A200 or wait for the Turbo

[cntlaw]

I have heard that the new A class will have a turbo version which has 200hp , is this true and when is it due to be on sale ?
Thanks

[Bilal]

Here in the UK at least, the A-class doesn't get unveiled for 4 months! I think the turbo version will be mid next year. Hopefully slightly earlier.

I have a current A-class and by anyone's standards, its pretty bad. Not only in ride (which is as hard as a Lamborghini) and the quality is very disappointing. Dynamically, the car is completely inadequate, lots of understeer and not enough grip.

The new A-class is phenomenal a car by comparison. MB spent a lot of development time here and its quality is fantastic, all areas the previous car fell short on have been dramatically improved. The ride quality they say is very good. I can't wait to drive one.

As for A200 vs Turbo. I have heard the Turbo has 193hp. According to a magazine it will come in bothe Elegance and Avantgarde versions. But going by the previous A210 A-class that car had bigger brakes/bigger rims and hence had a very very poor ride. If MB follows this example and only allows a hardcore A200 Turbo, then the ride quality will be lost and the car as a whole will become an aggressive MPV, funny that...

I'd personally rather have the A200T as a comfortable car, if thats the option MB give, I'd wait and go for that. If the A200T is only hardcore, I'd settle for the A200 or A200CDi. (More torque in diesel)

Your choice...

[14+obsessed]

has anyone got the A210 yet?

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by Bilal

Here in the UK at least, the A-class doesn't get unveiled for 4 months! I think the turbo version will be mid next year. Hopefully slightly earlier.

I have a current A-class and by anyone's standards, its pretty bad. Not only in ride (which is as hard as a Lamborghini) and the quality is very disappointing. Dynamically, the car is completely inadequate, lots of understeer and not enough grip.

The new A-class is phenomenal a car by comparison. MB spent a lot of development time here and its quality is fantastic, all areas the previous car fell short on have been dramatically improved. The ride quality they say is very good. I can't wait to drive one.

Your choice...

Hi,
If you have a chance to test drive a new A class A200, please let me know how it is comparing to your old one.
I m thinking to replace my Honda Accord 2.4 to A200 or a BMW 120i
The reason is the fuel savings that would compensate my C55 big fuel eater
cnt

[Bilal]

I'll definitely let you know but the problem is we don't get the car until April/may....If its fuel economy you're after the A200 "CDI" will be your best bet. It gives adequate performance as well, 140bhp, but the torque figure should more than compensate....

BTw, thanks for replying after 2 months! :p

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by Bilal

I'll definitely let you know but the problem is we don't get the car until April/may....If its fuel economy you're after the A200 "CDI" will be your best bet. It gives adequate performance as well, 140bhp, but the torque figure should more than compensate....

BTw, thanks for replying after 2 months! :p

Bilal
In HK, CDI is prohibited. We only use unleaded petrol fuel
The Accord 2.4 full tank can do 600km+ which is already much better than my C55's 350km a full tank. Actually, I am really thinking to depart from Japanese cars and get a small European car with new technology. It might even be a Audi A3 sportback, a BMW 120i or a A200 , which I guess are heat of 2005. But I have heard that Audi cars eat lot of fuel?
The 2-door A200 looks pretty neat. A silver will match my other cars' colors and a black is cool too!

cnt
p.s. actually.. I forgot my post in this thread and accidentally found my name here :p so I might as well reply+ask another question

[Bilal]

I see, no diesel in HK. Well, you'll have the choice of A200 or Turbo. I wouldn't go for a lesser model as the performance will be undesirable....Apprently I have heard rumours that the Turbo will be a normal Mercedes model so you can specify with Avantgarde /Elegance. Unlike the last model's A-class top of the line engine which only came with sports suspension and big alloys. The new model I think will be just like a regular engine in the lineup, albeit the most powerful one...
This is great news. If you're willing to sacrifice some fuel economy for performance, then the Turbo will be a good car, but thats what any MB fan will tell you Drive both and see what you'd like. Me personally, if I were stuck with the petrol models, I would ignore the A200, I4 engines have a tendency to feel strangled at times. The turbo should give lots of low down torque and a good refined sound plus smooth power delivery, the A200 may be harsher/coarser. But lets wait for the fuel/range figures before any final decision.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by Bilal

I see, no diesel in HK. Well, you'll have the choice of A200 or Turbo. I wouldn't go for a lesser model as the performance will be undesirable....Apprently I have heard rumours that the Turbo will be a normal Mercedes model so you can specify with Avantgarde /Elegance. Unlike the last model's A-class top of the line engine which only came with sports suspension and big alloys. The new model I think will be just like a regular engine in the lineup, albeit the most powerful one...
This is great news. If you're willing to sacrifice some fuel economy for performance, then the Turbo will be a good car, but thats what any MB fan will tell you Drive both and see what you'd like. Me personally, if I were stuck with the petrol models, I would ignore the A200, I4 engines have a tendency to feel strangled at times. The turbo should give lots of low down torque and a good refined sound plus smooth power delivery, the A200 may be harsher/coarser. But lets wait for the fuel/range figures before any final decision.

I see......many thinkings....thanks

I would avoid to be on Advangarde again since my W210 E320 was one.
For a small car, I want comfort, and will try to take that racing image out of my mind. I tried Elegant on other models, and that's a real MB feel.

I would get away from sports suspension if I could help.
Of course, that will always depend on what physical appearance differences (outlook and interior) between a Elegant and a Advangarde.

I want a a A200 look classy, as deluxe as possible. I probably would avoid paint such as silver, black, grey...white.
I hate purple or green color but I would love to see a bloody red color A200 !
Of course, it takes a hell of mental adjustment to go for a A200 while I been owned W210 and W203 :p

I first thought I would not want a Turbo , if sporty is what I am after; the A200 look is not as sporty as the 120i. But, as what you say, the I4 is not quite the right engine for demanding driver......well, let's see what is the final
out come . Not until I can see the real thing....

Having said all these ................deep in my heart I can see a black A Turbo parking next to my C55 already :p

Cheers
cnt

[Bilal]

I know what you mean. The UK roads are AWFUL. You have to be complete loon to buy a hard riding car for everday use. Not only does it completely take away the comfort, but also your interior suffers with rattles. The Elegance would be your best bet, but it just looks so van-like compared to the Avantgarde A-class. Don't be fooled, I have heard completley different stories about ride quality. Some say its a big improvement over the last model and quite smooth, others say the exact opposite. Makes you want to definitely test drive one before buying one.

I suggest you check out the Golf/A3/120i before coming to the A-class, needless to say, those cars may be much better suited to your needs than the A.

But if you want to screw ride quality, screw fuel consumption, then a 6 speed A200T Avantgarde in black is umm, quite tempting..best of luck with your decision

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by Bilal

I know what you mean. The UK roads are AWFUL. You have to be complete loon to buy a hard riding car for everday use. Not only does it completely take away the comfort, but also your interior suffers with rattles. The Elegance would be your best bet, but it just looks so van-like compared to the Avantgarde A-class. Don't be fooled, I have heard completley different stories about ride quality. Some say its a big improvement over the last model and quite smooth, others say the exact opposite. Makes you want to definitely test drive one before buying one.

I suggest you check out the Golf/A3/120i before coming to the A-class, needless to say, those cars may be much better suited to your needs than the A.

But if you want to screw ride quality, screw fuel consumption, then a 6 speed A200T Avantgarde in black is umm, quite tempting..best of luck with your decision

Bilal

Seems no matter which country people live in , they complain their roads are bumpy. Believe or not , H.K. is the worse one because of continuous road works in this tiny city. ( But we do not have big holes unfilled on main roads like in Bangkok and Manila )

I overcome and accpeted the W210 Advangarde and that is my limit. My C55 is unacceptabe to ride on most roads in H.K.

I definitely agree with you that I would not want to get a van :p
A3 Sportsback seems cool !


cnt

[cntlaw]

My ex-E320 W210 was a Advangarde, the suspension is stiffer than an Elegant. I believe the new A class A200 Advangarde 's suspension ir stiffer than if it were a Elegant , is this true?
For sake of cute, easy driving and comfort , I might settle with an Elegant with nice wood trim..etc . However, what are the other significances of the two?