New Merc A Class takes the fight to VW Golf

[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.

[jamesatfish]

Looks like the entry level A Class will come in around $36K - so things are looking good for the A250 Sport to come in at a GTI competitive price too.

[jessv3]

Looks like the entry level A Class will come in around $36K - so things are looking good for the A250 Sport to come in at a GTI competitive price too.

The pricing is out for the a250 and it's 49k, it's annoying me that the jurno's are dubbing it the gti killer when they should be comparing it to the golf r which is the same price but has much more power and is awd. Personally at first glance the a250 seems way over priced, much like the BMW 1 series..

[DoggieHowser]

49k is probably what the GTI would be like optioned up with what comes standard on the A250Sport

AMG rims
Reverse camera
Park Assist
Bixenon headlights

Not sure about the rest.

[alebonau]

The pricing is out for the a250 and it's 49k, it's annoying me that the jurno's are dubbing it the gti killer when they should be comparing it to the golf r which is the same price but has much more power and is awd. Personally at first glance the a250 seems way over priced, much like the BMW 1 series..

as doggie has mentioend the merc a250 is very highly specd. my mk6 gti optioned as it is costs pretty much same as the a250 so its a good comparison I think. option up the golf r to same as a250 I think its closer to $65k last time I checked !

things might change with the mk7 golf but at the present the merc a250 has the golf gti fairly and squarely in its sights !

ps been posting a bit of stuff re merc a250 like local reviews etc in the stiff competition thread,

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/foru...tml#post913062

links to the local reviews so far possibly better posted here,

[alebonau]

merc has released the a250 to the press for reviews and they have flooded in the last few days and all very enthusiastic about this new hot hatch contender ..

this review published in the herald sun gave it 4.5/5
http://www.carsguide...st_drive_review

excellent video review in drive
http://theage.drive....0208-2e20v.html

and a few other local aussie reviews of the a250
http://www.carsales....ch-review-34953

http://www.themotorr...oad-test-review

http://www.goauto.co...A257B0A00220268

http://www.caradvice...0-sport-review/

this thing defiitely going to be a hit