CLA45 AMG, thoughts and opinions

[heppers75]

Hi folks....

After much back and forth my business partner and I have decided that providing we get something for an agreed monthly budget with reasonable emissions that doesn't cane the BiK then we will go for company cars on a lease.

He needs an estate so is going for an E-Class 300BlueTEC HYBRID and I suspect we will get a decent deal if we do a deal with the same dealer for both of us. I enjoyed the E-Class Convertible I had so I was thinking what would be interesting in the Merc range that would not destroy me on Tax.

The CLA45 AMG seems to tick a fair few boxes, low emissions, good economy, decent performance and can be had for the right money on a lease deal for us through the business.

We have done the sums so I know it stacks up and yes I know I could not bother and buy an MX5 or a remapped 335d or a second hand 911 etc etc. However I am just wondering what the general consensus is here on the CLA45 and especially anyone that has driven or owns one.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Why not test drive one?

[heppers75]

Dave Hedgehog said:

Why not test drive one?

Spoke to the local dealer today and they are going to get one for me to do just that, I would just welcome others opinions and thoughts as well; if there are folks on here that have any... I mean I know mostly the folks here don't really offer them up very often!

[fatboy b]

Facking ugly cars that look lime they've been in a crash.

[ManaghGB]

Properly quick cars!

http://youtu.be/DOxD9zRSsx8

I think they look brilliant too, far better than an A4 or 3-series.

[heppers75]

ManaghGB said:

Properly quick cars!

http://youtu.be/DOxD9zRSsx8

I think they look brilliant too, far better than an A4 or 3-series.

They certainly do seem to go well, I am looking forward to a drive in one for sure.

My other options I like the look of are the 435D, XF DS and the new Maserati Ghibli diesel, all the same sort of cost and BiK profile etc, however all oil burners and whilst I liked the E250 and I know the new generation high output Diesels are very good I just like the idea of the 4 pot turbo AMG, plus it is considerably quicker than the other options.

I happen to really like the styling as well, but I can see how it is a bit marmite.

[5lab]

worth noting its a size class down from an a4 or 3 series. Merc's A class (and the coupe version of it) are 1series/a3 rivals.

[heppers75]

5lab said:

worth noting its a size class down from an a4 or 3 series. Merc's A class (and the coupe version of it) are 1series/a3 rivals.

True but we have the good lady's RRS for weekends, hauling the hounds about and family stuff, 99% of the time it will only be me in it.

[s m]

ManaghGB said:

Properly quick cars!

http://youtu.be/DOxD9zRSsx8

I think they look brilliant too, far better than an A4 or 3-series.

0-60 4.2
0-100 10.6
Ss1/4 12.8 @ 110
158 max

E46 CSL performance

Edited by s m on Thursday 15th May 21:48

[roystinho]

I've driven the A45 and thought it was a great car, fast, made a nice noise for a 2.0 turbo and looks ok to my eyes. I can't imagine the CLA drives much different, but my god is it ugly. The proportions just look all wrong. I'd just go for the hatch

[rodericb]

5lab said:

worth noting its a size class down from an a4 or 3 series. Merc's A class (and the coupe version of it) are 1series/a3 rivals.

Lengthwise, more than a C Class isn't it?

[Dave Hedgehog]

rodericb said:

5lab said:

worth noting its a size class down from an a4 or 3 series. Merc's A class (and the coupe version of it) are 1series/a3 rivals.

Lengthwise, more than a C Class isn't it?

the rear leg room and boot room on the A45 are a lot smaller than the A3 sportback, more polo / 1 series sized imo, not seen the 4 door version

[Robertos88]

Looked into it. We had to discount it as due to the raking rear screen, it's actually extremely cramped and claustrophobic in the back.

[astirling]

I had a two hour test drive last week. Generally very impressed, but not yet sure I could live with the ride around town.

[AlasdairMc]

I saw a review of the CLA describing it as being a car designed by old people based on what they think young people want a car to look like.

Personally I hate the look, but there's an A45 on my street and it looks lovely.

[AlmostUseful]

Robertos88 said:

Looked into it. We had to discount it as due to the raking rear screen, it's actually extremely cramped and claustrophobic in the back.

But seeing as for 99% of the time you'll be the only occupant, what is the problem? I imagine for the other 0.75% of the time you'll have a front passenger, so you're potentially discounting a car for the 0.25% chance that you'll have a rear occupant?
Sure if you need passengers you've gt the range rover?

[heppers75]

AlmostUseful said:

Robertos88 said:

Looked into it. We had to discount it as due to the raking rear screen, it's actually extremely cramped and claustrophobic in the back.

But seeing as for 99% of the time you'll be the only occupant, what is the problem? I imagine for the other 0.75% of the time you'll have a front passenger, so you're potentially discounting a car for the 0.25% chance that you'll have a rear occupant?
Sure if you need passengers you've gt the range rover?

That is exactly my thinking.

They are still trying to get a CLA45 but I did have a drive in an A45 yesterday and I can confirm they are seriously quick!

I really do not like the A45 though as a shape and the interior was a bit too "boy racer" but the car was good. They had a new CLA in but it was a 220CDI but well spec'd and a nice motor.

They have promised to get me a CLA45 to have a proper drive in.

I am very tempted by the Ghibli V6D as well but I would prefer the performance of the CLA45 I think.