speedgoat

Rumor has it that the A class and new CLA class are coming to North America in 2013 as 2014 models. Is anyone else planning on ditching their C class for one of these?

AkaSigFreak

I would consider it for the AMG A45.

mykim72

i saw it the other day in LA...its really really small...

speedgoat

Yes, the new A class is about a 12 inches shorter then the C. The CLA is actually supposed to be bigger then the C class.

Acapulco Bill

Maybe a CLA, however I will probably drive an A this weekend at the local dealer, since they have been on sale in Mexico for several months now. Here is the sales pitch:

http://www2.mercedes-benz.com.mx/con...odel-navi:w176

Available in A180, A200 and A250. The A250 costs nearly that of the C250 which is only about $2200 USD more, but the C comes with more standard equipment. One wonders why pay more for less?

IRIDIUMSILVER

Not a chance.. I'm not a fan of fwd or awd. It looks nice though!

Cosworth2000

I don't understand why this car is being make?

DonjuanOriginal

I can see the A-Class it will be huge seller. the CLA don't know why they entered in the market for similar price.


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Sportstick

Considered CLA. Then, I learned they will be automatic only. No further interest.

RLE

Homely. The nose is too big for the rest of it and with that hacked off rear end, the new Golf is far better looking.

As for that sedan lurking in the bushes, what's with those huge nostrils in the front bumper?

In general, the body has enough plastic cladding and details for two Pontiacs.

Bah!

MB_inspired

The A-Class won't be in North America for a couple of years.

I saw the CLA at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance this year. A very pretty car, but I'm concerned that the trunk space will be quite a bit smaller than the W204. But I suspect that most people who get that car won't care too much about it.

I am interested in the CLA45AMG mainly because it has 4matic. Definitely not interested in anything with Front Wheel Drive (ugh).

speedgoat

See comment from member above in Mexico stating they have been available for several months.

Regarding FWD vs RWD I also generally prefer RWD but you have to question how much diffrence it really makes in a 200 hp car. I think RWD is much more important at higher power levels.

Sportstick

Uh-oh........Anyone tempted to consider CLA should get the June issue of AUTOMOBILE and read page 76. Powertrain, chassis, and interior trim get less than great comments....some excerpts...

"CLA comes up short on drivetrain and ride quality refinement...mild understeer...significant lag at launch and ...dead spots in the mid and upper rev ranges....brushed chrome plastic accents and bright chrome plastic vent rings are below par...a relaxed, comfortable four-door coupe...not be the enthusiast's first choice....."

It seems the best part of the CLA may be walking up to it....


They also report the new C Class is 4" longer overall, 2" longer wheelbase, and more "upright". I'm off for transmission reasons, but what is someone to do - short of a full AMG model - for a fun-to-drive MB?? I guess that is no longer their target market.

victort

guess i'm on the short list of people who thinks the new CLA is ugly

Cillys

I will keep the C300 and buy a CLS though ...

xjaymzzx

My dad bought me a 2013 c300 4matic sport on the assumption, he'll be buying me a lambo when i get married.

Pay less now, but pay more later (his thinking)

J__

if they made the CLA as a RWD car, it would sell like hot cakes. Too bad it's FWD otherwise for the styling, most people would take CLA over C-class

Utahkompressor

I went to look at the new CLA and facelifted E-class today. CLA got way too much hard plastic on center console plus fit and finish are not as good as W204. Driving position is weird too...not a familiar RWD Merc feelings (especially the top-mounted accelerator). I'll still pick W204 over and over again. However, I love the new E-class. Very elegance very classy...great fit and finish. The new LED headlight and taillight are true gems on the new E.

wnunez89

If there was a strong aftermarket support for the CLA45 I might consider it.

aowhaus

As much as I like the design of the CLA, I probably will not consider getting one unless it's the AMG CLA45 with 4matic, or better yet the rumoured shooting brake body style of it.
The CLA is considered part of the A-class family, so it will feel downgraded from the C-class.

I will wait until the next generation of C-class comes out.

C300Sport

I'm right there with ya...

aaronBLUEeyes

As a graphic designer and new owner of a C300 4MATIC, for my 2 cents I say that this car does not appeal to me at all.

It's awkwardly designed and doesn't have a refined balance to it like other MB models.

Especially after viewing the less than stellar performance review above.

Not a fan.

Sportstick

FWIW, check out the February Consumer Reports. It compares the VW CC vs. the CLA, as well as a few other vehicles of similar purpose and price. Not everyone is a fan of CR, for understandable reasons, but these findings are too significant to completely brush aside.

Glyn M Ruck

With the W205 having broken cover at present pricing points & likely to prove a very good car I think one would need to have rocks in the head to go for a CLA.

CLA is a yuppie car for the youth. A most un Benz like Benz. It's selling well but to a non traditional audience. A bit of a case of "style over substance" IMHO.

Sportstick

Yes, but this review was the most negative one I've read so far, although it likely won't have much/any impact outside of North America. They rated the CLA250 lower than (in descending order of driving score) Acura TSX, VW CC, Buick Regal (Opel Insignia), Acura ILX, Volvo S60 T5, Buick Verano. They said the VW CC and Regal/Insignia felt more like a Mercedes than does the CLA! They even invoked Janis Joplin, saying she would have reconsidered her plea, "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz" if the car was the CLA. They used descriptions such as "cramped, noisy, stiff" and lacking "finesse and refinement". Of course, they went on to describe the nav screen as an "afterthought". They essentially said, for the same money, buy anything else!

Wow........there will be gnashing of teeth in New Jersey! It will be interesting to see if, after the early adopters, the car has "legs" in this market. Coupes tend to be "roman candles" here....great first years, and then they fall off the sales chart in subsequent years. CLA may follow that formula.