA45. But for me, the A45 is a hatch so I wont go there, and the CLA is a sedan; I want a coupe again next car. I'm very keen to see the M235/M2. I think also a determining factor is that many of us here like to mod (tastefully). BMW has a fantastic mod scene that will probably see me coming back to the brand after my finance ends.

Peter, aka Reins, I'm hearing you but.... Crazy Merc talk I know, and I am NOT a Merc fanboi, never had one and think/thought I'd never buy one, ever. End of qualifying spiel, the Merc may not need mods,

19's. tick
Alcantara sports steering wheel. tick
Big brakes, red. tick
Sport exhaust with butterfly valve. tick
265 kws. impressive?
Auto (some see this as a plus). tick sorta
Moonroof. tick

Tuners will hit this car, probably more so than the M135 cause these will be sold in the US, whereas the M135 isn't.

Just my tenth 2c worth

Best of all COMPETITION in the marketplace!

[PeteA]

True true.

Give me a Coupe and I'll fold 100%

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

Don't can it, they won't care one bit if you cancel even if it arrives and you change your mind, they will have bulk people on the waiting list. If you do want to pull out, let me know, we may sell the frog and take your slot (oh yeh, what colour did you order by the way?)

mate, just order one and dump the frog they haven't got the colour palette for the 45 yet. likely A250's plus a couple of special colours they said. next week or so, finalise then. told i should be in the first batch out but not fuss. you need to do it!!

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by oystero

Congrats Donald !!

thanks jeff. i have never considered mercs. never thought i would order one

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by jaffa12

mate, just order one and dump the frog they haven't got the colour palette for the 45 yet. likely A250's plus a couple of special colours they said. next week or so, finalise then. told i should be in the first batch out but not fuss. you need to do it!!

Thinking about it.. But I have a real issue paying RRP for a run-o-the-mill production car. Wouldn't sell the 1M for it though

[BMW86]

Has anyone ordered one of these yet? Curious as to what is the drive away price. I've been hearing around 82-83k.

[thewafflecaust]

Seems about right depending on aero pack and paint

[Alext]

Just out of interest, I saw a CLA250 at a dealership last week (in HK). It looked very nice - better than the new A Class that was there I have to say.