Discussion
Barrie c 66 said:
Are they similar to drive ? I quite like the look of them both even though they don't look to alike.
Go drive them mate. I was a little underwhelmed with the A45. I drove the Golf R and the 45 coming from a Scirroco R and wasn't blown away by either. THere are some great deals on M2s floating about Both are well made cars that will run rings around most supercars on UK roads. OK a little dull to steer.
My concern is both have tiny engines producing a huge amount of power. So they need to be maintenance and cared for well. As so many of these went on cheap lease and PCP deals then 'less sympathetic owners' have had their hands on them.
Check history and general condition, while no any guarantee it will give our a better idea if the owner looked after the car or not.
If your looking for that kind of performance I personally would look at a larger V6 engine S4, BMW 135 / 340 or Jag XE V6S.
The Jag and BMW will provide a better drive.
My concern is both have tiny engines producing a huge amount of power. So they need to be maintenance and cared for well. As so many of these went on cheap lease and PCP deals then 'less sympathetic owners' have had their hands on them.
Check history and general condition, while no any guarantee it will give our a better idea if the owner looked after the car or not.
If your looking for that kind of performance I personally would look at a larger V6 engine S4, BMW 135 / 340 or Jag XE V6S.
The Jag and BMW will provide a better drive.
I'd go for the Golf R, as I wouldn't find myself wanting any more. Even then, a remap would liven it up. However, if you do, the A45's are a great way too go. It would need the Aero kit on it for me aswell, as it just looks like a standard AMG-Line A Class otherwise. That's a good thing for some but not for me, especially.
Stu-nph26 said:
Go drive them mate. I was a little underwhelmed with the A45. I drove the Golf R and the 45 coming from a Scirroco R and wasn't blown away by either. THere are some great deals on M2s floating about
+1 That’s where I’d look. I haven’t driven any FWD transaxle based Haldex AWD cars that have really lit my fire as a drivers car. A45s are properly rapid though. 
Is this true? I'm aware they are powerful hatchbacks but I didn't realise they were this capable. Against a Maclaren, Farrari? Even a Porsche?I've done a few hundred miles in an A45 and I absolutely hated it. I've known a few people buy them and they've lasted between 5 and 12 months.
Take an extended test drive (a full day or a weekend) as a short test drive you'll be so impressed by the grunt you won't realise how unpleasant everything else about it is. Personally I found the driving position very uncomfortable and I couldn't get the seat into a position that didn't hurt my shin due to the angle my ankle was at (this is something that a few other people I've spoken to agreed with), the ride is poor and the exhaust note is just noise. I also really disliked the steering, it's got a variable rack and the responsiveness varies depending on the speed and also the driving mode meaning that steering response can be unpredictable especially if you don't know what mode you are in. I found the steering to be very numb and remote.
It's probably the most disappointing car I've ever driven.
Take an extended test drive (a full day or a weekend) as a short test drive you'll be so impressed by the grunt you won't realise how unpleasant everything else about it is. Personally I found the driving position very uncomfortable and I couldn't get the seat into a position that didn't hurt my shin due to the angle my ankle was at (this is something that a few other people I've spoken to agreed with), the ride is poor and the exhaust note is just noise. I also really disliked the steering, it's got a variable rack and the responsiveness varies depending on the speed and also the driving mode meaning that steering response can be unpredictable especially if you don't know what mode you are in. I found the steering to be very numb and remote.
It's probably the most disappointing car I've ever driven.
Edited by TXG399 on Friday 27th April 11:28
A45 is definitely more of an "event" to drive- better engine and it feels and sounds more special. The brakes are fantastic. The gearbox is awful, particularly on pre-FL cars. The ride is pretty poor, especially on the 19" wheels.
The Golf R is better damped for UK roads and probably a bit more enjoyable overall. The DSG box is much better than the Merc double-clutch. The engine wasn't particularly exciting.
I personally preferred the A45 out of it and the Golf R, but ended up buying an M140i because I found it far more enjoyable to drive than either.
The Golf R is better damped for UK roads and probably a bit more enjoyable overall. The DSG box is much better than the Merc double-clutch. The engine wasn't particularly exciting.
I personally preferred the A45 out of it and the Golf R, but ended up buying an M140i because I found it far more enjoyable to drive than either.
Edited by ManOpener on Friday 27th April 11:48
I had an A45 as a demo from late December to early this month and put nearly 11000 miles on it. My only gripe was the exhaust was a bit drone like, but not enough to put me off the car. Suspension isn't uncomfortable in comfort mode, yes it's firm, but then anything in that class of car will be and it only really jarred on the worst of potholes and speed bumps.
They're bloody quick (it would leave my 996 for dead), I did a fair few journeys of 3 hours or so in them no problem. I though the seats were great in them, supportive without being uncomfortable. I do have a large friend though and he didn't find them comfy, but then he does take up a lot of room
They're bloody quick (it would leave my 996 for dead), I did a fair few journeys of 3 hours or so in them no problem. I though the seats were great in them, supportive without being uncomfortable. I do have a large friend though and he didn't find them comfy, but then he does take up a lot of room
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