F20 116i vs A180 BE

[maximus]

Hello fellow Fanatics

It's time for my mom to get a new car (we're trading in the Blue piece of crap). It's got to be fuel economic, auto, small (but not too small) and also it must be a German car and not Audi (Just a personal preference)

We're not in a hurry to buy one.

So we looked around and decided the main contender would be the;
1 - 2013 BMW F20 116i 5 Door, Sport Line (will be Pearl White because White is Right :mmm: )

Spec;
1.6L - 4 Cyl
100kw/220 nm
7.1L/km (in town)
4.6L/km (highway)
5.5L/km (combined

Standard equipment;
Dynamic brake lights,
16" Light alloy wheels
Smoker's package
OBC
ECO Pro Mode
AUX-IN
A/C

2 - 2013 Mercedes Benz A180 BE (probably white as well or silver) - R293 000 (estimated)

The sales rep. says they are only expecting deliveries/stock only
in April.

Standard equipment;
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle-shift levers,
engine stop-start,
nine airbags,
electronic park brake,
reverse-view camera,
parking guidance,
front and rear parking sensors,
rain-sensing wipers,
Bluetooth connectivity,
and safety aids such as the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist,
Pre-Safe that adjusts seatbelts/seats and closes windows and sunroofs if an imminent crash is detected,
and Attention Assist that can detect driver drowsiness.

Spec;
1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with direct fuel injection that produces 90kW of power and 200Nm of torque.
Fuel efficiency is officially rated at 5.8L/100km (combined??) with CO2 emissions of 135g/km.


Being German cars, I know that parts will be expensive as well as maintaining the vehicle...but there is motorplan which will safe-guard me (well sort of).

Now obviously, I will choose BMW over Merc and my dad is also sided with BMW, so it's already 2 against 1

So now....what are your opinions or suggestions?

I don't know why BMW doesn't have much equipment as standard compared to the Merc :thinking:

 

[vylint]

I'd go for the BMW. I was totally put off by Merc's "motor plan" that it is highly unlikely I'd ever get one. Mercedes motor plan is like BMW motor plan up to 50 000km.......the next 50 000km (till 100 000km) works on a sliding scale and Mercedes motor plan can't seem to be extended.

I don't know if Mercedes have changed the way they manage their motor plan, but this sliding scale crap was enough to put me off the brand.
:thumbdo:

 

[Bayn46]

Most reviewer are placing the new A class as 3rd, with the A3 2nd and the 1 series 1st. Main issues where the steering feel, lack of power when compared to the others, and space issues due to the large C-pillar.

I like the Merc but I feel like it should offer more for the price. I'd pick the BMW.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Is a 118d or 120d out of the question?

 

[maximus]

Is a 118d or 120d out of the question?

Yes. out of budget range.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

I have a feeling the 116i would be quite heavy on fuel during everyday use (urban commute). It would be number 1 on my list anyway, seconded by the Merc.

 

[maximus]

I have a feeling the 116i would be quite heavy on fuel during everyday use (urban commute). It would be number 1 on my list anyway, seconded by the Merc.

My mom doesn't work the normal weekly 8 till 5 routine. It will just be the runaround/weekend car

 

[Josh-ZN]

i think the merc looks a bit better than the bmw. but i would choose the bmw. very very nice little car. i drove one for a week and i was very impressed.

 

[maximus]

Going tomorrow to SMG Cape Town to have a little chat

116i Auto with these options (don't need all the other crap);
Multifunction Steering Wheel
Through-load facility
Front fog lamps
PDC Rear
Xenon headlights
Adaptive headlights
Hands-free facility

:thumb:

 

[Psymon69]

Cant get over 1 series looks sorry:yuck:

Merc looks very attractive! Personally id take the A3:fencelook: My dad has one and cant find fault with it. In the end I do think it comes down to go test drive them all unbiased and then decide

 

[///Maniac]

I'd have the Merc. Looks so much better. But obviously I'd only decide for sure after driving both and then make my final decision.

I'd go for the BMW. I was totally put off by Merc's "motor plan" that it is highly unlikely I'd ever get one. Mercedes motor plan is like BMW motor plan up to 50 000km.......the next 50 000km (till 100 000km) works on a sliding scale and Mercedes motor plan can't seem to be extended.

I don't know if Mercedes have changed the way they manage their motor plan, but this sliding scale crap was enough to put me off the brand.
:thumbdo:

As for Merc motor plan, they've just launched a new range of plans called Premium Drive which appears to be the best in market as its a 6yr/100000km plan that can be extended.

 

[CamZo]

sorry guys but Merc has really come to the party the new A class looks awesome!!

 

[maximus]

sorry guys but Merc has really come to the party the new A class looks awesome!!

I do agree on the new looks of Merc :thumb:

 

[Diablo Jnr]

Only concern with the BMW would be the build quality, quite a few fanatics have vented their un-happiness with regards to the build quality on the new models.

 

[maximus]

Only concern with the BMW would be the build quality, quite a few fanatics have vented their un-happiness with regards to the buid quality on the new models.

Yip, been reading about it.

---

Still want to take a look at the Merc though...

 

[Kerrits]

The A will have the 6y/100 000km motorplan, which gives you an extra year free if you don't put that kms on the car.

The A also looks nicer, will probably be rust free, and not have body panel alignment and paint colour issues.

The A is apparently also very quiet and comfortable, if a bit boring and dead.

For me, I would not choose either in that price range. There are many competitors offering better value for money in this segment.
That said, I would choose the 1 series over the A, but for someone who doesn't really care that it's RWD and has sportier handling, I might be inclined to think the A might be the better fit.

Since you aren't in a hurry, I would at least wait for a test drive.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/mercedes-benz/a-class

 

[Sendhur]

Going tomorrow to SMG Cape Town to have a little chat

116i Auto with these options (don't need all the other crap);
Multifunction Steering Wheel
Through-load facility
Front fog lamps
PDC Rear
Xenon headlights
Adaptive headlights
Hands-free facility

:thumb:

Yes I agree these are the only options you really need, the new one series is a awesome car good luck :thumbs:

 

[DeoJor]

:fencelook: Hate to say it, but personally I would go for the Merc. I love the previous 1 series, but the current model just doesn't do it for me.

 

[maximus]

Going to Mercedes dealership and check out their 2013 B180 CDI

Specifications*

Model: Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI BE
Engine: 1,8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel

Power: 80 kW at 3 200 – 4 600 r/min

Torque: 250 N.m at 1 400 – 1 800 r/min

0-100 km/h: 10,7 seconds

Fuel consumption: 4,4 – 4,7 litres/100 km

CO2: 122 g/km

Top speed: 190 km/h

Price: R325 000
Service plan: 6 year/120 000 km

 

[maximus]

Ok so we're getting a Merc! .... thus almost completing our Axis of Evil hahaha