Doktor Zee said this week in an interview that the A-Class is profitable. That's good news. I think it's the best car Mercedes makes, and no I am not kidding.
The non-sandwich platform will be shared with another maker, perhaps FIAT, or if they're smart, Peugeot. LOL
Note to MB: No B, No me. That is a promise - not a threat.
There are plenty of options out there and most are at lower prices.
Let me count the ways: Audi A4, BMW 1, Acura 2.2L diesel, Mini, Passat / Golf, 2010 plug-in Prius,... you get the idea.
MB better come up with something really good or the competition will eat their lunch.
The MPV concept is very popular in the UK & Europe with it's high up driving position and the sandwich floor arrangement has forced them to keep the vehicle relatively high. I think M/B will lose a lot of these (MPV) potential customers if they change back to the format of a standard saloon there are enough of them as it is.
Are they going to change the B to a mini C class ?. They would do better to take a leaf out of the current competitions book and make the present car more liveable with more cupboards / lockers / general storage spaces and possibly a diesel that is suitable for an international market. A smaller lower B we can do without.
I'm glad the B came along when it did.
If the next generation is lower, then it would not serve our purpose and it becomes a little wagon.
With the present B, the bikes go in upright with tons of extra room and the kayaks are solid on the top and the wagon we changed couldn't do that.
The included safety items of our present B made it a no-brainer.
I too have to say its the higher ride that draws me along with the load space. Its a practical car and has a lot of flair its screwed together well and is like nothing else to drive pure and simple its everything i have been looking for in a car. Its tows even better than expected and the auto box performs superbly. I too would say keep the cars as it is, the high driving position gives you such a comanding view of the road. If the car has to be changed, WHY? when this one works so well!!!
Ahh it's all marketing stuff....there is a lot to be said for sticking with an existing model for 15 years like Peugeot and the 404, with constant refinement rather than wholesale change, and the new vehicle teething problems that brings.
The car is a bit high; I would have preferred it to have a somewhat lower centre of gravity and an "ESP Off" switch that would likely allow, but the more important loss would be the conversion to a shared platform with another maker. I like the sandwich concept, and the ride height does make it a better car to be in if T-Boned by a Jimmy.
But then I ride a bicycle on the highway, 2-3000 km a year, and if collision safety were at the top of my needs hierarchy, I'd not be doing that, would I?
I think probably that the height is why a lot of us bought it. I can see no problems with the height but in Europe we are used to this type of vehicle anyway having had them here for about 10 years.
Yep. I like the form of the B. I drove a new C yesterday when the B was in for service. The C drives much better then the B, have to admit. But is small and cramped in the back. The boot is also tiny compared to the B.
I also had a C ( Kompressor with AMG goodies) loaner last week but I must admit I was glad to get back into the B, would I swap no way. It was also mighty thirsty.
Linear Mode
