New Merc A Class takes the fight to VW Golf

[DoggieHowser]

And it doesn't look as bad as the BMW 1 series

New Mercedes Benz A class hatchback | Cheap luxury small cars

New Mercedes-Benz A-Class

[Bflat]

I dig it.

It's got a nice character, unlike the last one (that had aids).

[sabloke]

Looks like an Astra J with MB badge slapped on

[Smead]

I don't mind it at all. Be interesting to see how MB price it

HaHa i agree there Bflat, the last one looked arse, like an overdone Colt

[Ryan_R]

I like how all the articles of new hot hatches say "to compete with the Golf GTI".

That must mean we've already made a good choice.

[gecko2k]

It's got a nice character, unlike the last one (that had aids).

True that, but BOOOI they are so roomy. Traveling in them is just so chilled and relaxing.

And you can fit a large (not legal though) amount of people in.

I believe Brabus offered a package for them too....

[jacob13]

read the stuff it is not clear to me it is confusing to me.

[GTI4fun]

I'll be def test driving one of these, however they don't mention the A-250 model or the AMG version which will be avail. in europe

[jamesatfish]

I'll be def test driving one of these, however they don't mention the A-250 model or the AMG version which will be avail. in europe

The information I've been given by our AMG dealer is that the A45 is scheduled to arrive in Australia in late 2013. Apparently it'll be a 2.0l Turbo engine, AWD and be good for a low 5-second sprint to 100kph. It's expected to arrive somewhere in the $80-90K mark depending on what ends up being included as the standard config.

Seems like it will be pitched at buyers of the Audi S3 / RS3 / BMW 1M rather than the Golf R / BMW 135.

[GTI4fun]

The information I've been given by our AMG dealer is that the A45 is scheduled to arrive in Australia in late 2013. Apparently it'll be a 2.0l Turbo engine, AWD and be good for a low 5-second sprint to 100kph. It's expected to arrive somewhere in the $80-90K mark depending on what ends up being included as the standard config.

Seems like it will be pitched at buyers of the Audi S3 / RS3 / BMW 1M rather than the Golf R / BMW 135.

Since when are people willing to pay $90k for a hatchback vehicle?? i don't see myself paying even $70k might as well add another 10-20k and get a nice convertible.

[Njay]

Mercedes had the official launch party for the a250 last week and haven't decided if the amg version will be coming to Australia yet as the prices will be to high for Australian Market

My source is my mate whose an accountant at Mercedes Australia

[Diesel_vert]

I like how all the articles of new hot hatches say "to compete with the Golf GTI".

That must mean we've already made a good choice.

The article/s may say that, but the Mercedes A-class is a direct competitor to the Audi A3 range or BMW 1-series (and always has been), rather than a Volkswagen Golf range.

Seems like it will be pitched at buyers of the Audi S3 / RS3 / BMW 1M rather than the Golf R / BMW 135.

Bingo.

Since when are people willing to pay $90k for a hatchback vehicle?? i don't see myself paying even $70k might as well add another 10-20k and get a nice convertible.

The same who might consider the vehicles above - which can be considered stupidly expensive small cars, or a bargain alternative to the Audi S4/RS4, BMW M3, Merc C63 AMG, etc - depending on one's point of view.

[jamesatfish]

Mercedes had the official launch party for the a250 last week and haven't decided if the amg version will be coming to Australia yet as the prices will be to high for Australian Market

My source is my mate whose an accountant at Mercedes Australia

Different from the story I was given, but sounds like your mate has a closer ear to the ground than what I'd heard through the dealer network.

Still, I believe that Australia is the 5th largest AMG market worldwide, and that the C63 comprises 20% of total C-Class sales, so a sub-$100K AMG model could be perfect for our market.

[Njay]

estimated drive away prices were around $100,000 and Mercedes are still trying determine whether the amg will be feasible in the Australian market, however the M1 has been a success at similar prices

[mfl]

from Carpoint

What also augurs well for the A 250 Sport is indicative pricing. Benz insiders insist that the A 250 Sport will hit the market at close, perhaps under $50K. Given the level of standard equipment -- DCT transmission, leather, satnav, unique exterior detailing and high-spec wheels and tyres -- that should compare favourably with the heavily option GTIs that seem to inhabit Aussie roads in increasing numbers.

At that price point I certainly would take a look at the A250 Sport, interested to see how the 7sp DCT works.