Hello everyone. I'm currently looking for my next company car. It will be used for business and occasional family use. I have 3 children who are still small enough to fit in the back of a coupe so this may be my last chance before I have to return to the trusted saloon.
Here are my thoughts on the CLA so far...
Sport looks good
AMG Sport looks even better but is it worth the extra ££££'s?
Attractive price point.
Smaller cabin than the 3-series.
Reasonable CO2 emmisions.
Built on the outgoing A-Class chasis so I predict a new model sooner rather than later.
Welcome, Preston! I haven't seen the CLA in person yet, but I know that the back in my C-class is tight. Not sure I would try to squeeze 3 kids into a CLA.
I use my car for business but that involves transporting me and a laptop- occasionally a colleague. Once in a while I have adults in the back and it gets tight. If you drive clients around, that could be a concern. Although (no offense intended) Europeans are more accustomed to smaller cars. We need big limousines for our fat American posteriors :crying:
I plan to go for the AMG because it is probably the most reasonable premium sports sedan (saloon) on the market- C63 or BMW M-class are much more expensive and much less efficient. In some business situations, having a premium sports car conveys a certain impression- like an Armani suit or a Rolex. Some people may not care- some even consider it "showing off". Depends on your situation.
Car companies are very creative with their platforms these days- some cars with the same name can be riding on completely different versions-. Often with a new XYZ car, the "2013" XYZ convertible will be built on the old platform. I am a little more concerned that the CLA is a new class altogether. Hence I plan to lease, then make the decision to buy it out at the end of the lease. Again, not sure how leasing works in England.
Hope this helps- good luck!