***Testdrove a 2006 Mercedes-Benz A160 CDI***

[cawimmer430]

Of course it can't kill a 'Vette. I just put that in to get people to view the topic.  

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=66232

[TBR]

Sounds like it is a lot better than the previous model.

[cawimmer430]

Sounds like it is a lot better than the previous model.

Yep, BIG improvement. I have driven all diesel versions of the new A-Class now (A160 CDI, A180 CDI and A200 CDI) and they're all well built, have good interiors and feel safe. Best of all, they handle amazingly for a car of this class. The steering feel blows that of our E320 out of the water.

I also get to drive a lot of the old A-Classes on the used car lot. Boy, the steering feel is horrible, the interior materials are poor, the car feels breakable... a joke really. The new A-class is simply a tremendous improvement. I like the car a lot, and the styling is growing on me.    

[TBR]

Too bad we will never get it.

[BMWDave]

Too bad we will never get it.

If it did came, what would it compete against?  The A3 and 1 Series?

[280Z Turbo]

Heheheheh.

It may be able to run with the original "Blue Flame" inline-6 Vette with the 2 speed automatic.

Is Mercedes seen as more of a mainstream brand in Europe?

[BMWDave]

Heheheheh.

It may be able to run with the original "Blue Flame" inline-6 Vette with the 2 speed automatic.

Is Mercedes seen as more of a mainstream brand in Europe?

I got the feeling from my trips abroad that most people have tiny and inexpensive cars, and big cars (even a Toyota Camry) are considered luxury.  Thats the reason, I believe, why MB is able to expand into such low segments, since they are still viewed as luxury.

[TBR]

Too bad we will never get it.

If it did came, what would it compete against?  The A3 and 1 Series?

It would have to be badged as a Smart or Dodge, it would compete against cars like the Corolla and Mazda3.  

[cawimmer430]

Too bad we will never get it.

It probably wouldn't do well or find consumer acceptance. But you can always drive them as a rent-a-car in Europe.    

[cawimmer430]

Is Mercedes seen as more of a mainstream brand in Europe?

It depends. Some lower end Benzes are considered "mainstream", but within that mainstream category, they're considered "luxury". It's like a Camry and Accord compete against each other and the C-Class. But the C-Class will be more expensive than the Camry and Accord, but still be considered to be part of the same class. This is especially true of Classic trim level Mercedes and smaller engins. A C270 CDI, C240 and C320 were always considered "upper luxury", while C200 CDI's, C220 CDI's and C180 / C200 Kompressors were considered entry level-luxury bordering on the mainstream area. Right now, all these engines have been replaced. The C240 became the C280, the C270 CDI has become the C320 CDI etc.

Arggh it's hard to explain.  :P  

[Raghavan]

pffft. FWD.

[BMWDave]

pffft. FWD.

Not all FWD is bad  B)  

[Raghavan]

pffft. FWD.

Not all FWD is bad  B)

only CRX FWD isn't bad.

[J86]

The A class does exist in the US, at least in some form.  There is an A130 that lives somewhere near me.

[BMWDave]

The A class does exist in the US, at least in some form.  There is an A130 that lives somewhere near me.

You may be seeing a Canadian car.  As far as I know, the A Class was never sold in the US as a Mercedes.

[BMWDave]

pffft. FWD.

Not all FWD is bad  B)

only CRX FWD isn't bad.

And why is that?

[Raghavan]

pffft. FWD.

Not all FWD is bad  B)

only CRX FWD isn't bad.

And why is that?

cos CRX's are cool cos they are small and light and not verypowerful so you won't get torque steer.

[BMWDave]

pffft. FWD.

Not all FWD is bad  B)

only CRX FWD isn't bad.

And why is that?

cos CRX's are cool cos they are small and light and not verypowerful so you won't get torque steer.

I can think of many FWD cars that arent powerful and are small...are they evil too?

[Raghavan]

pffft. FWD.

Not all FWD is bad  B)

only CRX FWD isn't bad.

And why is that?

cos CRX's are cool cos they are small and light and not verypowerful so you won't get torque steer.

I can think of many FWD cars that arent powerful and are small...are they evil too?

yeah. they are very evil.
but today, on motorweek, i saw the road test of the chevy cobalt ss with the LSD. sweet car. i wouldn't mind owning one, but it's too expensive.  

[R33 GT-R]

Wimmer, rock the cashba

[cawimmer430]

The A class does exist in the US, at least in some form.  There is an A130 that lives somewhere near me.

There was an A140, but never an A130.    

[cawimmer430]

pffft. FWD.

This coming from a HONDA / ACURA fan!?  :P

There's no torque steer on the A-Class for one reason. Ask any member on C&D and they'll tell you that the A-Class is "completely underpowered", hence no torque steer.    

[cawimmer430]

Wimmer, rock the cashba

Exactly what I am doing.    

[TBR]

What kind of gas mileage does the A160 get?

[BMWDave]

What kind of gas mileage does the A160 get?

I would imagine extremely good mileage, in the region of 50 mpg.

[TBR]

What kind of gas mileage does the A160 get?

I would imagine extremely good mileage, in the region of 50 mpg.

Quite likely more since the VW TDis managed 50mpg with larger engines and more weight.  

[BMWDave]

What kind of gas mileage does the A160 get?

I would imagine extremely good mileage, in the region of 50 mpg.

Quite likely more since the VW TDis managed 50mpg with larger engines and more weight.

Its 52.3 mpg according to here.

Link

[Raghavan]

pffft. FWD.

This coming from a HONDA / ACURA fan!?  :P

There's no torque steer on the A-Class for one reason. Ask any member on C&D and they'll tell you that the A-Class is "completely underpowered", hence no torque steer.  

i only like the S2000, which is RWD.  

[R33 GT-R]

stop telling stories Wimmer

[cawimmer430]

What kind of gas mileage does the A160 get?

According to the brochure I have here:

Urban: 37.9 mpg

Rural: 54.6 mpg

Average: 47.9

^And it doesn't even drive that badly.^