RE: Mercedes-AMG A45 facelift: Review
Discussion
Leins said:
Thanks for the reply Tom. TBH I don't really know myself 
From what I've read on Haldex, I've seen mention of normal running being a front/rear 95/05 split, only putting more torque to the back when required
Missed this until now - the key is in the interpretation of "when required". Cruising at a steady speed, 95/5 is realistic, but it'll quickly ramp up when you start asking for performance. Every application of the tech of course has a different calibration, some more aggressive than others. From what I've read on Haldex, I've seen mention of normal running being a front/rear 95/05 split, only putting more torque to the back when requiredWithout getting too deep into it, and stealing from a previous post (of mine, such a nerd), the following factors are considered by the Haldex ECU even in the earliest VAG applications:
- Accelerator pedal position
- Brake light activation
- ABS activation
- ESP activation
- Handbrake position
- Engine speed
- Wheel speed (here's the "slip" input)
- Longitudinal acceleration
LittleEnus said:
Hideous piece of new-money tat. Merc have really lost their way with lit up sill logos and nasty vents inside. The outsides are appalling. All fake ducts and Christmas lights.
Goes well but you can make anything fast.
I was thinking of a way to put it, but you have summed it up. Another flatulent 4WD turbocharged auto. Installation of the new Merc V6 and Hybrid system could make this more interesting.Goes well but you can make anything fast.
It's all the same with these cars - chasing the YouTube drag times crowd without any substance.
tomjol said:
Missed this until now - the key is in the interpretation of "when required". Cruising at a steady speed, 95/5 is realistic, but it'll quickly ramp up when you start asking for performance. Every application of the tech of course has a different calibration, some more aggressive than others.
Without getting too deep into it, and stealing from a previous post (of mine, such a nerd), the following factors are considered by the Haldex ECU even in the earliest VAG applications:
Interesting. I agree that these systems have taken a bit of a bashing from some in the motoring press, and with little experience of them I'd always wondered if it was justifiedWithout getting too deep into it, and stealing from a previous post (of mine, such a nerd), the following factors are considered by the Haldex ECU even in the earliest VAG applications:
- Accelerator pedal position
- Brake light activation
- ABS activation
- ESP activation
- Handbrake position
- Engine speed
- Wheel speed (here's the "slip" input)
- Longitudinal acceleration
The biggest problem isn't the looks. They are subjective and whilst I much prefer my w202, they aren't that bad.
The biggest problem with the A45 (and others of it's ilk) is that there is precious little fun to be had without attracting the attention of your local law enforcement.
The sound is synthetic, and levels of grip so great that when you get used to the speed (and you will) there's not really a lot to distract you from the realisation that there just isn't any fun to be had.
It's a great car, of course it is, but for me I like my AMGs to be a little more analogue.
Ahbefive said:
This looks at least £10k overpriced. Depreciation on these will be epic.
I quite like them overall (like anything small and and powerful really) but so overpriced, ugly and auto only.
Rather sadly, they are in line with the price of an M2 and also of an RS3. There is clearly a market for them that "the big three" german brands want to tap into.I quite like them overall (like anything small and and powerful really) but so overpriced, ugly and auto only.
Depreciation isnt epic. They're £40K ish new and 10% seems easy enough to get off the list price.
The cheapest one with average miles at 3 years old is on Autotrader at £26K and thats a private sale.
I'd imagine getting one new for around £400 a month wouldnt be much of a problem on a PCP deal or a lease. Of interest, the supposedly £11K cheaper Subaru WRX STI is £399 a month on Subarus website on their PCP deal.
I'd say a Focus RS is similar at around £400 ish a month.
Also worth remembering, relative to price that the likes of an RS Focus is in theory £10K cheaper, but theres no discounts available and theres a year odd waiting list unless you're willing to pay a premium. So get 10% off the Merc and we drop to a £6K difference.
grumpynuts said:
Christ it's ugly. Who in their right mind would buy one of these horrors?
Firstly thats a subjective view, and secondly, have cars to be pretty to sell? I dont recall too many Subarus or Evos for that matter that were deemed pretty?Its different, ridiculously fast, laiden with technology, a hoot to drive and practical too.
Ahbefive said:
I was talking about the car in the article. At £52k depreciation will indeed be epic. I was not talking anything to do with PCP deals just as a price for the car as tested. It will likely lose £20k in those 1st 3 years.
A £50k+ car losing £20k in the first three years would be very strong residuals. Not many cars manage to hold onto >60% of their new value after three years. Ahbefive said:
I was talking about the car in the article. At £52k depreciation will indeed be epic. I was not talking anything to do with PCP deals just as a price for the car as tested. It will likely lose £20k in those 1st 3 years.
Its a heavily spec'd demonstration car. Its hardly representative of a typical A45.Spec any car to a stupid amount and you'll lose most of that value instantly.
Ahbefive said:
I was talking about the car in the article. At £52k depreciation will indeed be epic. I was not talking anything to do with PCP deals just as a price for the car as tested. It will likely lose £20k in those 1st 3 years.
And likewise - like most new cars these days - the list price is pretty much irrelevant. Most new cars are PCP'd or leased, so cars like this will live or die on those deals, not the depreciation that a cash buyer who paid list might theoretically suffer.kambites said:
Ahbefive said:
I was talking about the car in the article. At £52k depreciation will indeed be epic. I was not talking anything to do with PCP deals just as a price for the car as tested. It will likely lose £20k in those 1st 3 years.
A £50k+ car losing £20k in the first three years would be very strong residuals. Not many cars manage to hold onto >60% of their new value after three years. And factor in a 10% discount and it looks even better.
I find the petrol heads that dismiss these types of cars as mentioned earlier as "overpriced tat" have never been anywhere near an a45, golf r, rs3, focus rs, I like my pre facelift a45 because it's raw, noisey, uncomfortable, slips under the radar without the aerokit and resale silver we have an octavia Vrs estate that does the everyday/trips away duties. As I said earlier there isn't many cars for the price that will cover ground as quick for the price.
ubbs said:
I find the petrol heads that dismiss these types of cars as mentioned earlier as "overpriced tat" have never been anywhere near an a45, golf r, rs3, focus rs, I like my pre facelift a45 because it's raw, noisey, uncomfortable, slips under the radar without the aerokit and resale silver we have an octavia Vrs estate that does the everyday/trips away duties. As I said earlier there isn't many cars for the price that will cover ground as quick for the price.
The cars you mentioned cover a wide spectrum in the market though, in terms of cost at least.kambites said:
A £50k+ car losing £20k in the first three years would be very strong residuals. Not many cars manage to hold onto >60% of their new value after three years.
Not terrible as a percentage perhaps but a lot to lose on a car in not much time. A golf R/RS etc will lose half of this although I guess they are nearly half the money. It just seems a lot of money for not mo more car than those. I guess the badge plays a big part.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff