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Auto Talk => Luxury Talk => Topic started by: cawimmer430 on January 08, 2019, 06:10:57 PM

Title: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 08, 2019, 06:10:57 PM
Looks pretty decent. Interior is straight out of the W177 A-Class complete with an improved MBUX system which will allow hand gesture control.


2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA brings its svelte looks to CE

Mercedes-Benz scored a hit with the original CLA. Combining sportiness and style, its attributes helped shine a positive light on the German firm's full compact car portfolio. Now a redesigned model has been revealed, with the covers coming off Tuesday at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Due in showrooms in late 2019 as a 2020 model, the new CLA is bigger, more stylish and loaded with much more tech than the model it replaces. The car serves as a sportier alternative to the similarly sized A-Class sedan that's just been added for 2019.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art/mercedes-benz_cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art_598.jpeg)

Compared to the model it replaces, the 2020 CLA is both 2 inches longer and wider. This results in more interior space but also lends the car more presence on the road, especially when the available 19-inch wheels are fitted (18-inch wheels are standard). The overall design resembles a scaled-down version of the mid-size CLS, which is definitely a good thing.

Inside, the design matches the cabin of the A-Class. There is a dual-screen interface with 7.0-inch screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment hub, the latter with touch capability. These can be swapped out for larger 10.25-inch units.

New in the 2020 CLA is an enhanced version of the smartphone-like infotainment system known as MBUX. Among the new features added is an assistant that identifies operation requests on the basis of hand movements. For example, it enables the adaptation of screen content as soon as a hand approaches the touchscreen in the dashboard or the touchpad on the center console. Individual elements are highlighted according to the currently active menu.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art/mercedes-benz_cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art_8.jpeg)

There's also augmented reality for navigation and an ability to understand indirect voice commands. The latter can answer internet search-related questions like "What time is the Chicago Bears game tonight?" or "How old is the universe?" or "What did the Dow close at today?"

Naturally, there are also new technologies concerning actual driving. For the first time, the CLA is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations thanks to new electronic driver aids. These include, either standard or available, adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaption, active lane control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors with cross traffic warning.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art/mercedes-benz_cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art_52.jpeg)

Only one version of the 2020 CLA has been announced so far, a CLA250 with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that delivers 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Its engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and spins the front wheels as standard. All-wheel drive will be available.

Further out, the AMG division will add CLA35 and CLA45 models. These will also pack 2.0-liter turbo-4 engines, but with outputs of around 300 and 400 hp, respectively.

Pricing information for the 2020 Mercedes CLA will be announced closer to launch.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art/mercedes-benz_cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art_2.jpeg)


Link: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1120787_2020-mercedes-benz-cla-brings-its-svelte-looks-to-ces
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 09, 2019, 02:00:42 PM
Some real-world photos.

(https://images.carscoops.com/2019/01/f9ae3f51-mercedes-cla-ii-1.jpg)

(https://images.carscoops.com/2019/01/71a9d10f-mercedes-cla-ii-6.jpg)

(https://images.carscoops.com/2019/01/6448291f-mercedes-cla-ii-8.jpg)

(https://images.carscoops.com/2019/01/79fc358c-mercedes-cla-ii-11.jpg)

(https://images.carscoops.com/2019/01/38556ca1-mercedes-cla-ii-13.jpg)


Link: https://www.carscoops.com/2019/01/new-mercedes-cla-coupe-baby-cls-ever-promises-emotion/
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Raza on January 09, 2019, 05:20:24 PM
It looks pretty good from some angles, but in that last picture, it looks enormous. Like a mid-2000s Camry.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Submariner on January 09, 2019, 05:55:42 PM
Yeah, it does look a bit portly.

That interior though, what a huge improvement over the current one.  It looks amazing.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 93JC on January 09, 2019, 06:15:36 PM
Still don't get the point of this.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: BimmerM3 on January 09, 2019, 06:30:24 PM
Quote from: 93JC on January 09, 2019, 06:15:36 PM
Still don't get the point of this.

lol I don't get the point of like half the models that MB/BMW make these days, but they keep making them so I guess people are buying them.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on January 09, 2019, 06:30:29 PM
Quote from: 93JC on January 09, 2019, 06:15:36 PM
Still don't get the point of this.

Finally some competition for the ... uh, Kia Stinger?
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 2o6 on January 09, 2019, 10:03:23 PM
Quote from: 93JC on January 09, 2019, 06:15:36 PM
Still don't get the point of this.

In theory, a sexier A-class.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: SJ_GTI on January 10, 2019, 05:45:16 AM
Its not bad looking, but it looks so similar to the normal A-Class. From cawimmer430's thread on the A-class:


(https://images.hgmsites.net/hug/2019-mercedes-benz-a-class_100671800_h.jpg)

vs the OP in this thread:

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art/mercedes-benz_cla_250_amg_line_edition_orange_art_598.jpeg)

If they were the same colors it would be hard for me to tell them apart.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:55:34 AM
Quote from: 93JC on January 09, 2019, 06:15:36 PM
Still don't get the point of this.

Supposedly it's a sportier (and slightly bigger) A-Class Sedan - excuse me, Coupe.  :tounge:

It's positioned above the A-Class Sedan and below the C-Class.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:55:59 AM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 09, 2019, 06:30:29 PM
Finally some competition for the ... uh, Kia Stinger?

No, the Bentley Mulsanne.  :ohyeah:
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:59:17 AM
Quote from: SJ_GTI on January 10, 2019, 05:45:16 AM
Its not bad looking, but it looks so similar to the normal A-Class. From cawimmer430's thread on the A-class:

If they were the same colors it would be hard for me to tell them apart.


Side view. A-Class Sedan looks a bit "porkier", CLA looks sleeker. ;)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rmCZL1B6/Untitled-2.jpg)
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Galaxy on January 10, 2019, 10:12:10 AM
Good thing the sedan has that crease across the top of the doors so we can tell it apart.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on January 10, 2019, 10:23:53 AM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:55:59 AM
No, the Bentley Mulsanne.  :ohyeah:

Yeah, or the Ford Crown Vic, Taxi Edition. :devil:
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: BimmerM3 on January 10, 2019, 10:30:28 AM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:59:17 AM

Side view. A-Class Sedan looks a bit "porkier", CLA looks sleeker. ;)


Interesting - I view it as the opposite. The higher hood/rear window/trunk lines make the CLA look porkier to me, not that it's a huge difference either way.

I've never been a fan of the "coupe" sedans though, even the ones that are near-universally acclaimed as great looking cars.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: FoMoJo on January 10, 2019, 10:44:10 AM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:59:17 AM

Side view. A-Class Sedan looks a bit "porkier", CLA looks sleeker. ;)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rmCZL1B6/Untitled-2.jpg)
Lots of little differences in the body panels, lights, etc.  Are they pretty much the same size?
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 12,000 RPM on January 10, 2019, 12:04:50 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:55:34 AM
Supposedly it's a sportier (and slightly bigger) A-Class Sedan - excuse me, Coupe.  :tounge:

It's positioned above the A-Class Sedan and below the C-Class.
Mercedes has jumped the shark.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Soup DeVille on January 10, 2019, 12:27:56 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:59:17 AM

Side view. A-Class Sedan looks a bit "porkier", CLA looks sleeker. ;)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rmCZL1B6/Untitled-2.jpg)

I feel if both had blacked out trim, and the same wheels they'd be virtually identical.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 12:35:58 PM
Quote from: BimmerM3 on January 10, 2019, 10:30:28 AM
Interesting - I view it as the opposite. The higher hood/rear window/trunk lines make the CLA look porkier to me, not that it's a huge difference either way.

I've never been a fan of the "coupe" sedans though, even the ones that are near-universally acclaimed as great looking cars.


I always viewed it as a marketing gimmick. It was fresh and "original" with the first generation CLS, but afterwards it was just slapped onto some SUVs and entry-level sedans (CLA).
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 12:38:00 PM
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 10, 2019, 10:44:10 AM
Lots of little differences in the body panels, lights, etc.  Are they pretty much the same size?

The photo I posted does not show their real size and length. But here's the data:

Length

A-Class Hatch = 4419mm

A-Class Sedan = 4549mm

2019 CLA "Coupe" =  4688mm


Sources: https://www.autozeitung.de/mercedes/cla/2-generation / https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Baureihe_177
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 12:40:35 PM
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 10, 2019, 12:27:56 PM
I feel if both had blacked out trim, and the same wheels they'd be virtually identical.

I do see a visual difference thanks to the different head- and rear-lights and the sleeker rear window of the CLA. I am certain that if I saw these on the road I'd be able to tell them apart instantly.

On the other hand, I still need a second or two to differentiate between the current C-Class and E-Class!  :tounge:
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 2o6 on January 10, 2019, 01:31:09 PM
The CLA is lower. The roofline isn't as high
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Xer0 on January 10, 2019, 02:29:24 PM
The CLA is for people that really like the A sedan but wished it was more expensive.  Thankfully, Mercedes has got you.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: BimmerM3 on January 10, 2019, 02:35:30 PM
Quote from: Xer0 on January 10, 2019, 02:29:24 PM
The CLA is for people that really like the A sedan but wished it was more expensive.  Thankfully, Mercedes has got you.

:lol:
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 05:25:49 PM
Quote from: Xer0 on January 10, 2019, 02:29:24 PM
The CLA is for people that really like the A sedan but wished it was more expensive.  Thankfully, Mercedes has got you.

Supposedly the CLA will be sportier than the A-Class Sedan. I'm really curious about the first reviews of this new car. I definitely think it's going to be a winner like the new A-Class Hatchback/Sedan; MB really nailed it with these new entry-level cars compared to the lackluster predecessor A-Class/CLA/GLA cars, which were good cars but bad Mercedes'.

I'm giving the B-Class a pass because it was roomy and practical and had good outward vision.  :ohyeah:
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 12,000 RPM on January 10, 2019, 06:03:46 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 05:25:49 PM
Supposedly the CLA will be sportier than the A-Class Sedan. I'm really curious about the first reviews of this new car. I definitely think it's going to be a winner like the new A-Class Hatchback/Sedan; MB really nailed it with these new entry-level cars compared to the lackluster predecessor A-Class/CLA/GLA cars, which were good cars but bad Mercedes'.

I'm giving the B-Class a pass because it was roomy and practical and had good outward vision.  :ohyeah:
There is no modern Mercedes you won't give a pass to

Your A Class is excellent. The CLA is a complete waste of time, space and money
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 12, 2019, 02:30:06 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on January 10, 2019, 06:03:46 PM
The CLA is a complete waste of time, space and money

The original CLA was a sales success. There's clearly a market for the new model, even with the A-Class Sedan around. Just chill and wait for the first reviews.  ;)


Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 15, 2019, 11:02:22 AM
Some more photos. Wow, it looks sharp in white. This looks so much better proportioned than the A-Class Sedan. A shame there won't be a Shooting Brake version.

Love the interior - I am biased.  :tounge:


(https://i.postimg.cc/NGy8KGKG/1.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kMkQKrSQ/2.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ncBv1dK6/3.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/s2D7s3Fr/4.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/XYgdRpzL/5.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/2SYn9423/7.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Raza on January 20, 2019, 09:10:32 AM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 10, 2019, 07:59:17 AM

Side view. A-Class Sedan looks a bit "porkier", CLA looks sleeker. ;)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rmCZL1B6/Untitled-2.jpg)

The A Class looks so much better.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: FoMoJo on January 20, 2019, 02:18:21 PM
Quote from: Raza  on January 20, 2019, 09:10:32 AM
The A Class looks so much better.
Especially compared to what they used to look like...

(https://i.postimg.cc/RZvNxfPF/2008-Mercedes-Benz-A-Class-D.jpg)
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Raza on January 21, 2019, 06:56:23 AM
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 20, 2019, 02:18:21 PM
Especially compared to what they used to look like...

(https://i.postimg.cc/RZvNxfPF/2008-Mercedes-Benz-A-Class-D.jpg)

Yeah, that just looks like a van.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: MX793 on January 21, 2019, 10:55:29 AM
Quote from: Raza  on January 21, 2019, 06:56:23 AM
Yeah, that just looks like a van.

Looks more like despair to me.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 2o6 on January 21, 2019, 11:44:02 AM
I've always liked the one-box shape of the original A-class.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 02:26:26 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on January 21, 2019, 11:44:02 AM
I've always liked the one-box shape of the original A-class.

I guess if you like something that looks like a caricature of the old GM Dustbuster minivans...  Or a Tata Nano with an MB badge on it.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 23, 2019, 03:21:22 PM
The second generation A-Class actually looked pretty upscale and definitely felt premium at the time. I worked at a Benz dealer back in the day and the experience switching from the dreadful first generation to the pretty solid second generation model felt like night and day.

The first generation A-Class was ugly and cheaply made and had a crap interior. I never liked them much, but in A170 CDI with a 5-speed manual transmission form they were actually pretty zippy and fun to drive, and to my surprise handled quite well. Didn't change the fact that the interior plastics were awful, panel gaps were huge and the car looked funny. Interior space was excellent thanks to the sandwich layout.



First Generation - weird-looking and bland at the same time. I always thought the 1990s were the Dark Ages of car design anyway.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/a_160_cdi/mercedes-benz_a_160_cdi.jpeg)

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/a_160_cdi/mercedes-benz_a_160_cdi_2.jpeg)

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/a_160_cdi/mercedes-benz_a_160_cdi_1.jpeg)


Interior, first vs second generation.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a_140_1.jpg)

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a170_3-door_12.jpg)
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 03:52:28 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 23, 2019, 03:21:22 PM
The second generation A-Class actually looked pretty upscale and definitely felt premium at the time. I worked at a Benz dealer back in the day and the experience switching from the dreadful first generation to the pretty solid second generation model felt like night and day.

The first generation A-Class was ugly and cheaply made and had a crap interior. I never liked them much, but in A170 CDI with a 5-speed manual transmission form they were actually pretty zippy and fun to drive, and to my surprise handled quite well. Didn't change the fact that the interior plastics were awful, panel gaps were huge and the car looked funny. Interior space was excellent thanks to the sandwich layout.



First Generation - weird-looking and bland at the same time. I always thought the 1990s were the Dark Ages of car design anyway.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/a_160_cdi/mercedes-benz_a_160_cdi.jpeg)

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/a_160_cdi/mercedes-benz_a_160_cdi_2.jpeg)

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/m/mercedes-benz/a_160_cdi/mercedes-benz_a_160_cdi_1.jpeg)


Interior, first vs second generation.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a_140_1.jpg)

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a170_3-door_12.jpg)

Gen 1 has the excuse of being designed in the design dark ages that was the later 90s.  What was the W169's excuse?
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 23, 2019, 04:15:46 PM
Quote from: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 03:52:28 PM
Gen 1 has the excuse of being designed in the design dark ages that was the later 90s.  What was the W169's excuse?

It was essentially an improved W168 and kept the sandwhich layout for maximum interior efficiency. It's not a beauty queen, but at the time it looked relatively decent with the proper wheels/color setup (see photo) and at least upscale with really nice interior quality.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a200_3-door_23.jpg)


The third generation, the W176, sacrificed interior efficiency and innovation for style.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 06:06:22 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 23, 2019, 04:15:46 PM
It was essentially an improved W168 and kept the sandwhich layout for maximum interior efficiency. It's not a beauty queen, but at the time it looked relatively decent with the proper wheels/color setup (see photo) and at least upscale with really nice interior quality.

(https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/mercedes-benz/a-klasse/autowp.ru_mercedes-benz_a200_3-door_23.jpg)



Decent?  It looks like somebody took a 3rd world market micro-car and slapped a 3-pointed start on the front.  Almost as bad as the Aston Martin Cygnet.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 2o6 on January 23, 2019, 06:08:47 PM
Well, over 1mm people disagreed, because they sold that many of the damn things.



I like it, and I've always liked it.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 06:11:47 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2019, 06:08:47 PM
Well, over 1mm people disagreed, because they sold that many of the damn things.



I like it, and I've always liked it.

That only proves that people who can't afford a real Benz will gladly pay too much money for a subcompact with a 3-pointed star on the hood.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: BimmerM3 on January 23, 2019, 06:31:08 PM
Quote from: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 06:11:47 PM
That only proves that people who can't afford a real Benz will gladly pay too much money for a subcompact with a 3-pointed star on the hood.

Or that people don't care that much about looks, especially at the lower end of the market where customers are financially constrained.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 2o6 on January 23, 2019, 06:47:41 PM
Or someone who wants a flexible interior, in a short easy to park package. And a Mercedes.



The A-class wasn't cheap, either. It was a lot more expensive than the Fiesta, apology, Corsa, et al.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: BimmerM3 on January 23, 2019, 07:00:48 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2019, 06:47:41 PM
Or someone who wants a flexible interior, in a short easy to park package. And a Mercedes.



The A-class wasn't cheap, either. It was a lot more expensive than the Fiesta, apology, Corsa, et al.

That's basically what I was saying, just with a more positive spin. The old A Classes are dumb looking cars, but that doesn't mean there's no other reason to buy one.

The interiors that Wimmer posted are definitely nice for the compact segment in their respective time periods.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: Raza on January 24, 2019, 08:46:40 AM
Quote from: MX793 on January 21, 2019, 10:55:29 AM
Looks more like despair to me.

I see that.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 08:47:50 AM
Quote from: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 06:06:22 PM
Decent?  It looks like somebody took a 3rd world market micro-car and slapped a 3-pointed start on the front.  Almost as bad as the Aston Martin Cygnet.

Design is completely subjective. I am no fan of the first generation A-Class. The second generation wasn't pretty, but it was a marked improvement over the first generation in all areas, especially build and interior quality.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 08:53:00 AM
It was a sad looking car but, no doubt, quite functional.  Reminded me of a '93 Aerostar.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: RomanChariot on January 24, 2019, 08:56:39 AM
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 08:53:00 AM
It was a sad looking car but, no doubt, quite functional.  Reminded me of a '93 Aerostar.

Which is all the condemnation any car deserves.  ;)
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 09:04:06 AM
Quote from: MX793 on January 23, 2019, 06:11:47 PM
That only proves that people who can't afford a real Benz will gladly pay too much money for a subcompact with a 3-pointed star on the hood.

The reason for buying a current A-Class hasn't much changed. A small premium car with typical Mercedes attributes that is spacious inside and easy to live with in cramped city environments (narrow roads, small parking spaces etc.). In countries/cities where space is limited such cars tend to be popular, and most people there presumably do not look down upon them because they're small cars.

Remember, elsewhere people also buy cars based on their garage space size. In my case I bought a 4th generation A-Class because the car fulfilled all my wants and needs (compact, roomy, stylish, sporty, fuel efficient, safe, FELT RIGHT INSIDE etc.) and most importantly - it fit into my allotted parking space.

For the price I paid for my A250 I could have gotten an entry-level new/used C-Class Wagon - but that car wouldn't fit into my allotted parking space (even a CLA Shooting Brake wouldn't fit since it's half a meter longer than my ex-118i / current A250). I wasn't really interested in anything larger than a C-Class, so what were my choices? 3rd generation A-Class hat awful outward vision (massive sight-robbing A-pillars). B-Class was perfect but not fun to drive. GLA, same issues as the 3rd generation A-Class. CLA Shooting Brake was a seriously consideration, but too long. C-Class decent to drive, RWD but again too long. That really left me with no choice but to go for the new A-Class, and I am happy I did. This is an amazing car.  ;)

I'd even argue that the A-Class has always from day one appealed to younger [hipster-like] buyers who aren't interested in a "typical" Mercedes sedan. At the same time, the much improved 2nd, 3rd and the current impressive 4th generation make great city cars for traditional Mercedes' owners who drive say an E-Class or S-Class but use their compact A-Class for shopping trips around the city.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 09:07:45 AM
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 08:53:00 AM
It was a sad looking car but, no doubt, quite functional.  Reminded me of a '93 Aerostar.

Yep. They were very space efficient and roomy, and that was one of their biggest selling points.

Their design for the time was perhaps considered funky and cool, but these days you can only look at those cars and think to yourself, "What were they thinking!?" Ah, the 1990s / early 2000s. :lol:

I never liked the first generation A-Class design, and the second one wasn't much better, but it at least did look a little better and more upscale. Not by much, but enough to make a visual and interior difference.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 10:18:07 AM
Quote from: RomanChariot on January 24, 2019, 08:56:39 AM
Which is all the condemnation any car deserves.  ;)
The Areostar was not a great looker, but very functional.  We had an extended version with the 4 litre Cologne engine on a 3 year lease when we were renovating our house.  It would comfortable seat 8 people, if they were not too fat, with the seats up and, with the seats down, would easily carry a couple of dozen sheets of plywood or dry wall and still be able to close the the back.  Never skipped a beat for 3 years.

For some reason, the gen 1 A-Class is/was also very popular where we now live.  Lots of Desi women driving them around.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 12:27:18 PM
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 10:18:07 AM
For some reason, the gen 1 A-Class is/was also very popular where we now live.  Lots of Desi women driving them around.

Are you in the UK?  ;)
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 12:29:27 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 12:27:18 PM
Are you in the UK?  ;)
Mississauga, the heart of the South Asian community in Canada.  There's also a lot of Chinese, but they drive real Mercedes.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 02:31:18 PM
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 12:29:27 PM
Mississauga, the heart of the South Asian community in Canada.  There's also a lot of Chinese, but they drive real Mercedes.

Wait, Canada got the first generation A-Class!?
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 02:35:28 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 02:31:18 PM
Wait, Canada got the first generation A-Class!?
I've seen them :huh:.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 93JC on January 24, 2019, 03:27:44 PM
Our dear FoMoJo is maybe confusing the A-class and B-class. We've had the B-class since it launched in 2005.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 24, 2019, 03:43:05 PM
Yeah, I think you must be confusing the first generation A-Class with the first generation B-Class. ;)

(https://d1b9m7lmejcu5w.cloudfront.net/gallery-pictures/izmo/236ed0da20-b749.jpg)
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 05:11:48 PM
Quote from: 93JC on January 24, 2019, 03:27:44 PM
Our dear FoMoJo is maybe confusing the A-class and B-class. We've had the B-class since it launched in 2005.
Could be.  They are small and goofy looking.  The A Class is even smaller?
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: 93JC on January 24, 2019, 07:54:08 PM
Yes, quite a bit smaller.
Title: Re: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed
Post by: cawimmer430 on January 26, 2019, 02:20:05 PM
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 24, 2019, 05:11:48 PM
Could be.  They are small and goofy looking.  The A Class is even smaller?

Yep, the A-Class is smaller in terms of length. In terms of width they are more or less similar. And design wise they're nothing to write home about.

Interior wise they are very spacious (offer E-Class levels of space). I worked at a Benz dealer at the time and got to drive all of the B-Classes. They are very soft and almost floaty. Nothing sporty about them at all. Target market? Senior citizens - literally.

These cars were never available with an automatic transmission but instead used Mercedes' first CVT called Autotronic. It was ok with torquey engines, so all diesels and the B200 Turbo (gasoline). The other gasoline models were total dogs with this transmission, awful to drive. All models were decent in terms of power with the manual transmissions.