RE: Mercedes-AMG C43 estate: Driven

[Dave Hedgehog]

Greenhill said:

Interesting comments. As regards the question on the ride, I was aware of the reviews and set out on my first drive in it with some trepidation, but have found the suspension perfectly adept at handling the crappy road surfaces in the rural part of central and south west UK where the car will spend most of it's time. I would certainly compare it favourably to the ride quality in the RS4 outside of the Audi 'Dynamic' setting which was quite frankly impossible to live with if you wanted your fillings to stay in. As a certain Mr. J Clarkson bellowed from the pages of his Sunday Times Motoring column.

As regards the 'is it or isn't a real AMG' debate - truthfully, I don't care. Will I drive it on the limits and notice the disparity between the C43 and C63? No. Does the missus like it? Yes. Is it a lightening quick load hauler suitable for carrying large dogs, garden waste and the detritus of having a property in the wilds of Somerset? Yes. Will I trade it in when Audi get their act together and present us with a new RS4? Possibly.

In the meantime, I think I'm going to thoroughly enjoy it.

i think the reality is that these 'sub' AMG's are intended to be the equivalent of the audi S models, more focused on daily use than the top spec AMG/RS models

[Greenhill]

Dave Hedgehog said:

i think the reality is that these 'sub' AMG's are intended to be the equivalent of the audi S models, more focused on daily use than the top spec AMG/RS models

Agreed. And that being said, it does a fine job from what I've seen so far. I'm not so fortunate that I can buy a car purely for my own selfish enjoyment and need to consider wifey's comfort and safety as well, hence the C43. I think this response also answers the question as to why would I not have gone straight for the C63. If the criteria for selection had been purely based on balls-to-the-wall driving attributes, I may have done - but it didn't. So Merc have found their market.

[urquattroGus]

I've been lining up both the C63 and Guilia QV as my next car to replace my M135i.

Both are possible, but a bit of a stretch.

If anything there is a degree of "how will it look at work" factor at our family business.

Being able to buy a C43 Estate fully optioned up, with a good discount, AWD traction etc is an interesting proposition.

It also has a degree of stealth/sleeper to it that the M135i also has, so it does appeal.

Failing that the RS3 Saloon is also on the list, but I bet it's very cramped inside and comes out dear after options I would guess.

I suspect if I drive the new C63 or Giulia then they may be a must have, but going for the modest C43 would be a good sporty but refined car for work, and then there is more money to spend on toys and classics.

Think I would also buy the Brabus Re-Map to 410 bhp and enjoy havinga sleeper if I was to buy one.

[Greenhill]

urquattroGus said:

I've been lining up both the C63 and Guilia QV as my next car to replace my M135i.

Both are possible, but a bit of a stretch.

If anything there is a degree of "how will it look at work" factor at our family business.

Being able to buy a C43 Estate fully optioned up, with a good discount, AWD traction etc is an interesting proposition.

It also has a degree of stealth/sleeper to it that the M135i also has, so it does appeal.

Failing that the RS3 Saloon is also on the list, but I bet it's very cramped inside and comes out dear after options I would guess.

I suspect if I drive the new C63 or Giulia then they may be a must have, but going for the modest C43 would be a good sporty but refined car for work, and then there is more money to spend on toys and classics.

Think I would also buy the Brabus Re-Map to 410 bhp and enjoy havinga sleeper if I was to buy one.

Give it a go, particularly if discrete looks are a factor. The only thing that seems to draw attention is the surprise factor from drivers of rep boxes when it disappears, rapidly. And the extra shouty AMG exhaust when I feel suitably childish to switch it on.

[Ahbefive]

Burwood said:

33 mpg for the c63. Yeah, right ....

Exactly what I thought. No chance. Also this will not be averaging 36mpg. Nonsense

[LambShank]

Have the M3 to replace in 10 months time and this looks like a contender.
However, having just listened to a few videos of it, it makes that horrible wet fart noise when changing through the gears.

Somewhat spoiled it for me.

[Greenhill]

LambShank said:

Have the M3 to replace in 10 months time and this looks like a contender.
However, having just listened to a few videos of it, it makes that horrible wet fart noise when changing through the gears.

Somewhat spoiled it for me.

Depends on how you set it up. You can avoid the flatulence altogether by ignoring the 'Sport +' setting.