New A-class shows how to do it.

Stallingrad

I am no Merc fan but I think the new A class is a breath of fresh air, and makes the 1 series look like a joke and the new A3 look 'shoot me now' dull. I hope they take notice and get a bit more creative with the crayons next time out.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-mercedes-class-orders-boom

langdang

Looks grand yeah, the bonnet and grille seem very big but you don't want people thinking you got a kia/hyundai ceed/i30 or a Ford Focus, do ya?

Voodoomelon

Watched this review last night I kinda like it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K-0vkFfUmY

But from halfway back, it looks very much like a KIA

ION08

Stallingrad wrote: »

I am no Merc fan but I think the new A class is a breath of fresh air, and makes the 1 series look like a joke and the new A3 look 'shoot me now' dull. I hope they take notice and get a bit more creative with the crayons next time out.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-mercedes-class-orders-boom

The front has a clumsy volvo S40 look to it IMO

The new A3 looks much better to me.

It looks cleaner and more dynamic and with the latest version DRL's it looks stunning

Tea 1000

Saw one in Germany back at the end of August and it looks even better in reality. Nice car, I agree with above, the 1 series is ugly and A3 dull.

renofan

Stallingrad wrote: »

...... new A class is a breath of fresh air.....

Doesn't look like it to me....




but I do agree the 1 series should be put down. Ugly as sin.

Stallingrad

I see no see area where those two share design detailing, glass house, flanks, grille, valance, nothing.

As for the Audi looking better we could argue that one, but where the Merc is fresh and quite radical for a Mercedes, the Audi is the same old reheated guff.

Zubeneschamali

Stallingrad wrote: »

the Merc is fresh and quite radical for a Mercedes

The old A class was radical, and not a big hit. This one is the exact opposite of radical.

Stallingrad

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

The old A class was radical, and not a big hit. This one is the exact opposite of radical.

I am referring to the styling, and I did say 'quite'.

Andrew33

Just finished reading a comparison test between it, the 1 series and the "new" A3. A class was convincingly beaten into 3rd place by the other two on quality, performance and driver appeal. I'll agree, the front end of the A class is quite striking and handsome but the rear three quarter view is desperately dull and very i30 ish.

Bandito909

Live twitter and facebook updates while I'm driving?!

Maxine has challenged you to a game of Texas Holdem', you can fcuk right off with that shiote right now, can I get an Amen?!

galwayjohn89

Wouldn't be a fan of it. It wouldn't stand out to me as something special. The inside isn't the best either, screen looks like a after market one plonked on the dash. Doesn't really fit in.

Stallingrad

Andrew33 wrote: »

Just finished reading a comparison test between it, the 1 series and the "new" A3. A class was convincingly beaten into 3rd place by the other two on quality, performance and driver appeal. I'll agree, the front end of the A class is quite striking and handsome but the rear three quarter view is desperately dull and very i30 ish.

CAR gave it first place out of those three, best drivers car, who would have thought it?

Andrew33

Stallingrad wrote: »

CAR gave it first place out of those three, best drivers car, who would have thought it?

And a rival mag gave it 3rd. I think it'll fail to make a dent in A3 or 1 series sales. I think if you've any petrol in your veins you can look at a car and in a split second "know" if its a good 'un or not. I'm afraid the A-class is definitely the latter. I liked the last shape "A" and I like the "B" because they dared to be a bit different but this latest A leaves me cold. Its just another bland hatchback (yes, its front end looks bold but give it 12 months).

mitosis

Andrew33 wrote: »

And a rival mag gave it 3rd. I think it'll fail to make a dent in A3 or 1 series sales. I think if you've any petrol in your veins you can look at a car and in a split second "know" if its a good 'un or not. I'm afraid the A-class is definitely the latter. I liked the last shape "A" and I like the "B" because they dared to be a bit different but this latest A leaves me cold. Its just another bland hatchback (yes, its front end looks bold but give it 12 months).

Which one?

Stallingrad

Andrew33 wrote: »

And a rival mag gave it 3rd. I think it'll fail to make a dent in A3 or 1 series sales. I think if you've any petrol in your veins you can look at a car and in a split second "know" if its a good 'un or not. I'm afraid the A-class is definitely the latter. I liked the last shape "A" and I like the "B" because they dared to be a bit different but this latest A leaves me cold. Its just another bland hatchback (yes, its front end looks bold but give it 12 months).

Well if the pre orders are anything to go by it looks like it will steal a lot of sales from both the 1 series and A3. As for being a good 'un or not, if Car rated it more highly than a 1 series as a drivers car then it is bound to ruffle a few feathers.

renofan

mitosis wrote: »

Which one?

Auto Express

Tea 1000

Andrew33 wrote: »

And a rival mag gave it 3rd. I think it'll fail to make a dent in A3 or 1 series sales. I think if you've any petrol in your veins you can look at a car and in a split second "know" if its a good 'un or not. I'm afraid the A-class is definitely the latter. I liked the last shape "A" and I like the "B" because they dared to be a bit different but this latest A leaves me cold. Its just another bland hatchback (yes, its front end looks bold but give it 12 months).

Maybe, but the 1 and A3 don't inspire either.

dar83

Very much looking forward to the AMG version of this that will come next year!

RedorDead

Andrew33 wrote: »

Just finished reading a comparison test between it, the 1 series and the "new" A3. A class was convincingly beaten into 3rd place by the other two on quality, performance and driver appeal. I'll agree, the front end of the A class is quite striking and handsome but the rear three quarter view is desperately dull and very i30 ish.

"New" A Class is just basically the B Class with a new shell. Interior looks cheap and the finish is awful. M-B missed a big chance with this car. It is better than the 1 Series but new Golf and A3 trump it if you can get past its aggressive styling.

Stallingrad

RedorDead wrote: »

"New" A Class is just basically the B Class with a new shell. Interior looks cheap and the finish is awful. M-B missed a big chance with this car. It is better than the 1 Series but new Golf and A3 trump it if you can get past its aggressive styling.

Have you sat in one?

ofcork

I dont think the new a class is anyway related to the b class,it is leagues above the golf and id say it will become mercs biggest seller in time.

Cungi

dar83 wrote: »

Very much looking forward to the AMG version of this that will come next year!

Doubt we'll see many on our roads. Expect loads of Renault engined A180's though

antodeco

I sat in one a few months ago at the European F1. They were lovely. They had an AMG version there too. Very very beefy looking. I'll see if I can dig up some photos. The back looks like a storm trooper!

antodeco

RedorDead

Stallingrad wrote: »

Have you sat in one?

Yes, cheap finish. Have you?

RedorDead

ofcork wrote: »

I dont think the new a class is anyway related to the b class,it is leagues above the golf and id say it will become mercs biggest seller in time.

See link here which confirms it. Its any article you read on the car.

Do you really expect it to sell more than E Class? M-B Ireland expect 200 next year, E Class does upwards of 800.

http://www.am-online.com/news/2012/3/6/mercedes-benz-reveals-new-a-class-details/30623/

Zubeneschamali

RedorDead wrote: »

Yes, cheap finish. Have you?

Are you perhaps a fan of the usual large Merc interiors using expensive wood veneers carefully engineered to look like cheap plastic and beige leather from your granda's slip-on shoes?

keithclancy

antodeco wrote: »

Doesn't Mary have a lovely bottom

Myrddin

Stallingrad wrote: »

and the new A3 look 'shoot me now' dull

So like most other Audi's then?


*runs for cover

Zubeneschamali

Check out this ad for the highlights of the new A3:

http://www.audi.ie/ie/brand/en/models/a3/newa3.html

New airconditioning system!

New air vents!

A big knob in the middle!

I wouldn't even know it was a new model if I saw it on the street, and the one it replaces is ancient.

GavMan

antodeco wrote: »

lovely rear end to be fair. A-Class isn't either.

seriously though, If I'm still in the market for a hatchback in a few years, I'd consider one in AMG styling for sure.

AugustusMinimus

If only Audi produced the A3 Saloon they debuted at one of the major motor shows last year. Hatchback version of this would have blown the new A-Class out of the water for styling. I feel Audi really hit the nail on the head in terms of proportions in this car.

RedorDead

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

Are you perhaps a fan of the usual large Merc interiors using expensive wood veneers carefully engineered to look like cheap plastic and beige leather from your granda's slip-on shoes?

Not me - not a fan of Mercs at all. The interior of the A Class when compared to the A3 feels cheap however.

New A Class also front wheel drive which should be interesting.

RedorDead

AugustusMinimus wrote: »

If only Audi produced the A3 Saloon they debuted at one of the major motor shows last year. Hatchback version of this would have blown the new A-Class out of the water for styling. I feel Audi really hit the nail on the head in terms of proportions in this car.

This will be launched next September. Finalised production model isnt far away from the concept seen here. Some differences alright.

ofcork

Mercedes have a similar car coming called the CLA,it will be a smaller version of the CLS.

Zubeneschamali

RedorDead wrote: »

New A Class also front wheel drive which should be interesting.

Old A class and A3 also front wheel drive, not sure why that's interesting.