KUALA LUMPUR – Take note, in recent years both Mercedes-Benz and BMW have started looking at new segments to sell their products and it seems that there is a need to move down to segments that have been profitable for the Japanese car manufacturers.
This is why Mercedes-Benz gave birth to the A-Class sedan with a surprisingly small capacity power-plant, a 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine.
The A-Class Saloon arrived in Malaysia as a starter Benz in June 2019. Yes, we say "starter" Benz as this is the lowest priced Benz sedan in showrooms right now.
This four-door saloon has a wheelbase of 2,729 millimetres and the proportions of a dynamic machine and a compact saloon with short overhangs at the front and rear. This is the second generation of the A-Class sedan, as the first generation arrived a few years ago under the name Mercedes-Benz CLA and now it is called an A-Class Saloon.
The key dimensions of the new A-Class Sedan are:
- Length: 4,549mm
- Width: 1,796mm
- Height: 1,446mm
- Wheelbase: 2,729mm
This means it is competing with the latest Mazda3 2.0L sedan and Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo. Below is what you need to know about the A-Class, before we share information on its immediate rival, the latest BMW 2 Series.
Mercedes-Benz A200 Sedan (1.3L) Specifications
Engine: Turbocharged 3-cylinder
Displacement: 1332cc
Transmission: 7G-TRONIC
Max power: 163hp @ 5500rpm
Max torque: 250Nm @ 1620rpm
Top Speed: 230km/h
0-100km/h: 8.1 secs
Price: RM229,888.00
BMW Malaysia just last week introduced their first ever four-door coupé in the compact premium segment. This BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport represents yet another exciting addition to BMW’s compact class as it arrives with a typical BMW interior equipped with technology to support drivers. However, it is tad smaller than the Benz and has slightly less power delivery as this new Bimmer, like the Benz, also comes with just a 1.3L turbocharged engine.
The key dimensions of the new BMW 218i Gran Coupe are:
- Length: 4,526mm
- Width: 1,800mm
- Height: 1,420mm
- Wheelbase: 2,670mm
With the specifications shared below, you can easily see the similarities between the Benz above and this new BMW sedan.
BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport (1.3L) Specifications
Engine: Turbocharged 3-cylinder
Displacement: 1499cc
Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch
Max power: 140hp @ 4600-6500rpm
Max torque: 220Nm @ 1480-4200rpm
Top Speed: 213km/h
0-100km/h: 8.7 secs
Price: RM211,367.00
The question that Malaysian car buyers should ask is this: does the BMW 218i have the cabin quality and engine power to match the impressive Mazda3 sedan and does the Mercedes A-Class sedan have the cabin space and drive excitement to match the Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo?
Yes, both the Benz and the BMW are premium brands, however, do their entry level vehicles' quality, features and dynamics match the popular Japanese brands that provide more for their buyers with asking prices that are almost 50% lower?
In times like this, we should be looking at value more than badge branding. So please take your time to touch, feel the entire cabin of the brands to compare against its Japanese rivals before making a final decision. The choice is yours. – The Vibes, October 13, 2020
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