I don't understand why is it so hard for people to understand what this car is and the demographic it serves. Some SUV's are equipped with large V8s and also perform like sports cars. Its simply for those who like hatches, but want slightly more room...a crossover. ie. Audi Q3, BMW ....etc.
Great review guys! I’m looking at 2015 models in Canada. I’d love the updates to gearbox and ride control of the face,fit, but they’re much more expensive. Any thoughts on how essential they are?
One of the big reasons I chose a BMW M135i over the cla45 or gla45 was the gearbox. The Merc models I drove a few years ago would were terrible in manual mode. In this mode they refused changes, were slow to change and made it a poor paddle experience. I’ve heard this has been improved with the recent upgrade. Any thoughts if this is the case for the enthusiasts who like paddling ?
Hi Ian S - one interesting thing we noticed when driving the 2018 GLA45 (and it's something I haven't noticed in any other Dual Clutch Transmission cars we've driven) is that in the sports modes (sport, sport+) and left in "D", the transmission will blip the throttle and downshift right down to FIRST gear when you slow down, say to go round a roundabout - I do like this!. I must admit I also like the BMW 8-spd auto transmission too and it does give a good impression of a DCT gearbox when you use the paddles, so it's a very good compromise. The DCT in the GLA45 does shift quickly with the paddles, but if you don't put it completely into manual mode (by pressing a separate button), it can be a little slow to return to "D" mode after you shift gears yourself. When driving in "D" mode in traffic it's pretty smooth though. It is quick to shift gears and coupled with the AMG performance exhaust, is very involving and fun to drive - maybe try a 2018 version out and see what you think? Thanks for watching!
very true about the transmission , it has been far improved from 2016 built models onwards. I used to own one and in pure manual mode it was great. a millisecond slower that the very very beat DCTs but not noticeable at all. Watch out for the older models, not sure if software updates can fix that so a detailed test drive is recommended.
i really dig this car, but it's just a bit too small for me. I will be getting the Audi RS Q3. With a tricky driveway, the slightly better ground clearance & size of the Audi suits me. But yes, this car drives great & looks better than the Audi. AMG is boss!
watch out for the boot space in the rs q3 (very disappointing at around 360 litres )and the poor handling when pushed. I looked at it in detail in 2016. there is a refresh in testing which might be quite a step up. it is a nice looking car though in the right trim for sure
Great review! I own a 2018 GLA45 and you guys are spot on.
I don't understand why is it so hard for people to understand what this car is and the demographic it serves. Some SUV's are equipped with large V8s and also perform like sports cars. Its simply for those who like hatches, but want slightly more room...a crossover. ie. Audi Q3, BMW ....etc.
Nice ride! Has it been reliable for you?
is the frame and suspension design the same as the GLA 250?
Great review guys! I’m looking at 2015 models in Canada. I’d love the updates to gearbox and ride control of the face,fit, but they’re much more expensive. Any thoughts on how essential they are?
One of the big reasons I chose a BMW M135i over the cla45 or gla45 was the gearbox. The Merc models I drove a few years ago would were terrible in manual mode. In this mode they refused changes, were slow to change and made it a poor paddle experience. I’ve heard this has been improved with the recent upgrade. Any thoughts if this is the case for the enthusiasts who like paddling ?
Hi Ian S - one interesting thing we noticed when driving the 2018 GLA45 (and it's something I haven't noticed in any other Dual Clutch Transmission cars we've driven) is that in the sports modes (sport, sport+) and left in "D", the transmission will blip the throttle and downshift right down to FIRST gear when you slow down, say to go round a roundabout - I do like this!.
I must admit I also like the BMW 8-spd auto transmission too and it does give a good impression of a DCT gearbox when you use the paddles, so it's a very good compromise. The DCT in the GLA45 does shift quickly with the paddles, but if you don't put it completely into manual mode (by pressing a separate button), it can be a little slow to return to "D" mode after you shift gears yourself. When driving in "D" mode in traffic it's pretty smooth though. It is quick to shift gears and coupled with the AMG performance exhaust, is very involving and fun to drive - maybe try a 2018 version out and see what you think? Thanks for watching!
very true about the transmission , it has been far improved from 2016 built models onwards. I used to own one and in pure manual mode it was great. a millisecond slower that the very very beat DCTs but not noticeable at all. Watch out for the older models, not sure if software updates can fix that so a detailed test drive is recommended.
Wouldnt the BMW x2 and Audi Q2 be comparable for size. Ablet not the performance. Although assume these brands may eventually do a M or S model.
I just love listening to your accents! :)
I wouldn't personally get it in that colour or those alloys but it's a beast of a car
i really dig this car, but it's just a bit too small for me. I will be getting the Audi RS Q3. With a tricky driveway, the slightly better ground clearance & size of the Audi suits me. But yes, this car drives great & looks better than the Audi. AMG is boss!
watch out for the boot space in the rs q3 (very disappointing at around 360 litres )and the poor handling when pushed. I looked at it in detail in 2016. there is a refresh in testing which might be quite a step up.
it is a nice looking car though in the right trim for sure
$50K is acceptable but $71k+ for that little hatch is ridiculous. I'd get the Audi RS3, cheaper and faster than this.
Which currency are you assuming they're talking about?
Car fart 101
old cockpit in 2018 👎