« Reply #117 on: March 07, 2015, 08:31:40 am »
The Polestar was the big surprise of last autumn's AJAC test fest for me. I kept hearing my peers go on about how special it was (and kept hearing it sizzle by on the closed testing course) and finally decided to take it for a rip. I'm not a huge fan of the S60/V60, even with the turbo 6 engine, but my gawd, they got this thing right. It sounds great and goes like stink.
The other two were nearly as surprising though. The Macan was probably the only vehicle at test fest that you could switch on the "Sport" button, rip around the handling course, then drive to the off-road track, switch "Off Road" and drive over the rocks and stumps. It's amazing how well it does everything it promises to.
But it was the little AMG that I'd have. A base model at just over $50k with only the AMG performance pkg option on it for something like $2k extra. The belches and snorts and whopping turbo power, plus just enough interior space for my family of 3 make it a highly desirable machine. When considering the fun, practicality and brand-snobbery, there's not much else out there for less than $60k that does what the GLA 45 AMG does. But... maybe I should hold back on my comments. I've got one for a week's review coming up very soon and maybe my opinion will change.
Interesting comments Jeff and most of the comparos I've read have put the GLA45 last compared to the Macan and SQ5.....goes to show you that things are subjective and why you should buy the car you like not what a reviewer (or forums member) likes.
It's small for the money but that wouldn't bother me.....I can see it being as issue with the NA opinion of larger is better. Heard the lag is pretty brutal too....but used to it from my WRX.
I would also really like to drive the S3 and the M235. If I'm shopping right now and I'm looking at spending that kind of money I'd really think I'd be coming away with the BMW or S3.
I'm finding Kristin hauls the kids or we take the MDX 99.7% of the time and I really don't need the space in the TL. That may change if she goes back to work I suppose.
Fun-wise the 235i would walk away from the GLA45 IMHO, but the GLA is more practical, the trunk is a pretty decent size, and the rear leg/headroom isn't bad either.
if you're going to take it to a track, M235i all the way, but if it's purely for fun on public roads, the GLA sounds and feels more fun - the noises it makes, just endless fun. the M235i is buttoned down and too composed at ordinary speeds, but it has the impeccable BMW balance, that will feel more natural/possibly allow higher limits on track.
Have you driven the M235i with the M Sport exhaust package? That with the stick shift will make it a more engaging drive on the road too, I suspect. I'll let you know for sure on Monday when I pick up the GLA 45.
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The past:00 BMW M Rdstr, 19 Jetta, 15 Ducati Scrambler, 09 Triumph Bonneville, 98 Boxster, 17 Kawi Z900, 05 LS 430, 99 LS 400, 17 Subaru STI, 14 Triumph STR, 15 WRX, 09 Ducati Monster 1100, 08 335i, 06 Suzuki SV650S, 06 330i, 06 MX-5, 04 Audi A4, 03 Suzuki SV650S, 98 328i, 93 Civic Si, 85 Corolla
