Company Car-A220 AMG Line CDi vs. Ford Focus St2 TDCi
Discussion
The company where I work is introducing a new company car scheme (various reasons for this, and why I want to switch across). Knowing it was coming and with half and idea about some of the cars on the list, I've had my heart set on a Mercedes A220 CDi AMG Line for a while.
I'm after a smaller car - as part of our car re-shuffle, Mrs Sanf wants a Volvo XC90 (3.2 or 4.4 petrol). So I fancy something a little different to the normal run of the mill company cars. I love the Merc, the BTCC one's look superb, the F1 link - and the AMG line is a great looking car. BiK monthly will be about £185.
However I discovered that the Focus ST2 TDCi is available. I've always wanted a fast Ford (but never got round to it).I can get an ST2 with Nav, and all the reviews suggest it's a cracking car. Being a rally bod at heart the Ford link to rallying is very appealing, I think it's a great looking car and am really attracted to it as an option. BiK Monthly will be about £168.
A3 Saloon 184 or Volvo S60 D4 are also options - but the above two have the most appeal. Ford vs. Merc.....which one??
I'm after a smaller car - as part of our car re-shuffle, Mrs Sanf wants a Volvo XC90 (3.2 or 4.4 petrol). So I fancy something a little different to the normal run of the mill company cars. I love the Merc, the BTCC one's look superb, the F1 link - and the AMG line is a great looking car. BiK monthly will be about £185.
However I discovered that the Focus ST2 TDCi is available. I've always wanted a fast Ford (but never got round to it).I can get an ST2 with Nav, and all the reviews suggest it's a cracking car. Being a rally bod at heart the Ford link to rallying is very appealing, I think it's a great looking car and am really attracted to it as an option. BiK Monthly will be about £168.
A3 Saloon 184 or Volvo S60 D4 are also options - but the above two have the most appeal. Ford vs. Merc.....which one??
I've not driven either with that engine, but I have driven cooking versions.
I think I'd go for the Merc - it handles tidily, though the ride can be harsh on bigger wheels. It definitely feels much better put together (not just in terms of build quality, but the way the car feels overall and on smooth surfaces, it's the more relaxing car to drive.
Without having tried the hot Ford, I suspect that it will feel much looser, but will be more rewarding to drive when pressing on.
How will you use the car and how many miles? Both cars can be leased quite cheaply, for not much more than your BIK numbers, so you might find you're better off taking a cash allowance if one is available.
I think I'd go for the Merc - it handles tidily, though the ride can be harsh on bigger wheels. It definitely feels much better put together (not just in terms of build quality, but the way the car feels overall and on smooth surfaces, it's the more relaxing car to drive.
Without having tried the hot Ford, I suspect that it will feel much looser, but will be more rewarding to drive when pressing on.
How will you use the car and how many miles? Both cars can be leased quite cheaply, for not much more than your BIK numbers, so you might find you're better off taking a cash allowance if one is available.
In my Avis provided experience (covering roughly 30 cars last year) the Merc A Class was car they gave me most often, and whether petrol or diesel was a far nicer car than the Focus. Admittedly they were lower powered versions than the ones you're looking at, but more power wouldn't change my view of the two makes. The only thing in the Fords favour was that it did have more space in the boot and rear seats, so if that's important too you then it might sway it the other way.
I've got the A220 AMG Line and love it to be honest. The ride comments aren't to be believed to be honest although I like a firm ride, its certainly never got to the point where I've found a drive compromised. The interior is excellent, it handles well, goes ok (for a diesel), looks nice (mine is metallic black with silver multi-spoke alloys). If I had to choose again, personally the Focus wouldn't be anywhere near the list but then thats my own personal preference - I hate the look of the current shape focus, ST or otherwise. As always, your best bet is to take a trip to the dealers and sit in/drive them and make your choice. Hope that helps
wemorgan said:
but what about the BMW 1-series? The BIK for BMW engines tend to be excellent, plus their engines and gearboxes are some of the best.
But from the two original cars I'd have a the A-class with the auto box.
I looked at the 1 series when i got the A Class and didn't like the interior as much (felt small and the random design was carried into the cabin), the interior is the A class's ace card to me, particularly in AMG trim. Also didnt help that in my eyes, they look like they've been crashed into the ugly tree. No matter how good it drive, I can't see past how ugly the 1 series is. The A220 are all auto and its a pretty good box to be fair, having driven a number of DSG equipped cars, I prefer it to them But from the two original cars I'd have a the A-class with the auto box.
I thought the a class interor was a bit pants the seats and wheel are nice but what's with the mass of fake alumimum trim running the length of the dash? Also it's not a good looking car it's just a blob. What about a golf gtd?
The focus is more pleasing to look at and to drive but the quality will be a bit worse.
The focus is more pleasing to look at and to drive but the quality will be a bit worse.
Great replies - thanks folks.
The car will do 25-30k miles per year, which is where I tend to struggle on leasing for myself, especially fully maintained. Plus some changes to what we're paid per mile makes a company car massively more attractive - plus I get to change it every couple of years without a massive hit on depreciation. Hence company car route.
Driving will be 80% motorway cruising with the occasional across country detour
The Golf is an interesting call - and is on the list, but is a little bland looking, whereas the Merc (personally) I think looks very smart in the AMG trim. The 120d M-Sport is also an option, I like it in 3 door but less so in 5, and while this is not going to be the main family car, with 3 kids having 5 doors does make a difference.
Impressed how the Merc seems to be very much the choice - thought the Focus may have some more fans out there.
Ultimately I will decide after driving - things like phone connectivity and bluetooth - practicality will also be up there as key points - the car doubles as an office on many occasions!!
Looking forward to driving the Merc - good to hear first hand experience, the reviews did seem a bit negative.
The car will do 25-30k miles per year, which is where I tend to struggle on leasing for myself, especially fully maintained. Plus some changes to what we're paid per mile makes a company car massively more attractive - plus I get to change it every couple of years without a massive hit on depreciation. Hence company car route.
Driving will be 80% motorway cruising with the occasional across country detour
The Golf is an interesting call - and is on the list, but is a little bland looking, whereas the Merc (personally) I think looks very smart in the AMG trim. The 120d M-Sport is also an option, I like it in 3 door but less so in 5, and while this is not going to be the main family car, with 3 kids having 5 doors does make a difference.
Impressed how the Merc seems to be very much the choice - thought the Focus may have some more fans out there.
Ultimately I will decide after driving - things like phone connectivity and bluetooth - practicality will also be up there as key points - the car doubles as an office on many occasions!!
Looking forward to driving the Merc - good to hear first hand experience, the reviews did seem a bit negative.
I'm in a very similar situation to you, but need a slightly bigger car.
I've been looking at the Volvo V60 D4 Business (I've had one for nearly 3 years and it has been excellent), Skoda Octavia Vrs (great deals currently) and BMW 320ed Business (surprisingly highly specced / spec'd).
I'm getting quotes at the moment for 30k fully maintained, but am awaiting test drives.
I've been looking at the Volvo V60 D4 Business (I've had one for nearly 3 years and it has been excellent), Skoda Octavia Vrs (great deals currently) and BMW 320ed Business (surprisingly highly specced / spec'd).
I'm getting quotes at the moment for 30k fully maintained, but am awaiting test drives.
I'm just about to take delivery of my Focus ST on lease, covering the same mileage as you'll be doing each year also!
I must admit the A220 is a great looking car, but for me - it was always the fact I loved STs for years and wanted one, but never had a Diesel model! I do think the A220 probably does look a little nicer though.
I must admit the A220 is a great looking car, but for me - it was always the fact I loved STs for years and wanted one, but never had a Diesel model! I do think the A220 probably does look a little nicer though.
The V60 is a good shout, perhaps a V40 too - mine was great, albiet a D3, a good car that looked superb in R Design trim, I'd recommend one to anybody.
I'd have the Focus from those too, I just can't get past the Mercs looks, it's crap IMO and the interior, whilst of good quality, isn't my thing either.
Focus ST in grey - that does look smart, I'd imagine it is better to drive for the odd occasion when you feel like punting it down a B road too
I'd have the Focus from those too, I just can't get past the Mercs looks, it's crap IMO and the interior, whilst of good quality, isn't my thing either.
Focus ST in grey - that does look smart, I'd imagine it is better to drive for the odd occasion when you feel like punting it down a B road too
Volvo V40 D4 R-Design Nav is an option - I do like it in the Blue colour, and the emissions are low, making the BiK a little cheaper (but not massively). The looks are ok - just more subtle than the other two.
The only reason I haven't looked too hard is that if I do get the Mrs an XC90 not sure I want two Volvo's on the drive!! I did have a V50 10 years ago and it was a great car.
I like the fact both the Merc and Focus look pretty aggressive, the Focus on Tangerine Scream is awesome, just not sure work would approve of that, so Deep Impact Blue the most likely colour. The Merc in either White or the Metallic Blue they offer are both tasty.
The Volvo and Merc garages are pretty much next door to each other - so will be a good chance to examine/drive both cars and see how they compare.
The only reason I haven't looked too hard is that if I do get the Mrs an XC90 not sure I want two Volvo's on the drive!! I did have a V50 10 years ago and it was a great car.
I like the fact both the Merc and Focus look pretty aggressive, the Focus on Tangerine Scream is awesome, just not sure work would approve of that, so Deep Impact Blue the most likely colour. The Merc in either White or the Metallic Blue they offer are both tasty.
The Volvo and Merc garages are pretty much next door to each other - so will be a good chance to examine/drive both cars and see how they compare.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff