Merc A45s...

[SaraS3]

Lovely jubbly. Looks good matching the yellow. I've got mine set to purple as it might look like a red light district if I match my red bits and belts but yours looks brighter. I wondered if your belts were yellow too but can see they are black.
There are a lot of things on these cars aren't there. I have a completely unnecessary gforce display

 

[Ron240]

For the ambient lighting....what is it 64 different colour choices? Complete overkill but great fun all the same.
I'm sensing lots of photos are going to be taken of this car....and rightly so.

 

[Audi Bairn]

a few more pics to keep the photo hungry crowd happy

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Stunning new car,
Immaculate driveway (zero moss or weeds),
Lovely house (it isn’t a Redrow built one is it?)

Good times

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Stunning new car,
Immaculate driveway (zero moss or weeds),
Lovely house (it isn’t a Redrow built one is it?)

Good times

Ha ha cheers mate
Yes I do like to look after the drive

 

[wab172uk]

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Nice.

Looks very plain without the Aero pack. Quite dull tbh. But surely the ultimate Q car in that form.

But then the Aero pack make is look all boy racer, which would not be something I'd want. Just a shame Mercedes couldn't have given the A45s more subtly aggressive styling, so everyone knew what is was,without all the `boy racer` bits stuck on.

Hows the ride? The A35 AMG, complete with boy racer aero pack I test drove, have the harshest crashiest ride in a car I've ever experienced. And I own a Twingo RS which is too extreme for most people

 

[Terminator x]

Nice.

Looks very plain without the Aero pack. Quite dull tbh. But surely the ultimate Q car in that form.

But then the Aero pack make is look all boy racer, which would not be something I'd want. Just a shame Mercedes couldn't have given the A45s more subtly aggressive styling, so everyone knew what is was,without all the `boy racer` bits stuck on.

Hows the ride? The A35 AMG, complete with boy racer aero pack I test drove, have the harshest crashiest ride in a car I've ever experienced. And I own a Twingo RS which is too extreme for most people

You must be soft as feck then as our A35 is fine!

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

 

[Ron240]

@Snake Pliskin Does your car have augmented reality for navigation?
It should have it as standard but there is a an ongoing problem at the moment affecting the whole range where new factory built cars are not coming with it.
I first heard about this in late January and nobody at Mercedes seems to know how long it will last, but there is an official retail price reduction of £150 to compensate for it.
It's a shame because I was looking forward to trying out this technology.

 

[Ron240]

Looks very plain without the Aero pack. Quite dull tbh.
But then the Aero pack make is look all boy racer, which would not be something I'd want.
Just a shame Mercedes couldn't have given the A45s more subtly aggressive styling, so everyone knew what is was,without all the `boy racer` bits stuck on.

I see where you're coming from, and its much the same with the S3....very subtle in its styling.
The Plus model of the A45S adds the aero package along with some other things, but at a whopping £6k.
From the front where all models of the A/CLA range look very similar, the 45S is unique with the Panamericana grille which should make it instantly identifiable in your rear view mirror.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Nice.

Looks very plain without the Aero pack. Quite dull tbh. But surely the ultimate Q car in that form.

But then the Aero pack make is look all boy racer, which would not be something I'd want. Just a shame Mercedes couldn't have given the A45s more subtly aggressive styling, so everyone knew what is was,without all the `boy racer` bits stuck on.

Hows the ride? The A35 AMG, complete with boy racer aero pack I test drove, have the harshest crashiest ride in a car I've ever experienced. And I own a Twingo RS which is too extreme for most people

You seem to be in a minority of one that thinks that lol

The car has serious road presence from all angles of the exterior with the exclusive 45s tweaks from AMG and the interior is mind blowing. Its hardly a Q car when you see the thing in real life but I agree it is not as extreme as the cars fitted with the aero - but I respect the owners who want go for that look, but this look is just enough for me (as my last RS3 was).

The ride is really very good actually. Coming from mag ride in my RS3 which was always set to comfort, the AMG suspension is firm but very compliant and supple at the same time. It is not jittery or bouncy and absorbs bumps possibly better than my RS3, as the mag ride did have a tendancy to bounce over uneven road surfaces and the traction light would flicker on. The Merc combined with the Michelin tyres feels incredibly planted vs the inferior Pirellis fitted to the RS3.

It feels a properly sorted car and every time you sit in those amazing seats, which hold and support you in just the right places, it feels special and you know it is very very powerful car. My RS3 always felt special and made me smile, this has moved the game on for me and as I have noted prior, it feels very premium and high end. It feels an absolute bargain for £50k when you factor in the performance, the looks, the quality of materials, fit & finish and how gorgeous the car looks

I've had some very nice Audi's over the last 12 years, but this Merc is spectacular

 

[wab172uk]

You seem to be in a minority of one that thinks that lol

The car has serious road presence from all angles of the exterior with the exclusive 45s tweaks from AMG and the interior is mind blowing. Its hardly a Q car when you see the thing in real life but I agree it is not as extreme as the cars fitted with the aero - but I respect the owners who want go for that look, but this look is just enough for me (as my last RS3 was).

The ride is really very good actually. Coming from mag ride in my RS3 which was always set to comfort, the AMG suspension is firm but very compliant and supple at the same time. It is not jittery or bouncy and absorbs bumps possibly better than my RS3, as the mag ride did have a tendancy to bounce over uneven road surfaces and the traction light would flicker on. The Merc combined with the Michelin tyres feels incredibly planted vs the inferior Pirellis fitted to the RS3.

It feels a properly sorted car and every time you sit in those amazing seats, which hold and support you in just the right places, it feels special and you know it is very very powerful car. My RS3 always felt special and made me smile, this has moved the game on for me and as I have noted prior, it feels very premium and high end. It feels an absolute bargain for £50k when you factor in the performance, the looks, the quality of materials, fit & finish and how gorgeous the car looks

I've had some very nice Audi's over the last 12 years, but this Merc is spectacular

As you say, it'll probably look better in the flesh. Picture sometimes don't do car's justice. Merc dealer did say that Mercedes were changing all the suspension settings for the A35 AMG. So maybe the car I test drove was an early car? A few people have mentioned the harsh ride, so I'm not alone in my judgement. But you would think anyway that the A35 suspension would be different to the A45, just like S3 / RS3.

Those seats do look incredible. It's a shame you can't order them on the A35. But I guess those seats are kept for the best cars?

As you say, and £50k it does look one hell of a bargain, given how much you'd need to spend on something exotic that would even have a chance in leaving the A45s behind.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

As you say, it'll probably look better in the flesh. Picture sometimes don't do car's justice. Merc dealer did say that Mercedes were changing all the suspension settings for the A35 AMG. So maybe the car I test drove was an early car? A few people have mentioned the harsh ride, so I'm not alone in my judgement. But you would think anyway that the A35 suspension would be different to the A45, just like S3 / RS3.

Those seats do look incredible. It's a shame you can't order them on the A35. But I guess those seats are kept for the best cars?

As you say, and £50k it does look one hell of a bargain, given how much you'd need to spend on something exotic that would even have a chance in leaving the A45s behind.

I did actually think that the car does carry more presence in real life than the photo's convey.
You don't get a sense of the width of the car in the photo's - the 45 is 50mm wider than the stndard A class.
That accomodates the bonnet with the 2 bulges (which really do add another dimension to the look of the car IMO) and the flared wheel arches.
It looks very beefy and purposeful in its stance.

The suspension is set quite low so no big arch gap which I like and the unique design 19" alloys with the huge brake calipers look great.
On the side you get the very nice black trim on the lower part of the sill.
And that panamercica grill is what really drew me to this car in the 1st place - it just looks spectacular and looks so mean and impressive.
At the rear, you have the 4 exhaust pipes all in black and each with AMG stamped on them which is a very nice touch.
The rear spoiler also has an added aero lip which again just accentuates the look in a subtle but stylish way.

A lot of attention to detail.

But yes I am more than happy with the suspension - they possibly have re configured it from earlier cars.
I generally have firm feeling suspension having had a TTS and RS3 previously and this is certainly on a similar footing with them.

I'm still learning things day to day with the tech and controls inside the car.

You can change things bu touching the screens / using the touch pad / or using the 2 micro touch pads on the steering wheel.
With the 45 you also get extra buttons on the steering which you can individually configure as short cuts for engine mode, drive select, start stop, dynamics etc.

The Hey Mercedes thing I thought would be a gimmick too, but its very accurate and clever ....
You can adjust heating / cooling temp, seat heating, sat nav routes, telephone, radio, select tracks from the media player by Artist even !

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I see where you're coming from, and its much the same with the S3....very subtle in its styling.
The Plus model of the A45S adds the aero package along with some other things, but at a whopping £6k.
From the front where all models of the A/CLA range look very similar, the 45S is unique with the Panamericana grille which should make it instantly identifiable in your rear view mirror.

Yes mate ...... I wasn't bothered about the aero kit, pano roof, different alloys, selectable suspension etc so an easy decision for me.
You have hit on some of the styling cues of this car as I have also noted above
Exactly the same differences when comparing the S3 to the RS3 and yes that panamericana grille is just stunning.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

@Snake Pliskin Does your car have augmented reality for navigation?
It should have it as standard but there is a an ongoing problem at the moment affecting the whole range where new factory built cars are not coming with it.
I first heard about this in late January and nobody at Mercedes seems to know how long it will last, but there is an official retail price reduction of £150 to compensate for it.
It's a shame because I was looking forward to trying out this technology.

It does indeed ... but I have not got round to trying yet - I'm trying to get my head around all the other stuff first
I will give it a go though

 

[Snake Pliskin]

You must be soft as feck then as our A35 is fine!

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

Yes mate - suspension feels a really good set up.
it handles public roads well, but it is firm enough to know you could really push it round a track if you wanted to.

 

[Ron240]

It does indeed ... but I have not got round to trying yet - I'm trying to get my head around all the other stuff first
I will give it a go though

It seems very interesting...and from what I understand when using the sat nav at street level it using the forward facing camera to show a real image on the sat nav screen which should make it easier to see where you have to go. At all other times the sat nav is normal map view though.
This must mean you car was built before the apparent shortage of this technology began.

 

[SaraS3]

You are right, they do look a lot different in real life I think than the photos.
My partner had a 68 A250 before his A35.
A250 looked better than the lower engined models
A35 looks better than his A250
A45 looks better than the A35
The first thing I noticed on the 45 was the c63 grille. It also has the twin exhausts like the s3 rather than two big ones like the a35 has.
They sit lower as well than a run of the mill hatch. You can just tell in real life that they are something different.
I just thank God that my other half didn't like or want the rear spoiler
I borrowed a new a45 in around 2014 when my first c class had to go in and those seats were like sitting on a garden bench. They've definitely improved the seats

 

[Snake Pliskin]

It seems very interesting...and from what I understand when using the sat nav at street level it using the forward facing camera to show a real image on the sat nav screen which should make it easier to see where you have to go. At all other times the sat nav is normal map view though.
This must mean you car was built before the apparent shortage of this technology began.

Yeah & here's a video of it in action .....

 

[Snake Pliskin]

You are right, they do look a lot different in real life I think than the photos.
My partner had a 68 A250 before his A35.
A250 looked better than the lower engined models
A35 looks better than his A250
A45 looks better than the A35
The first thing I noticed on the 45 was the c63 grille. It also has the twin exhausts like the s3 rather than two big ones like the a35 has.
They sit lower as well than a run of the mill hatch. You can just tell in real life that they are something different.
I just thank God that my other half didn't like or want the rear spoiler
I borrowed a new a45 in around 2014 when my first c class had to go in and those seats were like sitting on a garden bench. They've definitely improved the seats

Absolutely Sara - you definitely need to SEE the cars to appreciate them fully don't you and totally agree on the bonnet and grille. Those 2 elemenst alone completely transform the look and stance of the car in addition to the other changes you mention.

I've been an Audi person for a long time and still love the brand, but Merc really have moved the game on from the old A Class.
The seats are ace and Merc have again struck a perfect balance of comfort and support - plus they look incredible.

 

[NevMan]

Yeah & here's a video of it in action .....

That is pretty impressive to be fair

 

[Ron240]

That is pretty impressive to be fair

It is but that video is particularly annoying to watch......or is it just me?
It's actually quite **** that no new builds will have this technology until further notice.
The car I've ordered should have it, but unfortunately not.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

It is but that video is particularly annoying to watch......or is it just me?
It's actually quite **** that no new builds will have this technology until further notice.
The car I've ordered should have it, but unfortunately not.

When do you get your CLA and what spec / colour have you gone for ?

 

[Ron240]

When do you get your CLA and what spec / colour have you gone for ?

I've ordered a CLA 250 Premium Plus in Polar White.
Its due to be built anytime now so there is a chance I could get it before 1st April.....but if not I wont be happy about having to pay an additional £320 on top of the already agreed amount.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I've ordered a CLA 250 Premium Plus in Polar White.
Its due to be built anytime now so there is a chance I could get it before 1st April.....but if not I wont be happy about having to pay an additional £320 on top of the already agreed amount.

very very nice

 

[SaraS3]

That'll be nice Ron240. My last c class was polar white. Can get some real gloss on that colour. It really surprised me as I see loads of dirty unloved white cars and was shocked how glossy white can be when it is looked after. I'd have gone for white again if I hadn't gone pre reg.

 

[TYb]

Congratulations on the car @Snake Pliskin , I didn’t realise you were changing so just had a good catch up on this.

Car looks great in white, love the squat stance. The seats looks amazing, still a little unsure on the screen positioning but it does then allow the dash to be kept low.

How’s the exhaust note?

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Congratulations on the car @Snake Pliskin , I didn’t realise you were changing so just had a good catch up on this.

Car looks great in white, love the squat stance. The seats looks amazing, still a little unsure on the screen positioning but it does then allow the dash to be kept low.

How’s the exhaust note?

Cheers thanks

I’m not sure if the photos make the dash look low but the screens are regular height and everything feels at just the right level & seat goes really low which I like too including lots of adjustment.

The engine needs running in for 1,000 so I’m restricted atm & full noise mode kicks in at 4,500 revs which I can’t go above currently.

the sound at tick over is much quieter than my pre fl RS3 which was very nice & noisy lol ... so that is toned down. But on the demo car I was able to press it a bit and it does sound good and quite exciting and definitely loud. Also fast .... very fast

 

[TYb]

Cheers thanks

I’m not sure if the photos make the dash look low but the screens are regular height and everything feels at just the right level & seat goes really low which I like too including lots of adjustment.

The engine needs running in for 1,000 so I’m restricted atm & full noise mode kicks in at 4,500 revs which I can’t go above currently.

the sound at tick over is much quieter than my pre fl RS3 which was very nice & noisy lol ... so that is toned down. But on the demo car I was able to press it a bit and it does sound good and quite exciting and definitely loud. Also fast .... very fast

Good stuff, bet you can’t wait to give it the full beans.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Good stuff, bet you can’t wait to give it the full beans.

Definitely

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Loving the AMG etched into each of the 4 exhausts ... cool little detail

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Also found a nice little engine option screen which is pretty cool too, especially for running in & getting the engine & oil up to temp ....

 

[NevMan]

Also found a nice little engine option screen which is pretty cool too, especially for running in & getting the engine & oil up to temp ....

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Snake, that looks like the dash from a fighter jet

 

[NevMan]

Loving the AMG etched into each of the 4 exhausts ... cool little detail

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That is a nice touch

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Snake, that looks like the dash from a fighter jet

ha ha cheers mate
It is mightily impressive ... I’m still getting the wow factor every time I step in the car

 

[Terminator x]

Also found a nice little engine option screen which is pretty cool too, especially for running in & getting the engine & oil up to temp ....

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You can have oil temp etc showing between the Speedo and Rev counter too

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

 

[Snake Pliskin]

You can have oil temp etc showing between the Speedo and Rev counter too

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

I’m still getting to grips with all the options lol

 

[wab172uk]

Just watched Autocars review. A35 V A45. And have to say the A45s does look really impressive.



You'll not get an RS3 to power oversteer like that. Or as easily.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Just watched Autocars review. A35 V A45. And have to say the A45s does look really impressive.



You'll not get an RS3 to power oversteer like that. Or as easily.

I saw that video last night & I think it’s a fair assessment of both cars.

The A35 (like the S3) is a sweet spot for overall performance / package vs £price.

But in the same vein, an extra 120 bhp is an awful big increase & does turn the performance up quite a notch.

With regards to my RS3, Audi fitted that with wider front tyres to reduce over steer. Wider tyres at the ‘front’ ... I’ve never heard of that on any other cars before or since ?

 

[A3SBQ]

Link above is not working!

Sent fra min SM-N975F via Tapatalk

 

[Ron240]

@Snake Pliskin How are you finding the column mounted gear selector?
Is it easy to get used to, or have you accidentally moved it when say going for the wipers?
Genuinely curious because I'm wondering how quickly I will get used to it.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

@Snake Pliskin How are you finding the column mounted gear selector?
Is it easy to get used to, or have you accidentally moved it when say going for the wipers?
Genuinely curious because I'm wondering how quickly I will get used to it.

Ah yes the column gear selector

Indeed that was completely alien to me at first ... but a colleague at work who has a Merc said I’d soon get used to it and guess what ... he was right.

mum just about fully used to it now & selecting gears on instinct ... so about a week. It’s absolutely fine & it does free up the middle area for a neat look & the touch pad.

I’m not putting on wipers by accident plus they are operated by turning the left trigger. It’s all well thought out mate & works really well

I’m even taking to all the tech, which I was apprehensive of at first ... but take your time, get used to it, learn a new bit every day and it soon all feels really swish ... I’m loving it