Team-BHP - Mercedes CLA-Class vs Audi A3

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Originally Posted by jacobvarughese (Post 4029862)

Thanks Zulfi- just to be clear, My family is a total of 4 members(with 2 small children). I'm also not that keen on used cars as I had a sub-optimal experience with a Bimmer 320d.

In that case you should wait 3 more months, massive discounts to come on Q5. It is most popular SUV in its segment in US, Germany and Europe and it's due for change next year. Same for X3 too.

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Originally Posted by jacobvarughese (Post 4028648)

a couple of factors against my choice of 320i prestige is the low ground clearance, prone to hydrostatic locks(as you're aware most roads in Kerala get waterlogged 80% of the time), runflat tires, and lack of Bluetooth or reverse camera capabilities :Frustrati
Re: reducing prices, my guys aren't budging at all- they stated I could get more if I were a doctor or an advocate(apparently several discounts for these professions)

Jacobvarughese, just to share my 2 cents . Hydrostatic locks are there in all German cars . Since you have mentioned that most of the times roads get water logged then I think you should stay away from any German sedan . You could consider an SUV but I would suggest go for Q3 or X3 rather than going for an X1 ...

In case you could consider a sedan ,look no further than a 3 Series . I just got the delivery of my 320i Prestige 2 days ago and I must say I am extremely happy with my choice . I had driven all the Vehicles this side of 40 Lac OTR Delhi and I can guarantee you ,once you drive this Bimmer , nothing else would satisfy you . If you would be driving the car yourself ,this is the one ... The car is excellent VFM, after adding all the discounts and schemes from BMW India and Dealer margins ,I got this at Rs. 32.55 Lac OTR with Delhi registration .

I doubt there are many cars currently in the market in this budget which ticks all the boxes ...

Hi ddndrive, Thanks for your tidbits of wisdom. The BMW dealers in Kerala state that the 320i comes upto over 40 lac OTR. I showed them these threads on Team-BHP where you had asserted of garnering almost 9 lakhs discount, and they still don't buy it- just don't know how to negotiate further.
I test drove the CLA today, and I liked it(having a 320d Corporate Edition earlier). I would still wait for the Test drive of the new X1 and perhaps make the final decision.

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Originally Posted by jacobvarughese (Post 4030055)

Do Consider:

VAT differs between Delhi and Kerala. 12.5% Vs. 14.5%

Registration on Petrol Cars differs between Delhi and Kerala as well. 10% in Delhi Vs. 19.98% in Kerala.

So, the exact deal of 32.55 OTR in Delhi would end up at 36.10 in Kerala just because of taxation. Try at this price point.

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Originally Posted by jacobvarughese (Post 4030055)

Hi Jacob,

I personally visited the BMW showroom last weekend to checkout the X1, I didn't take the test-drive but it is one great package, it is almost as big as the Q5, it's far more practical and spacious compared to CLA. But it's still not made for 4+2. What I figured was that it is good enough for 4 in a compact sense. It is virtually 40% smaller than XUV. I am sure you have worked out your decision. Go ahead and enjoy. Good luck.

Very interesting observations in this forum. IMHO, having driven several models of both manufacturers, I still find that Audis are more fun to drive, while Mercs are incomparable when it comes to plushness and styling - without any doubt.

I think if its driving fun you are after - Audi is the better choice, if its head turning style statement and luxury you want - then Merc it is!

On the specific CLA model, the back seat is really cramped for head room. I am 5'7" and even I found it low.