What do you guys think about the MB CLA?

[Insomniator]

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2014-mercedes-benz-cla-class-spy-photos-news

Can't tell if its ugly or not... i think I like the front and hate the back. Also... FWD so I guess they aren't stealing any 25-35 males from BMW.

 

[Imported]

Needs moar Kate Upton.

Wouldn't touch as it is FWD.

 

[manimal]

that renault turbo diesel would be cool for the US.


fwd yuck.

I would live with FWD if the car CAME with kate upton.

 

[Fenixgoon]

fwd? really? fail.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

The C-class is the size of a Civic - Is the A-Class the size of Fiesta?

I don't get it - but they sell a ton of Lexus CT200H's at $35- $40K so obviously there is demand for this vehicle class.

 

[FuzzyDunlop]

ugly.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

I don't get the hate on FWD. On a more serious note, how does one fit in the back?

 

[Viper GTS]

With enough of a rear power bias (too much to dream for 50/50?) a CLA45 AMG Wagon could be interesting. Would make a nice slightly upscale reasonably powerful daily driver.

The rest of them? Not too bad looking but fwd is a massive deal breaker for me.

Viper GTS

 

[MagickMan]

It's a Mini alternative, not bad.

 

[compman25]

It's the same size as the current C Class, the next C Class is going to be bigger.

 

[Insomniator]

I don't get why cars have to get bigger and bigger.... I love my mini...

 

[Throckmorton]

What was wrong with RWD compact cars?

 

[phucheneh]

What was wrong with RWD compact cars?

Who the hell knows, honestly...surely FWD can't be [that much] cheaper to make, can it?

Only pros I can think of are a) easier for crappy drivers and b) safer in front end collisions.

 

[A5]

What was wrong with RWD compact cars?

FWD is cheaper and easier to package.

 

[Atty]

Amusing how they are all excited about a "Mercedes Benz under $30,000". Most people don't think "Starting at $29,900" as under $30k. I'm sure there is some necessary option extra (seats, for instance, or maybe a windshield wiper) that is at least $100.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've changed my mind. It actually looks pretty good in the commercial.

 

[Throckmorton]

FWD is cheaper and easier to package.

I'm skeptical of the cost difference. They have to squeeze more into a smaller space. And then it's much harder to work on which more than offsets any cost savings.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'm skeptical of the cost difference. They have to squeeze more into a smaller space. And then it's much harder to work on which more than offsets any cost savings.

My Maxima has required very little work in the 10 years and 125,000 miles I've put on it. Cam sensors, a radiator, motor mounts... that's about it really.

I'm not sure a Mercedes would be as reliable but condemning FWD based on that alone seems a bit... unfair.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

My Maxima has required very little work in the 10 years and 125,000 miles I've put on it. Cam sensors, a radiator, motor mounts... that's about it really.

I'm not sure a Mercedes would be as reliable but condemning FWD based on that alone seems a bit... unfair.

You're forgetting hes smarter than any automotive engineer thats worked for any of the major companies in the past 20-30 years.

 

[Throckmorton]

My Maxima has required very little work in the 10 years and 125,000 miles I've put on it. Cam sensors, a radiator, motor mounts... that's about it really.

I'm not sure a Mercedes would be as reliable but condemning FWD based on that alone seems a bit... unfair.

I have no idea what your Maxima being reliable has to do with FWD cars being more difficult to work on. Those are two separate and unrelated things.

 

[exar333]

Looks like a Kia.

 

[michal1980]

I have no idea what your Maxima being reliable has to do with FWD cars being more difficult to work on. Those are two separate and unrelated things.

And being more difficult to work on has what impact on more difficult to build?

In a FWD application, all of the front end stuff is pre assembled. On step to attach to the car, and your done. no need to worry about drive shafts, rear diff's etc etc.


Futhermore, while I understand the benefits of RWD. The fanboi-ish of it is getting old. The market has spoken. FWD>RWD.

If RWD was so superior, then it would be the dominate form of car, its not.

 

[amdhunter]

It's FWD??? Wow that sucks, I actually wanted to go test drive one. It's completely off my radar now.

 

[Ryan]

And being more difficult to work on has what impact on more difficult to build?

In a FWD application, all of the front end stuff is pre assembled. On step to attach to the car, and your done. no need to worry about drive shafts, rear diff's etc etc.


Futhermore, while I understand the benefits of RWD. The fanboi-ish of it is getting old. The market has spoken. FWD>RWD.

If RWD was so superior, then it would be the dominate form of car, its not.

It all depends on what you mean by "superior". Superior handling....that will almost always go to RWD - it's a much more balanced and traditional sports car approach. Most consumers don't care about handling, nor do they care about driving feel.

Superior packaging - that's FWD. I wouldn't even say it has to do with assembling the car. No driveshaft = no central hump in the middle of the floorboard = more interior room. It has more to do with versatility of design.FWD cars also have less drivetrain power loss than RWD cars. In a time where MPG matters, there is little incentive to keep building on platforms that are inherently less efficient.

From the perspective of a car enthusiast, packaging generally takes a back seat to handling characteristics. That is why RWD is important in this argument.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have no idea what your Maxima being reliable has to do with FWD cars being more difficult to work on. Those are two separate and unrelated things.

You said, and I quote, "it's much harder to work on which more than offsets any cost savings." :whiste:

If you don't have to work on it then what offset is there?