[Knoxatron]

Hi all,

Opinions please...

I am currently on the waiting list for the CLA in Sydney, and I'm hoping to place the next deposit to lock in a factory number. One challenge I have at the moment is the wife!

We have an 8 month old child, and all being well hope to add a second in the next couple of years. Her concern is about the practical suitability of the car for a young family.

1. I'm 6 foot 2 and we are worried about a second child seat behind the drivers side in terms of space - we have a BMW 1 series (previous generation) currently and this wouldn't be suitbale without me being cramped! Does anybody have any experience of space in the back of the CAL - does it liken to a C-Class so I can go and let her sit in and review. I had read that it was larger than the A class, and MB blueprints look like it's similar space (baring headroom) to the C-Class.
2. Regarding the boot space, I hear 471 litres is significant, but how practical is this with 2 kids if you are going on a trip. Most young families buy SUVs, and my wife thinks that as we are bucking the trend that it isn't the right car.

I am captivated with the car, and this is clouding my ability to think logically! Pragmatic opinions are welcome regarding on:

• The suitability of a CLA to a 1 baby/toddler and later a 2 baby/toddler young family
• The realistic boot capacity to support the family
• Give a practicality score out of 10 and your rationale - this would help!

Finally, I would love for her to see the car in person. Does anyone know of any dealers, or motor shows that are approaching where the car is likely to be viewed in person?

Thanks for your patience

Knoxatron

 

[vmanengland]

Knoxatron, we're on the same page here.

I'm 6'3" and we have 2 very young kids (huge childseats) in the back. I currently have a 2009 C-class which is identical to the latest version regarding space.

It is tight behind my seat but it's manageable and I don't cram myself up either under the steering wheel. The little one is fine behind me.

OK, let's talk about this awe-inspiring vehicle clouding both of our concepts of logic and practicality..... I was on the verge of getting an M-class SUV but when I saw this beauty, all was forgotten. The CLA has the same internal space as the C-class bar the headroom issue. So, my logic is, since my kids are still so young, it'll be at least 10 years before the headroom presents an issue for us. The caveat here is a max of 2 kids, obviously....

I've sat comfortably in the driver-seat and then got in behind that and there was no problem with legroom (again the headroom was an issue). Let's be clear, I don't ever intend sitting in the back of my CLA, that's for the kids and guests and if the latter are tall, NOT MY PROBLEM!

This car has undoubtedly messed with my head, I can't think straight these days and I may have tried to convince myself that the order I placed was sensible, but in the end, you've got to consider all facts, and if one of them is that this car is the one that'll make you happy for the next 5yrs or so, then that's the deal-sealer in my view.

Boot space - it's a better design than the C-class and I've managed to get my golf bag and large electric trolley in there easier than the C-class, I think cause it's deeper. I've driven from UK to Switzerland with a couple suitcases and a large coleman cooler-bag in there with no problem space wise (C-class). We also have a B-class which has a huge boot, but the other car was fine for space for the 12hr trip. Now, you won't fit any large boxes (buying a washing machine or whatever) in there, but who cares.

Anyway, like I said, if your kids are young (under 10), then this is no problem, space is perfect for them.

I'm collecting mine on 1 Sep, so excited, this car is unf'n-believably beautiful, seriously!

Laterz
Vman

how can you walk away from this?!?

 

[Knoxatron]

Vman,

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to respond - really insightful response that answered all of my questions - with what I hoped to here too... bonus!

I let my wife read your post and she said "He's like you!"

So we're going to look at the C-Class tomorrow to give her an idea of size, and hopefully this enough to get her over the line!

Your a star - thank you.

I welcome any other opinions on the topic too...

 

[vmanengland]

Vman,

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to respond - really insightful response that answered all of my questions - with what I hoped to here too... bonus!

I let my wife read your post and she said "He's like you!"

So we're going to look at the C-Class tomorrow to give her an idea of size, and hopefully this enough to get her over the line!

Your a star - thank you.

I welcome any other opinions on the topic too...

so, what's the verdict? dealer called today and my car has arrived.... only problem is i gotta wait until 1 sep to collect, UK plate registrations and all that. i'm going to get a sneak peak tomorrow and will load pics, loads of them!

 

[gekrem]

Hi all.

Did we get closure on this?

So.im 6'4 and planning to have a baby next year. .. Does the CLA fit the child seat??



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[vmanengland]

Hi all.

Did we get closure on this?

So.im 6'4 and planning to have a baby next year. .. Does the CLA fit the child seat??



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Gekrem

I got to be honest here. It's tight! I've had my baby (<2yr) behind my seat, it's one of those HUGE baby seats, solid if you know what I mean. He is not comfortable. My 4yr old on the other hand has a booster seat so no problemo there. I've since swapped the 2, so the 2yr old sits behind my wife. Problem solved. Now, if I had both kids on the HUGE 1-4yr old car seats, it'd be a problem.

Anyway, now I'm able to sit more comfortably behind the wheel with the older child behind my seat and I'm a happy camper all-in!

Make no mistake, 6'3", it's not all that spacious, but the car is so good to drive, so comfortable, my hair touching the inner roof lining every so often... Not a deal-breaker. Just move 'em seat further back. I have the electronic seat memory package and sunroof which reduces the space even further, so depending on your specs, it shouldn't be a massive issue.

I'll summarise by stating that although the c-class is roughly the same size, the CLA feels a tad (and just a tad) tighter.

Cheers
V


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[IrishCLA]

Mine is arriving in jan. What kind of car seat are you using for your 4 year old. Does the fixed head rest in rear not get in the way?
Thanks.


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[Tuxedo]

Hi, Could I have stroller which become a car seat and then convert back into the stroller? I am here in Australia and just found one named GB Pocket Stroller https://www.rushk.com.au/gb-pockit-stroller but I am not getting any reviews about it. Do let me know, should I go for it?