Mercedes-AMG A45 (177) and CLA45 (118)

Mercedes-AMG perfected the hot hatch game with their previous A45 hot hatch years ago with its 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that made it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world. Now, as the new generation A-Class flourished, the A45 made a grand comeback to level up the hot hatch ante. Happily though, the ultimate hot hatch's not alone though as it's joined by the junior four-door coupe in the AMG 45 range, the CLA45. These two are ready to impress the world once again with its more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and addicting dynamics that will make them fall in love.

2020 Mercedes-AMG A45

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45

The Mercedes-AMG A45, starting at 56,228 Euros plus OTR, and the CLA45, starting at 60,095 Euros plus OTR, are back for their latest generation, promising to be the most enjoyable high-performance compacts drivers will fall in love with if they are fully prepare to pay a hefty price for such enjoyment these two will deliver.

On the design department, the signature AMG grille donned in range-toppers really put a massive grin on their faces as well as other exterior improvements in store for them and and although hideous to look at, these AMG models surely know business and pleasure even on the inside, where the sports seats really mean business to the drivers.

As full-blown AMG models, the A45 and CLA 45 are armed with the brand new M139 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo 4-cylinder engine which, in the range topping S variants, produces 421PS of power and 500Nm of torque and when mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G, it goes from 0-100kph in less than four seconds and a top speed of 270kph. This is the most powerful 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the world and you should credit Mercedes-AMG for all the hard work pouring into this powerhouse, although unhappy with the muted noise drivers noticed when they get their foot down.

Yes, the muted noise is a bit of a letdown to many but on the dynamics side, this is where the new A45 and CLA45 truly shine the most because they both come with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control in the new rear axle differential, which makes them livelier to drive than the previous models. Couple that with the Drift Mode setting and the result is a mind-blowing experience that will make them fall in love with either of these two. In fact, every gearhead in the world's getting jealous over the new A45/CLA45's greatness. When taken on the track, these models really are the class reps, and on the road, with most of their comfortable settings in place, they are an absolute standout from the crowd.

This is by no means one of the best high-performance compacts the folks from Mercedes-AMG ever made and despite its silent treatment which bothers most drivers while letting the hammer down, the dynamics the A45/CLA45 possess are relatively superior, even in the most enjoyable settings yet. With performance like this, perhaps this is the main reason why we can't have the nicest things. In fact, we're getting jealous to have one of those one day. Come on, world. We're ready.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan vs. 2nd Gen. CLA

The advent of the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the ideal opportunity for them to spawn its first-ever sedan variant but hold on a minute, didn't they have their four-door equivalent, the CLA-Class? Yes, the CLA-Class, now on its second generation, is classified as a four-door coupe, a niche made by themselves, but in reality, it's basically a four-door saloon full stop. So, with the first-ever A-Class sedan and the second-generation CLA in the fray, they're like the left and right Twix bars, so what's the difference?

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

For starters, the A-Class Sedan, priced at 28,727 Euros plus tax and delivery, and the second-generation CLA-Class, priced at 31,476 Euros plus tax and delivery, are really like the left Twix and the right Twix because while they have the same sweet taste, the two sides are different by their opinions and that concerns customers who are itching to buy a Mercedes-Benz sedan but not having enough budget to buy a C-Class.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Of course, the pricing between them set them apart because the first-ever A-Class Sedan is basically cheaper to own than the CLA but by probing the style department, that is a different story because the new CLA is almost better looking than the A-Class Sedan because of its front face and sloping roofline but the backstory is rather the opposite of course because while the new CLA's rear design spoils the already good looks, the A-Class Sedan's rear is rather conservative indeed and you'll spend minutes staring at its back because that really is a Mercedes with a bold statement for the city slickers.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan interior

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class interior

On the inside job, the A-Class Sedan and the new CLA are in a stalemate because while their dashboards look different, their gadgets still work like it was meant to be and creature comforts are almost identical because of its almost identical legroom, which is nice indeed for businesspeople who had a "vice" on their title to get accommodated with, and the almost identical boot space big enough for a golf cart on a trip to a country club at Quezon. They even come with the rather brilliant but annoying MBUX multimedia system with voice commands that works well with drivers living in an era where they can talk to the likes of Alexa and Siri but if you were a passenger sitting on the sweet spot, you may find that you might get annoyed upon hearing Mom and Dad toying around with the "Hey, Mercedes" thingamajig and that will drive you a bit mad.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Back at the Twix story, it seems that the Mercedes equivalents of the left Twix and the right Twix are offered with a choice of a M282 four-cylinder petrol engine with cylinder shutoff, M260 petrol engine with variable valve timing system, Euro 6d-certified OM 654q diesel engine, and the entry-level OM 608 diesel engine, the one to avoid for diesel-sceptic Europeans.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35

Of course, if they want performance, there are AMG 35 4MATIC versions as well, both are powered by a 306PS 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed double-clutch gearbox, capable of going 0-100kph in less than five seconds and top speed limited to 250kph. Although no torque vectoring in sight, they're still decent to enjoy driving them but anyway no time for that, let's get back to their normal versions and although different at looks, their dynamics are fairly similar. They handle well, they cruise well, they're both refined, quiet, subtle, and overall, both the new A-Class Sedan and the second-generation CLA are nothing short in comparison, as are the list of highly-advanced safety systems worth noticing.

Like the left and the right Twix, the A-Class Sedan and the new CLA-Class are worth trying and deciding for themselves. Of course, the A-Class Sedan is cheaper to own than the new CLA-Class but the pricing can be a bit more complicating than that because while they look different in every single way, they both accommodate occupants rather well, they both drive well, and they're both technologically advanced but annoying to some at their sweet spot. As the saying goes, try both and you decide.

Photo: Daimler AG

Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC

The A35 is the first AMG offering for the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class and as a mild-but-menacing semi-hot hatch made to compete with the likes of the Golf GTi or an Audi S3, there's something cool about the almost-hot hatch that is made for the speedo boys who had less than 53 grand to spare from their wallets.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC

As a hatchback priced at less than 53 grand, the A35 may not be the most daring of the hot hatches by the looks of it but when the drivers let loose of its turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine, this is where everything's personal when its been taken on the road.

First off, the engine produces about 306PS of power, which is less than the now-defunct Ford Focus RS possess, and thanks to its AMG-tweaked 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, it does 0-100kph in less than five seconds, which is surprisingly quick for the baby of the AMG family tree but it's not just straight-line quick that makes the A35 worth noticing, it's the way it behaves.

The 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive system that powers it is not what you called fantastic but it feels somewhat mild to drive, which is great for intermediate-level drivers who had their first fill with this semi-hot hatch and because the way it drives ranges from transmitting most of the power on the front to all four wheels, the difference between breaking your arm or breaking a leg is the kind of feeling you'd expect when you take it on the corners. It may not be as easy to smoke things out as a Ford Focus RS but with all that grip, it feels so easy to get the most out of this car.

While it wasn't the least of the problems, there are so many stuff the A35 carries such as the rather bizarre AMG exhaust system with exhaust flap that makes it as quiet as the whispering spell, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed double-clutch gearbox that promises to shift as fast as an F1 car but it doesn't make you feel like Lewis Hamilton every time you change gear, adaptive damping system, high-performance brake system, electro-mechanical sports power steering, and some other stuff too much to explain.

The Mercedes-AMG A35 may not be the best hot hatch in town but because of its grip courtesy of its 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, and some other stuff that makes it worth noticeable, this entry-level member of the AMG family still has a lot to learn from its bigger relatives but since this is a fast-learner, you never know what sort of fate will this semi-hot hatch will run into, whether if its for better or for worse.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177

The most accessible and least expensive Mercedes-Benz ever made, the A-Class, is now on its fourth-generation, and this latest regeneration caters the new generation of drivers with its new take on its design, interior, performance, and tech, all in one brand new package designed and developed for city folks in mind. So, let's get to know more about the brand new A-Class in a different angle.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Starting from the design, the new A-Class can be either refreshing or revolting, whatever it maybe because while this is basically an improvement over the previous model, the new front face can be sometimes a bit disappointing because of the shape of the headlamps reminded us of the facelifted Ford Mustang a while back. On the back, it looks auspiciously similar to the old Kia K3 Euro hatchback so by the bottomline, the new design is somewhat too decent, compared to the old one it replaces.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior

Disappointing the new exterior it maybe, the interior is a complete contrast of it and surprisingly, the dashboard has a clear reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG Project One concept, just to give what is like to be in such futuristic interior that will be the backdrop for future Mercedes cars and that's just the beginning because starting with the new A-Class, the MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) is introduced, giving added productivity to your driving pleasure such as internet connectivity, navigation, communication, even taking charge of its safety tech as well. Sounds innovative but flattering if you're in a mood for fiddling with the fancy toys before setting off. You'd really wish you want to toy around with its MBUX for a long shot but once driven, you don't got the time to do that.

Anyway, while the dashboard is something to toy around, creature comforts are not bad in this car, especially when it has decent space at the back for everyone around you as well as the boot space big enough to fit your groceries. Also, the ambient lighting's more colorful than ever because it now features 64 colors and while ambient lighting is pretty cool, it can be too showy for luxury car standards.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Moving to performance, the new A-Class starts with a choice of a two turbocharged petrol engines (1.4L and 2.0L) and a 1.5L diesel engine. All of these engines are new but since Germany is not happy about diesel-powered cars because of you-know-what, focus directs to the petrol and since the 2.0L is the top dog of the range, let's talk this one first because in this engine, it produces 224PS of power, 350Nm of torque, and mated to a 7G-DCT that resulted to a 0-100kph time of 6.2 seconds and an electronically limited to 250kph. That's hot hatch territory in a not-so-hot car and feels like it's all right.

In terms of dynamics, the new A-Class promises to be a more improved ride compared to the previous ride and it was, sort of. The front axle boasts MacPherson struts and forged wishbones while the rear axle can be either come with a torsion beam axle for cheaper variants or a four-link rear suspension for more expensive models. More underneath, the handlebars and cast wheels are made of aluminum, an electric rack and pinion steering, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, aluminum spring links, and so on, resulting for a more agile, yet comfortable ride that works rather well when you simmer it down a little so don't rush it off.

Decent its driving feel it can be, the new A-Class promises to be the safest A-Class ever made and that is bad news for speedo boys everywhere because it inherits the high safety standard driving assistance systems from the S-Class, capable of doing semi-autonomous driving in different situations and if that wasn't enough, the available Driving Assistance package adds more such as Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blond Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and much more. With a plethora of safety tech in store, speedo boys won't be happy with the tech provided by this new model but a Regular Joe can enjoy a peace of mind driving this car with confidence.

Should you buy one? The new A-Class starts at 30,232 Euros (1,900,000Php plus tax) and while more pricey than the previous model, it's still the least expensive Mercedes-Benz to start with. So, with the pricing, the decent performance, and the high-tech interior are the upsides of the new car, the exterior design and too much tech can be a real downer for the new model. As a city car made for urban lifestyles, the new A-Class is the kind of compact that keeps on smiling even in the world dominated by softroaders or fake-uvs and with everything in store for this little hatchback, it's definitely up for a new kind of challenge.

Photo: Daimler AG

Forza Motorsport 6: The Smallest Supercar

This is Abarth's equivalent of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, getting rid of stuff not needed for track duty and made it one of the most potent track weapons that will upset the big guys. Say hello to the 695 Biposto, part of the T10 Summer Car Pack.

Before we talk about this ultimate Abarth ever made, let's have a quick perspective about this tiny monster. "Born on the track, to live the road." The 695 Biposto from Fiat's Abarth performance brand draws inspiration from the track-focused 500 Abarth Assetto Corse, therefore giving its knack of being "the smallest supercar" from the Abarth 500 lineage.

As the most potent 500 Abarth ever made, the 695 Biposto weighs around 997kg (courtesy of its lightweight materials as well as extensive use of carbon fiber equipment), powered by a turbocharged 1.4L petrol engine producing 186HP of power, can get through 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds, and has a weight-to-power ratio of 5.2kg/hp. For the first time in a road-legal car, the 695 Biposto arms with a dog-ring gearbox with light flywheel and copper racing clutch.

The 695 Biposto also offers with a Track Kit, made for racing purposes only, complete with a digital data logger, Sabelt racing seat belts, Sabelt carbon shell racing seats, and a personalized racing helmet.

As a hot hatch equivalent of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the 695 Biposto is a non-nonsense track weapon that shows that even when focused on its handling capabilities, this hot hatchback loves to toy around even the biggest of sportscars when it gets round the corner. For such size, you may never know what tricks this car can play on its unsuspecting victims and this sneaky stinger likes to shake things up like a stealth kill on its unsuspecting predators from behind. Driving in the real world, the 695 wasn't made for this job due to lack of aircon and radio but for track use, especially when it comes with the Track Kit, the 695 is an enjoyable car that you drive as much as you want until you're not in a mood for a lightweight hot hatchback that values its handling more than anything else, especially its power. Not bad for a car that was proclaimed as the "smallest supercar" in the world.

Okay, if Abarth calls the 695 the smallest supercar in the world, let's put their theory to the test because I'm driving this car round the Brands Hatch GP Circuit and see if the 695 lives up to Abarth's promise by comparing it against the hot hatch powerhouses from Germany. I've picked the VW Golf R and the Mercedes A45 AMG as the basis for this challenge and see if the 695's handling capabilities trump against both of the power-hungry hatches.

Without further ado, let the experiment begin!

And now the results:

1:54.413 - Golf R
1:52.344 - A45
1:58.039 - 695

Well, so much for the smallest supercar. Although being a track-capable vermin, it still wasn't good enough to outsmart the most powerful ones but if I disregard the lap times and if I consider handling as a strong focal point, I have high doubts that the 695 Biposto is a clear winner. Those four-wheel drive Germans were great to drive but with all that struggle I felt when I get them round the corner, there is no way that the 695 Biposto is a good old-fashioned masterpiece and I acknowledge the Italians for bringing such a fine specimen like this.

As I had much fun driving the 695 Biposto, I wanna find out what's next in store for this car as well as the Abarth lineage.

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Now I had to admit that this isn't a WRX STi, which is not due until next year and this wasn't even a Subaru because this one's German and expensive. This is a Mercedes-Benz hatchback suitable for those who are rich enough to ditch their Scoobys and Evos. This is the new A45 AMG...

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

So, what exactly is this new kid on the block doing on the Mercedes-AMG range which consists of hardcore models that came from the skunk works of AMG? Well, what they did on the current-generation A-Class is inject it with a newly developed M133 2.0L twin turbo engine, which is known to be the most powerful series production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world, add some AMG DNA on it, and then slap some four-wheel drive on it, which makes the A45 AMG the millionaire boy racer's take on Subaru's WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo because both of them are four-wheel drive?

Okay, so how does it compare to those four-wheel drive kamikazees? Of course because those guys have 2.0L turbo engines but while the Evo and the STi produces over 300PS of power, the A45 develops 360PS of power, which is almost 60 more than those JDM 4WD samurais and in a middle of a drag race, the A45 bids sayonnara to those because 0-100kph time for the A45 is 4.6 seconds while top speed is normally limited to 255kph or when the A45 AMG comes with a AMG Performance Package, the limit is raised to 270 km/h.

So, yes, while this car is more powerful than the Evo and the STi, let's not forget, this was made for the millionaire boy racers because it costs more than both of these Japanese 4WD cars. 49,683 Euros to be exact so it's not what you called cheap but it's priced on the same sort of price bracket as a Mercedes-Benz C350 BlueEfficiency so if you had to choose one, either that or an ordinary C-Class. Surprisingly, this is much more expensive than the xDrive version of BMW's M135i, in case you forgot.

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG interior

So, while the A45 AMG is the performance-oriented version of the A-Class because it's always the driver-centered car made for the unnecessary selfies in mind, how about what is like to be as a driver's car? Judging from the interior, it feels like it's been messed up by someone goes by the name "Mabel" or "Sable" and look at the screen. It's so small, even for a man with a spectacles can't see the directions from its sat-nav. Also, the seats aren't very lovely to sit, it's like seating in a sofa with a tag on it. And then, the seatbelts are colored red. I mean, Imagine if you're in an expensive suit. The whole formal wear's been ruined by the color of the red seats but it's not all bad if you're in casuals and not on the color that contrasts the color of the seatbelt. The more you know.

On the track, the A45's four-wheel drive provides great traction and it is as good as a Lancer Evolution, making it a very sharp car for the track days but on the normal roads, it's not quite as civilized as an executive saloon car. Being a hot hatch that is made to be usable for everyday use, the A45 wasn't quite ripe for this stint because it's still as angry as Groundskeeper Willie from The Simpsons and (sigh) as horrible as eating haggis.

Despite the downside, the A45 AMG is an accessible one because from now on, you can now have an AMG that is a lot more fun for a whole lot less.

Available colors: Zirrusweiss, Kosmosschwarz, Jupiterrot, Mountaingrau, Mountaingrau Magno, Monolithgrau, Nachtschwarz, Nordlichtviolett, Polarsilber, Sudseeblau, and Universumblau.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

BMW 1-Series 3-door (F21) and Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)

Let's start with the BMW 1-Series. Well, for the all new F20 model, the 1-Series is getting a bit more eccentric, a bit too odd, and most of all, it's a bit too creepy. As scary as...Psycho Mantis. (laughing)  But let's remind that even though the F20's a bit ugly, this is the last of its kind. The last of the rear-wheel drive hatchbacks. This is the only RWD hatchback you can buy. Nothing else....

2013 BMW 1-Series 3-door

2013 BMW 1-Series 3-door

However, BMW finally came up with a new 3-door version and this is a little bit too different. You get the same features, the same Urban Line, the same Sport Line, and the same engine choices from the standard 5-door model and like the 5-door model that we tried last autumn, they now come with the 114i (the one with the 1.6L twin turbo engine), 125i (the one with the 2.0L twin turbo engine), 116d EfficientDynamics Edition (the one with the 1.6L diesel engine but with even more eco-car peripherals), 125d (the one with the 2.0L diesel engine), and this...

2013 BMW M135i

..they even made a hotter version of the 1-Series F20/F21. It's part of the all new BMW M Performance Automobiles, a side story of the BMW M Division that they maybe not M worthy but they have capabilities of a BMW M car. But first, what is this BMW M Performance Automobiles? That is a tricky one because BMW M Performance Automobiles are extra-sporty vehicles with a superior combination of dynamic ability and fuel efficiency. They benefit from the unique expertise of BMW M engineers, with a special, fine-tuned powertrain, suspension and steering system. Most examples were the BMW M550d XDrive, BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d, and the one we're going to feature here...the M135i.

So, what makes the M135i the last of the rear-wheel drive hatchbacks made even better? This is just like a Scottish woman in her 20's who gave up law enforcement and trades her law enforcement for a modelling contract. You wanna know who? I'm sorry but NEVER APPLY LOGIC TO WHO. So, for this former policewoman turned supermodel, she tries to bare it all and oh....she got caught by some evil robots and taking her from space along with her husband. Uh...what did I just said? Something irrelevant on this topic?

Sorry everyone. Anyway, back on the M135i, this is the first ever petrol-powered member of the new BMW M Performance Automobiles; those that look like normal BMWs with M genes included. It's just like the former policewoman turned supermodel I've told, it looks fiercer, it looks tender, and best off all, this car would be brave enough to say "Scared? Who's scared? Geronimo." 

However, there's more to this GERONIMO stuff. Now, as I told after the Easter vacation, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe ended production since the day of the Easter bunny. That was disappointed to discontinue the baby M much like General Motors killing the Pontiac G8 in 2009, which is a great car killed prematurely.  I was concerned about the death of the BMW 1M Coupe but for this BMW M135i, would it be a proper substitute?

First off, the M135i is powered by a 3.0L N55B30 twin turbo engine which generates about 320PS of power, which is 20PS less than the defunct 1M Coupe but the 450Nm of torque is the same as the defunct 1M Coupe. For 0-100kph time, the M135i can do it in 5.1 seconds in a 6MT, but with the 8-speed automatic, that should do it in 4.9 seconds, and with the 8AT and xDrive combined, that should do it in 4.7 seconds. To sum this up, the M135i with the 8AT and xDrive combined is faster than the defunct 1M Coupe's 4.9 second time even though they're both electronically limited to 250km/h. That sounds a bit fair but be warned, the M135i XDrive is notoriously trickier to get off the line. If you get it right, you get a win but if you mess it up, you lose so the differences is all up to the driver.

2013 BMW 1-Series 3-door interior

When it comes to cornering, both the 1-Series 3-door and its M135i spin-off are good and when it comes to driving it, all I can think off is Haruka Amami's bangs. Don't you just love it when you sniff around her hair? Anyway, this car will make you feel high like a bunch of rugby boys in the streets. If you don't know what a rugby boy is, he's not a fan of the sport of rugby but an idiot who's busy sniffing a solvent branded as rugby. Driving this FR hatchback feels like you're sniffing rugby to get yourself high and you can't stop this addiction. I would gladly want to cut down Haruka Amami's bangs that's for sure.

The performance really is a good stuff for this Bimmer but in terms of design, I just really don't like the way it looks because it kinda looks like Psycho Mantis. Even covering it with the M Sport Pack, it doesn't really cut the mustard. It still looks like the bad guy that made you miserable unless you are opted to use Controller number 2 to end the misery. What I need is a car that is all about style and all Nina Williams-ish...and I think I got one...

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

This one's all about style. It's the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and for this regenerated model, it has been graduated from a supermini to a small family car. The entry-level model of Mercedes-Benz is now even larger than before. It might be even more elegant than the 1 Series and the new Audi A3 but I'm not sure if this is worth it...or do I?

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior

 Firstly, the exterior is more similar than today's CLS and it reflects Mercedes-Benz's new design philosophy while the interior has some vents that look like it came from the SLS AMG but what surprises me was its convenience. There was this Digital DriveStyle & Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone which does come with the personalised internet radio by AUPEO! Personal Radio, Garmin navigation software, and the best part was its Facebook and twitter integration that lets me share my status while driving. Cool, isn't it? This is becoming a yuppie sensation in the making and there was the COMAND Online with Colud technology and App Shop! An app shop for a Benz? Cool, this is like an iPhone on wheels but for its primer, the first two apps available are the Parking Finder and Morningstar Finance. More apps will be added later.

Like the Bmw 1-Series, which serves the Urban and Sport Line, the new A-Class does have three lines that suits the flavor; one is the Urban line which is like the Urban Line from the BMW 1-Series, it's all about being civilized on the city streets. Second was the Style line which adds a bit of elegance for the drivers. Lastly was this one; the AMG Sport. Much like the BMW M Sport pack on the 1-Series, the A-Class' AMG Sport line features some of the AMG styling bits that makes it more sporty and with the addition of sports suspension, direct-steer, and a large brakes. Sounds intriguing, but what about choices?

The new A-Class comes with a 1.6 L M270 I4 Turbocharged, 2.0 L M270 I4 Turbocharged, 1.5 L OM607 Diesel I4, 1.8 L OM651 Diesel I4, and 2.2 L OM651 Diesel I4 engine at its launch. As of now, the most powerful of the new A-Class range was the A250 Sport model which has a power output of 211PS of power. Standard transmission on models such as the A180, A200, A180 CDi, and the A200 CDi was the 6-speed manual transmission, but for other models such as the A250, A250 Sport, A180 CDI (OM 651), and the A220 CDI, they do come with a 7-speed double clutch transmission, which Benz says that it has a faster shifting time than manuals. Want a refresh? Simple, when clutch no. 1 is at 2nd gear, clutch no. 2 prepares the 3rd gear and then...shift it to 3rd gear, nice and easy, meanwhile, clutch no. 2 is preparing 4th gear for me and when its ready, shift it to 4th gear. This double clutch witchcraft, it has the odd numbers on the first while the other clutch has the even numbers. Again, when I was at 3rd gear, the 2nd clutch is pre-selecting 4th gear for me and when I shift it to 4th, the 2nd clutch is preparing 5th for me. What a seamlessly witchcraft!

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

It is becoming an interesting feature but what about cornering? Let's remember that this one's front wheel drive so too much grip and understeering are occurred. With the AMG Sport pack, this feels a bit hotter like a hot hatch. You can see the reflexes of a silver wolf transformed into a beautiful white-haired young woman..with the eyepatch..waiting to grapple you down the bed. It's still a mild car but I'm starting to like this car in a different way I like the RWD 1-Series.

Choosing either of these cars is not easy, sure the 1-Series is a bit of a Psycho Mantis controlling the steering wheel while you seat and waiting for him to kill you with his mind while the A-Class has the elegance of Takane Shijou with the power of the Bad Wolf. Both of these urban lifestyle compacts are a fun way to take them out on the streets as long as you have your parents' permission.