New Merc A Class takes the fight to VW Golf

**gavs** · 09-04-2013, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by alebonau

loving my a250. I agree in ride its far an away a clear step forward from the gti. a lot more refined, has better road holding literally hugs the road with better grip and traction putting power down. both inside and out a clear step forward as well. I still cant believe it has cost me pretty much what my gti was worth.

ps re the auto box it does learn your driving style shift pattern etc. theres a few shift modes as well, in sport, eco and M manual. I havent bothered too much with manual. been pretty happy between eco or sport

I disagree. I've driven one and it was an understeering, uncommunicative pig of a thing and the run flats (tis the only thing I can put it down to) put a horrible harmonic through the car. I'd take my money and put it on a proper performance hatch like the RS260 or new Focus ST and keep the saved coin for insurance and rego for the next 3 years.

**walbjj** · 09-04-2013, 09:55 PM

as i said, the car drove really nice. much better than the gti. i didnt flog the thing, but i drove it hard enough to know that it was no where near as quick or powerful as my apr stg 1 gti, no where near. it felt like a stock gti.
the biggest letdown tho, and ive said it before is the auto box. u can cut it anyway u like, but its still an auto gearbox and will never have the same connection that a manual box gives u. ever

**walbjj** · 09-04-2013, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by gavs

I disagree. I've driven one and it was an understeering, uncommunicative pig of a thing and the run flats (tis the only thing I can put it down to) put a horrible harmonic through the car. I'd take my money and put it on a proper performance hatch like the RS260 or new Focus ST and keep the saved coin for insurance and rego for the next 3 years.

while i agree that the 2 cars u noted are nice, they r nowhere near the level of refinement of the mb or a vw. and thats what a lot of those buyers want. a refined, somewhat sporty car. if they wanted an outright hot hatch, they wouldnt be getting a 5 dr auto, but a 3dr manual

**alebonau** · 09-04-2013, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by gavs

I disagree. I've driven one and it was an understeering, uncommunicative pig of a thing and the run flats (tis the only thing I can put it down to) put a horrible harmonic through the car. I'd take my money and put it on a proper performance hatch like the RS260 or new Focus ST and keep the saved coin for insurance and rego for the next 3 years.

no run flats. it runs contisport 5p's as stock. I wouldnt get a RS260 or a focus ST. neither are my kind of car.

it handles and is quicker than my golf gti I had so a good step forward for me. and a clear step both inside and out so pretty happy

**alebonau** · 09-04-2013, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by walbjj

as i said, the car drove really nice. much better than the gti. i didnt flog the thing, but i drove it hard enough to know that it was no where near as quick or powerful as my apr stg 1 gti, no where near. it felt like a stock gti.
the biggest letdown tho, and ive said it before is the auto box. u can cut it anyway u like, but its still an auto gearbox and will never have the same connection that a manual box gives u. ever

yep runs a 7 speed dsg, so if wanting a manual look else where. where my stock mk6 gti use to struggle for traction of the line even could get it to axle tramp the merc doesnt do any of that. much more composed and quicker off the line and way it puts power down is a very smooth gush of speed as races through the gears

but yeah those wanting a manual will probably choose otherwise. myself after 3 years with the dsg in the golf see it as a smooth transition !

**gavs** · 09-04-2013, 10:02 PM

So long as you're happy with it mate, that's the main thing

**alebonau** · 09-04-2013, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by walbjj

while i agree that the 2 cars u noted are nice, they r nowhere near the level of refinement of the mb or a vw. and thats what a lot of those buyers want. a refined, somewhat sporty car. if they wanted an outright hot hatch, they wouldnt be getting a 5 dr auto, but a 3dr manual

yep theres also the astra opc and other cars if looking for a 3 door. the golf gti / merc a250 are great cars I reckon where wanting a practical 5 door hatch and yet with plenty of poke and decent handling for a bit of fun.

**alebonau** · 09-04-2013, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by gavs

So long as you're happy with it mate, that's the main thing

yep not to take anythign away from the mk6 golf gti. loved it very much as a car while I had it and no doubt it and mk7 gti when it comes be well sought after cars as well

**TuNeS** · 10-04-2013, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by gavs

I disagree. I've driven one and it was an understeering, uncommunicative pig of a thing and the run flats (tis the only thing I can put it down to) put a horrible harmonic through the car. I'd take my money and put it on a proper performance hatch like the RS260 or new Focus ST and keep the saved coin for insurance and rego for the next 3 years.

Maybe I am starting to get too old. Seriously, how often would you be pushing your car hard enough to geniunely understeer on the road? If the answer is all the time, then do it on the race track and buy a proper race car. People are looking at the GTI and A250 because they are refined, a pleasure to drive as a daily commuter and offer a bit of fun.

**DoggieHowser** · 10-04-2013, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by TuNeS

Maybe I am starting to get too old. Seriously, how often would you be pushing your car hard enough to geniunely understeer on the road? If the answer is all the time, then do it on the race track and buy a proper race car. People are looking at the GTI and A250 because they are refined, a pleasure to drive as a daily commuter and offer a bit of fun.

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