2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

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Debunker

For all the hoopla about the new little Mercedes, it has gotten slammed on a whole bunch of fronts. Cheap interior materials, harsh engine, stiff ride, tight back seat, annoying stop-start, disappointing gas mileage. Tell me again why I'd want one of these things to drive every day? Be honest. Wouldn't you be much happier in a Mazda 3, for instance, for much less money?

mercedesfan

@Debunker, While I personally don't like the CLA (I personally believe someone would be much better off getting a 2-year old C250 for similar money), you have to understand that most of the complaints hinge on expectation. The quality of materials is belo

Debunker

Good analysis, mercedesfan. You're right about it being better to compare to the 320i and A3. In fact, by the time you option up a CLA, you could just about have an A4. Or that Mazda 3 and a nice long vacation to a place of your choosing.

throwback

Mike, how do you feel about driving a hybrid on your commute? Stop start is on every hybrid vehicle, no?

mfennell

Hybrids have a different implementation. They can casually stop off using stored electricity, then bring the gas engine on-line. FWIW, my buddy's E550 has start/stop and in that car it was much less obtrusive than I expected. I might feel differently if it was cycling every minute though.

natt_

Start/Stop Function is a bit annoying during stopping at stop signs but it's great at red lights. I never had experienced this function in anything else but CLA, and I don't mind it. I actually turn it off where I know I'd be stopping a bit too often.

And yes, I could have bought A3 but I'm bored with the way Audi looks. I could have bought Mazda3 but I have owned one before. Same goes with BMW 3-Series. So for me, it's time for Mercedes and I can now cross it off my bucket list at 30 years old.