[Chris Peacock]

Starting to think about new car choices and with a strict £34k P11d value I can't get the spec of 320d Touring I would like, hence looking at other options.

I have stumbled across the CLA Shooting Brake which seems to look good value for money, albeit it's in the class down from the 3 series it doesn't feel as small as the 1 series which is in my radar.

Has anybody actually driven one, or had any experience of the CLA cars?

Be interested in some honest feedback.

Ta

[TheLiverBird]

I test drove the 250CDI CLA (non shooting brake) when was first looking at trading in my A5 about 9-12 months ago, having waited ages for it to be released, and spending countless hours on CLA forums in eager anticipation. However, I wasn't impressed at all, that bad that I even tinkered with the idea of a TTS (to fulfil my need to change car!) before eventually getting the 435D. Overall, a definite step down from A5, 3 and 4 series. Engines aren't in the same league and nor is the auto box. It's nowhere near as luxurious as the new C class either. Both A3 (does the sportback fit the bill?) and 1 series are much better IMHO.

[snipnoob86]

great looking car thats all i know

[Chris Peacock]

Originally Posted by TheLiverBird

I test drove the 250CDI CLA (non shooting brake) when was first looking at trading in my A5 about 9-12 months ago, having waited ages for it to be released, and spending countless hours on CLA forums in eager anticipation. However, I wasn't impressed at all, that bad that I even tinkered with the idea of a TTS (to fulfil my need to change car!) before eventually getting the 435D. Overall, a definite step down from A5, 3 and 4 series. Engines aren't in the same league and nor is the auto box. It's nowhere near as luxurious as the new C class either. Both A3 (does the sportback fit the bill?) and 1 series are much better IMHO.

Thanks for the honest review.

1 series, A3 and Golf are all obvious choices as with my budget I can get a well spec'd car.

I suppose I am trying to see if there is anything non mainstream which is as good as the three mentioned above, but then I suppose they are the three default choices due to being class leaders.

[F30Andy]

What engine do you want to go for?

We have a 250 on our fleet. As far as it goes it's adequate. Personally not my cup of tea, it lacks poke and sounds awful. It's a good engine for achieving high mpg though.

The interior is ok except for the screen. Very similar to an A class we also have on the fleet.

[Chris Peacock]

I have to be 125g or less on the emmissions which is quite limiting.

Been playing on the BMW configurator and can have an extremely well spec'd 120d, and can even have a 125d if I drop the pro NAV for business NAV.

Can see me in another BMW

[magic77]

Nearly dropped for a CLA when I started looking at changing my E90 but simply found it way too small inside even comparing to a 1 series. Build quality is ok but merc seem to be hit and miss right now. Have driven the A class various ranges up to AMG and the CLA number of times and these do seem to be well put together. However for size of the car CLA is if you like me above 6ft its a tight fit.and forget having passengers in the back