Will Canada see the A class?

[smartzuuk]

Is it possible that Canada would see the A Class? Has the B been successful enough?

BMW is going to bring the 1 Series, and diesels are coming.

I can't stand BMW to be honest, but my experience with the smart has been very positive, and I would very much consider an A cdi.

[fasteddy]

1 series is the same class and direct competition to B-Class and Audi A3.

I'm not 100% sure what requirement before they will bring more cdi models. May it be:
-diesel quality to go up
-gasoline price to go beyond $1.50
-100% more people to buy cdi just because
-a competitor brand to bring more diesel models and sell successfully

[fasteddy]

I had rented a A180 one time when I was in Germany. And I saw the latest generation in Japan last year. I'll take one over a Honda Civic anytime. I like to see a A200T compete in the catagory against Civic VTEC Type -S. But then, many upper level owners may not like to see this happens in North America. They have not experienced the broad range of Mercedes brand as there are in Europe and Asia.

[smartzuuk]

The ATVP Program I think owns an A Class. After three years, it goes away...

I respect their decision not to bring it - maybe too, it also brings issues from consumers not used to dealing with MB Retail outlets. The experience with smart I'm sure is a learning experience, and they made some decisions for the USA based on the Canada experience. The 'economy consumers' are quite a demanding lot.

[smartzuuk]

But then.... I read this....

http://www.star-lounge.ca/index.php?topic=140.0

So this model is very successful?

[fasteddy]

This model is successful at places where large population, little land, or narrow roads and high fuel cost. Canada is the totally opposite.

[fasteddy]

Interesting note.

A recent issue of a German car magazine was classifying the A-class against Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. Now where does that leave the B-Class?

I know 1-Series is the smallest of BMW. But Audi also have A2 in Europe.

[smartzuuk]

Here is my random thought of the day.

Penske will bring the A Class to the US as a rebadged 'smart' or 'City Benz'.

[pigtail]

Both A and B class are now available in Thailand ex local assembly plant.

W169 A170 and A200, A180 CDI is coming later this year.

W245 B180 CDI

P.S. I have the 2000 W168 A160 imported from the U.K. Difficult to get parts
      as the local Daimler-Chrysler makes only W169.  Singapore and Malaysia
      carry some however.

[fasteddy]

We have the B-Class W245 here in Canada. But only in B200 non-turbo, and B200 turbo. These models seems to satisfiy majority of its interested parties. However, there is a segment who are crave for the B200 CDi who are holding off on buying one.

There are also wishes for the A-Class to arrive in Canada as well. It will fill the void between the Smart Fortwo and B-Class. A fearce competition segment among that price range.

[smartzuuk]

I still think the 'City Benz' concept has merit for North America. Although they would also be great on the highway.

Lawmakers, and the next US Government are going to be all about 'green'.