Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - First Edition

[Tobes_WIR35]

The A250 seems to have some pretty trick features, but I'm not sure whether they'll be standard or (costly) options. Probably the latter

[alebonau]

this quote here from the car sales review is encouraging as far as what is standard,

Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport: Quick Spin

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.

It'll take a drive back-to-back to decide whether the A really is a GTI beater. But the fact we're even making that statement is proof positive of how far Benz's hatch has come.

wow with that standard line up, only option Id want is the sunroof, i they can get that on the road for $50k Id be mighty pleased !

[WhiteJames]

I think an really good all-rounder car that may have been overlooked is the new Audi 1.8 TSI all-wheel drive. Plenty of power for your average joe coupled with AWD for all conditions, relatively light weight (1300kgs) and good fuel economy.

On another note ... had a look a the Toyota FT86 last week. The ergonomics are not great. The steering wheel does not come up high enough or far-out enough with seat set to lowest position. Feels like an Impreza seating position, or slighly lower, with the rest of the Coupe lowered in every other aspect (motor, gearbox, dash). Sort a bit like my old 1988 Toyota Celica SX that was based on the Camry architecture. I didn't feel this with the Mazda MX5 re: seating position and ergonomics. The FT86 door feels tinny, the interior is definitely Subaru cheap (much worse than anything from Toyota) except for parts that the driver actually touches. The seats were an bit firm in the mid to lower back for medium build average height male. Boot is smaller than pics have indicated. Haven't driven the FT86 or BRZ yet ... it doesn't look like a place to spend a long time in ... my Golf GTI is much much niceer inside with proper reach adjustment for steering wheel.

Cheers.
WJ

[clip]

On another note ... had a look a the Toyota FT86 last week. The ergonomics are not great. The steering wheel does not come up high enough or far-out enough with seat set to lowest position...

YUK, they'll sell few, and the ones that do will have zero resale. Just not in the league.

[Tobes_WIR35]

I think they'll sell a lot, purely because the Jap fans haven't had a decent, affordable, rear wheel drive sports coupe since (arguably) the mid 90's. That said, I am pretty let down. I had much higher hopes for the car, and prices in the high 30's and 40's is not great value in my opinion. If they were to bring out a tuned turbo version I might be more interested

[alebonau]

thing with interiors of cars it is the one thing that you are interacting with when driving a car. I can never understand car makers who strip that out. ok sure for a race car. but a road car ? I dont get it. unless they were trying to keep the dash as though it belonged in something from 1986 ?

it will sell heaps. but yeah driving a golf gti for last couple of years, I couldnt handle such a downgrade to the interior. but really the 86 is definitely such a different car both inside and out..and in fairness to get it at $30k I guess something had to be stripped back.

anyways all my reading of the a250 is really ticking boxes for me. but I fear I will not be able to afford one ! lets see...

excellent 1st drive review on carsales here,
http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2...h-review-31117

[Tobes_WIR35]

I doubt you'd get one for 30k. All the ones on carsales are into the high 30's and well into the mid 40's, which is a bit steep in my opinion.

[team_v]

I doubt you'd get one for 30k. All the ones on carsales are into the high 30's and well into the mid 40's, which is a bit steep in my opinion.

Dealers are bumping up the RRP by 2k and then you add on any options and dealer charges and it jumps to 35k for the base spec one.

[Captain Courteous]

Yeah because they know there's a big waiting list for them..

I agree with Tobes_WIR35 they should have done a turbo.. I'm surprised Subaru isn't even going to offer it on their version, the BRZ, nor are they doing AWD.. You'd think they would do so to set it apart from the Toyota..


Personally the Scirocco looks ten times better.. What are the chances VW will bring the entire range here?

[alebonau]

another pretty comprehensive review here on the new merc A series..

New Mercedes-Benz A-Class (12 on) Car Review - Summary | Parkers