Merc CLA or Lexus IS...

[Maniac]

In my quest to find something interesting on the market I took a look at the Merc CLA and new Lexus IS F sport...

 

[ZermattV]

the first IS was a bit of a favourite up here - but that is not a pretty sports compact

probably think merc styling is some of the best in the "luxury" segment at the moment

 

[mr wilks]

Merc for me on that particular head to head , although i do have a liking for Lexus in general they can be a bit dull 8) & those wing mirrors must have been a last minute decision after realising they had forgotten to include them when designing the car

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I loved the very first IS too but not too sure about the current model & I just struggle to get excited about a merc unless its a full fat AMG version.

Both those cars do stand out & are a little different so if that's what your looking for they will certainly tick the box.

 

[Z4M-2006]

I quite like the Lexus,and apparently they go very nicely and are a lovely place to be..

That Merc grill is hideous,it reminds me of an old polka dot dress..

Have you had a go in them to see what there like behind the wheel?

 

[original guvnor]

I've seen a few CLA's now and they don't seem to 'work' design-wise like their big brother in my opinion. I guess it is really just an A-class saloon at the end of the day.

 

[Maniac]

The merc was miles ahead in terms of design, quality and finish.

The Lexus really was a posh toyota. It had the tech but the materials were poor with bendy hard plastic as sharp edges. The Japanese still haven't learned. It also doesn't go at all. It revs and makes a good noise but feels very slow. It's a 2.5 NA engine in a big heavy car. 8.1 seconds 0-60 and 23mpg urban . Looks good at the front but pants side on and rear which are plain. It also depreciates like a rock, the last version losing 40% in the first year alone!

The merc looks muscular and has hardly a bad angle (rear wings are not its best). Feels and looks more expensive than it is. It also has an 8 second 0-60 but as its diesel feels more punchy and circa 50mpg urban. No diesel option on the Lexus, a silly move imho.

Rear leg room was good in both and the merc was surprisingly roomy more so than the a class hatch. I guess it must be longer.

Merc is also cheaper.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

The review I've read on the CLA didn't seem that favourable & they stated you would just be better off buying a C class but the CLA does have that fashion factor to it & is certainly eye catching, I wouldn't mind seeing one in the metal to make a more informed decision about it.

 

[Maniac]

When I saw it advertised, I hated it. Having seen it in the flesh. Its stunning.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

When I saw it advertised, I hated it. Having seen it in the flesh. Its stunning.

I think that's how I would feel about it if I saw it in the flesh.

You are a serial car shopper Maniac I love how many motoring experiences you share with us, I always enjoy reading your thoughts.

 

[Maniac]

When I saw it advertised, I hated it. Having seen it in the flesh. Its stunning.

I think that's how I would feel about it if I saw it in the flesh.

You are a serial car shopper Maniac I love how many motoring experiences you share with us, I always enjoy reading your thoughts.

lol The other half says that I do with cars what normal blokes do with porn... an addiction that can't be broken, and you can never settle with the one you just saw. Always looking, always on to the new.

Out of all the experiences, I still love to get back into mine. Its not perfect, but it looks good and goes like stink.

 

[Z4M-2006]

I thought the lexus was an M5 contender ?

Must have the wrong model....

 

[Machine monkey]

I remember you saying you where not keen on the cla. It's funny how things can change I was not mad keen on the dare I say it z4 in 2003!! I really wouldn't mind the new mini mercedes coupe. An AMG with nice options 50k

 

[Maniac]

Absolutely MM, i loathed it in the pictures I saw, the promo stuff. Seeing it in the flesh though, it looks very nice.

 

[Machine monkey]

I might pop along the local mercedes dealer at the weekend. The wife needs a new car next year.

 

[sars]

I had a 250 Cdi CLA for a day and whilst it was not a bad drive I thought it was painfully slow compared to mine, the SLK with the same engine seemed much better.

If you wanted something more fun then I would suggest you look at the A45 AMG

[youtube]CCoWi_wU-oM[/youtube]

 

[TitanTim]

Cover the Merc badge and most people would think its a Volvo, its pretty hideous looking :|

Tim.

 

[ZermattV]

Sat in the 45 AMG at the Open its lovely but what a price - gulp

 

[LeeZ4MR]

When I saw it advertised, I hated it. Having seen it in the flesh. Its stunning.

I think that's how I would feel about it if I saw it in the flesh.

You are a serial car shopper Maniac I love how many motoring experiences you share with us, I always enjoy reading your thoughts.

lol The other half says that I do with cars what normal blokes do with porn... an addiction that can't be broken, and you can never settle with the one you just saw. Always looking, always on to the new.

Out of all the experiences, I still love to get back into mine. Its not perfect, but it looks good and goes like stink.

I bet the other much prefers you being into cars rather than porn!

I totally get where you are coming from regards the motors it's a nightmare if I go into a showroom it's all just so tempting, nice to hear you still love the zed though.

 

[Maniac]

nice to hear you still love the zed though.

'Stockholm Syndrome' (Me and the Z)