A-class 180, options?

[rickosw]

As in don't order the style line.

Make sure get the line or model that has all the perks and goodies.

 

means more $$

unless i hit 4D / Toto

[heidtb]

means more $$

unless i hit 4D / Toto

Non Merc but can try mazda 2 or mazda 3 hatch. Audi interior but jap realibility

[oceanicmanta]

Been driving our new polar silver A180 Style for a few days now.

Compared to previous 10 yr old A150, it is a world of difference.

Mostly not used to the electric parking & direct select drive mode (have to use right hand now)

Keep looking down left for the stick shift & manual handbrake (left hand muscle memory still strong).

Radio reception seems fine in covered carpark & but have not gone to MCE yet.

GPS reception is sketchy. Waze navigation keeps dropping signal on & off. Sigh.

My Park Assist does not seem to be able to detect the parking space though ... the blue P sign is up but when drive past slot, cannot detect. So far, the lots I have tested are between 2 pillars. Anyone has similar problem ? external sensors seems to work fine.

[rickosw]

Non Merc but can try mazda 2 or mazda 3 hatch. Audi interior but jap realibility

 

AUDI sales man keep calling me about $140k can get A3 sedan ....

[heidtb]

AUDI sales man keep calling me about $140k can get A3 sedan ....

Best to avoid a vw jetta rebadged. With the recent price gap appeared if I had to buy again definitely would go mazda 2/3 for <100k with audi like interior than A class for 130-140k. It's not worth the extra 40k imho

[rickosw]

Best to avoid a vw jetta rebadged. With the recent price gap appeared if I had to buy again definitely would go mazda 2/3 for <100k with audi like interior than A class for 130-140k. It's not worth the extra 40k imho

 

i dun own any VW / Audi cars prior so i cant comment ..., but like literally u can go to any local car forumn, website, all avoid it like SARS / MERS ... (not starting any flame war)

 

least i dun see any / many "horror story" about Benz in general (recent time) - esp A Class -

unless CLA have massive clearance sale ... then "it is on the table" but in time, i decided to give A class a try

[heidtb]

i dun own any VW / Audi cars prior so i cant comment ..., but like literally u can go to any local car forumn, website, all avoid it like SARS / MERS ... (not starting any flame war)

least i dun see any / many "horror story" about Benz in general (recent time) - esp A Class -

unless CLA have massive clearance sale ... then "it is on the table" but in time, i decided to give A class a try

Also on my first Mercedes while the look and feel brings a smile to the face. For objective criteria and money, there are better choices.

Plus u won't be getting the A class soon can still look around. Can try bmw, volvo, even infinit Q50 was clearing stock for about 150k.

[rickosw]

Also on my first Mercedes while the look and feel brings a smile to the face. For objective criteria and money, there are better choices.

Plus u won't be getting the A class soon can still look around. Can try bmw, volvo, even infinit Q50 was clearing stock for about 150k.

 

the only thing i worry about A_Class is the "boot space" if baby comes within 1-2 yrs time ... but worst case, i use my daddy's "tank: / volvo

 

but i read from some current owners, put baby char, "foldable stroller" should be ok " ..... do give me more comments if you in similar situations ...

 

i did some research / homework ....

 

1) New BMW 1 series diesel - just  out , i am not traveling super long distance, the savings in fuel cant offset the tax

only 3 cyclinder .... top speed 0-100, more than 10 sec plus ( even slower than my current ride)

 

deal breaker - can only sit two person behind ...

 

2) Volvo, they used to be inside CAT A , small engine, but now all inside CAT B ... for normal petrol 

http://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/newcars_listing.php?MOD=Volvo

 

even cheapest is V60, 160K - i rather buy CLA

 

the only way out is look for "events car" ./ management cars. .. volvo do have these promotions once in a while 

 

3) Inifnity - you are seeing ? $150K ? where ? - i dun see it on sgcarmart ...

 

just sharing my two cents thoughts ....

[heidtb]

They were clearing stock/"mgmt" unit, not advertised more of if u go call or go showroom they will inform you.

What's your current ride btw so maybe can give suggestion to alternative?

[peckio]

Anyone who booked their A180 after July gotten any confirmation from their SEs on the car arrival in SG date?

It seems they've frozen all current A-class models as my SE didn't even want to reply when I asked whether can make changes to my order last week... Or maybe really paid deposit, they bo chup till time to contact us to go down to pay the remaining downpayment for the car.

[peckio]

Ordered the A180 before Infiniti advertised the $150k Q50 management cars, else it could've been our choice instead of the A180, as space & power wise, Q50 has higher specs.

Reliability though, not sure about Infiniti though as it's relatively new on SG roads.

[heidtb]

Wasted really the Q50 is essentially a Benz in disguise.

It's using a m274 2l turbo found in the c200 and using a 7g tronic gear box.

Prob they'll just wait till the new facelift arrives to get back to those who place order

[rickosw]

They were clearing stock/"mgmt" unit, not advertised more of if u go call or go showroom they will inform you.

What's your current ride btw so maybe can give suggestion to alternative?

 

oic, interesting ... for the management car

 

but to be completely honest, i really dun know much about infinity cars .... resale or spare parts .. ( i see about less than 10 in the past yr ... yet i can see about 3-5 per day for Benz A Class)

i know they are the "lexus" for Nissan ... and my dad is a super die hard Nissan fanboy ... Datsun, Sunny, Bluebird, Cerfrio ... . but Infinity is another ball game ...

 

currently 1.8L - Auto Civic (KM) Original Bodykit with Sports Rim - all other aspects pure stock with FULL Service history @ KM

 

only looking at German cars - small , cos budget constraints - (i can wack C Class ) but will affect my housing loans ratio, so i rather be more prudent .... dun over leverage, use cash and min loan per month

 

ps: before last week collapsed of Audi A3 hatchback price...that side SA offer me about 160K !!!! (force me to take max loan) - NO NEG. i was like W T F ... no thanks ... i walked out without even test drive ... quite angry

 

also, i am single now, getting married next yr ... so all the car payment is all on me (dun like my GF/Wife to pay) if not i cant wack ICE, Sports RIMs etc ... so yeah ... cannot anyhow wack (even though i really like CLA / C Class more) hehe

[rickosw]

Anyone who booked their A180 after July gotten any confirmation from their SEs on the car arrival in SG date?

It seems they've frozen all current A-class models as my SE didn't even want to reply when I asked whether can make changes to my order last week... Or maybe really paid deposit, they bo chup till time to contact us to go down to pay the remaining downpayment for the car.

 

is that a sign that they are stopping orders for current models?

 

i know they completely stopped for A200 ... so if A180 also stopped. ... means they can start taking orders for new face lift ?

 

any bro can share any thought on it ?

[rickosw]

Wasted really the Q50 is essentially a Benz in disguise.

It's using a m274 2l turbo found in the c200 and using a 7g tronic gear box.

Prob they'll just wait till the new facelift arrives to get back to those who place order

 

i did remember seeing some reports or articles they got share some engine ....

 

does any one has that info ?

 

which other cars  / models are also using similar engine ./ etc

[heidtb]

Small German car not much choice already unless dare to test the 7 dry dsg.

Fantastic performance for the price payed but your car will take 14 day annual leave minimum and maybe 30 day mc but 5yr warranty and ppl still willing to buy when resale

[rickosw]

Small German car not much choice already unless dare to test the 7 dry dsg.

Fantastic performance for the price payed but your car will take 14 day annual leave minimum and maybe 30 day mc but 5yr warranty and ppl still willing to buy when resale

 

well, there are always gamblers out there ... relatively i dont see any horror stories in A class ya ?

least most important - engine n gearbox

 

off hand, does the location of the factory still matter ya? ie Germany vs Hungary, vs Africa

[mountaingoat_gray]

Been driving our new polar silver A180 Style for a few days now.

Compared to previous 10 yr old A150, it is a world of difference.

Mostly not used to the electric parking & direct select drive mode (have to use right hand now)

Keep looking down left for the stick shift & manual handbrake (left hand muscle memory still strong).

Radio reception seems fine in covered carpark & but have not gone to MCE yet.

GPS reception is sketchy. Waze navigation keeps dropping signal on & off. Sigh.

My Park Assist does not seem to be able to detect the parking space though ... the blue P sign is up but when drive past slot, cannot detect. So far, the lots I have tested are between 2 pillars. Anyone has similar problem ? external sensors seems to work fine.

 

Also ex A150 here. Electric parking is fun! You actually don't have to use the handbrake switch. Just engine off in P and parking brake auto engages. Tap accelerator in D and parking brake disengages. No longer have to hurt my back pulling the handbrake (the W169 has awkwardly placed handle)

Park assist - never tried it. This seems slightly easier to parallel park compared to the W169 due to the far superior mirrors and front parking sensors

[mountaingoat_gray]

Anyway. Playing devil's advocate here. But alternatives to the A class that I have considered.

 

Mazda 3 - generally a very nice car, but after all still a bread and butter car. Handles well. Noisy interior.
Mazda 6 - about the same price as an A180. Quite a good buy if you need the space. 

Golf - Handles well. Performance on par with the A class. Much cheaper. But doesn't look half as impressive as the A class. Also uses dry clutch DSG.
A3 - costs more than an A class, performs worse than a Golf. Why??

Peugeot 308 - lots of car for the money. Incredible boot space. Buttons are not ergonomic. French. 
Altis - yawned when test driving it...
Nissan Qashqai - in my opinion, the spiritual successor to the W169 A class. it's slow. but it's quirky in a very cheerful way. high vantage point. smooth CVT. strictly for those who don't mind driving a slow car

 

Why did I choose the A class? I can't tell you in objective terms. I felt happy driving it. And I didn't feel so happy driving those other cars. So you just gotta test drive different cars to be sure. 

[cowhead]

New here. Looking at the A180.

Can the boot hold a 26" mountain bike (front wheel removed) with the back seat folded?

[heidtb]

well, there are always gamblers out there ... relatively i dont see any horror stories in A class ya ?

least most important - engine n gearbox

off hand, does the location of the factory still matter ya? ie Germany vs Hungary, vs Africa

A class engine is reliable been used on the C class first. The gearbox is the supposing inspired by AMG, it is a wet clutch and can take all the Torque and abuse.

Personal preference is German car should be built in Germany. Other manufacturing plant is to reduce cost due to large numbers expected to be sold, so drop in qc is to be expected.

Budget aside, I would say no go for Cla or C. Would rather go for vw Passat/cc 2l/6 wet dsg from Germany.

Another thing is that if starting a family/getting married. Extra savings more impt than the car unless it is to a bigger car for more ppl and storage/safer car like suv or volvos

Anyway. Playing devil's advocate here. But alternatives to the A class that I have considered.

Mazda 3 - generally a very nice car, but after all still a bread and butter car. Handles well. Noisy interior.

Mazda 6 - about the same price as an A180. Quite a good buy if you need the space.

Golf - Handles well. Performance on par with the A class. Much cheaper. But doesn't look half as impressive as the A class. Also uses dry clutch DSG.

A3 - costs more than an A class, performs worse than a Golf. Why??

Peugeot 308 - lots of car for the money. Incredible boot space. Buttons are not ergonomic. French.

Altis - yawned when test driving it...

Nissan Qashqai - in my opinion, the spiritual successor to the W169 A class. it's slow. but it's quirky in a very cheerful way. high vantage point. smooth CVT. strictly for those who don't mind driving a slow car

Why did I choose the A class? I can't tell you in objective terms. I felt happy driving it. And I didn't feel so happy driving those other cars. So you just gotta test drive different cars to be sure.

Devils advocate says why not Alfa giuletta. Stylish, fun to drive but well reliability big unknown. Mazda 3 40k cheaper than A class, which brings up is the extra 40k worth the smile/happy feeling when you drive. Only the potential owner can decide.

For me was great feeling when bought and drive, after doing some customisation to my ride even nicer but alas after driving for more than 6mths. The objective criteria stands out that well a mazda 2/3 or vezel can do same job and with quite a substantial saving.

Another thing for future owners is that the viewing angle is bad and that is an understatement. Maybe is me or maybe it's the car, when on roads is not so much a concern but in narrow spaces you literally cannot see all 4 corners of your car and prob will hit curbs along the way

[rickosw]

Anyway. Playing devil's advocate here. But alternatives to the A class that I have considered.

 

 

Why did I choose the A class? I can't tell you in objective terms. I felt happy driving it. And I didn't feel so happy driving those other cars. So you just gotta test drive different cars to be sure. 

 

Bro, your last statement sounds up my feelings as well ... it just feels "different" ... u feel "delighted" ....

no need for all the "marketing - the ultimate driving machine" ... you know you have something good in your hands

 

although A180/A200 is not a "sports hatchback" / pure performance car per se

it is still a Merc Benz afterall ...

 

ps: childhood dream to own a Benz .... hehe

[Raider]

Coming from nissan, volvo and now Merc.

 

Merc give a better driving experience as compared to my ex C30, not to say C30 is lousy but its an overall package.

 

Seat wise,  C30 is the best, pure napa leather that is comfy over long journey.

 

Test drove A250 back to back with A200 and my heart go to A250 but my wife could not tolerate the "extra" firm suspension and there is no option available other than 3rd party.

 

So book the A200 instead, 1.5 yrs later, still enjoying the ride amid the rattlings that comes and go.

[rickosw]

A class engine is reliable been used on the C class first. The gearbox is the supposing inspired by AMG, it is a wet clutch and can take all the Torque and abuse.
 

this is actually a good thing, tested engine with C Class , gearbox - by AMG - they will know what they are doing ....

 

but for the new facelift - A Class facelight will be the "first" to  getting the new "computer"  / tune up version ya?

ie in terms of 0-100 , speed and fuel efficiency ...

 

ie other models within the family not yet getting this updated software ?

 

Budget aside, I would say no go for Cla or C. Would rather go for vw Passat/cc 2l/6 wet dsg from Germany.

 

Guru, out there, can explain to layman ... what is the diff between "wet" vs Dry DSG ? wat is the pro n cons?

 

Another thing is that if starting a family/getting married. Extra savings more impt than the car unless it is to a bigger car for more ppl and storage/safer car like suv or volvos

 

yeah, save some $, if wack CLA / C Class will be another 25-35K more .... can use for wedding nite, baby powder ...etc

[Mizarahi]

Yes. I also realising a dream when I book the a180. A very expensive dream.

Other than initial pain and sad 1 sad 1 day every mth ..... Happy days the rest of the mth