Wheels Australia — August 2016

148 WheelsMag.com.au

Price

Eng

type

Eng

size Power Torque Trans.

Kerb

weight

0-100

km/h

0-400

metres

Fuel

cons.RON

Resale

%

Issue

tested Drive

540C A McLaren, for less

CheapestMcLareneverstillscoresV8TT,butinafriendlier,moreusablepackage

V8 sounds merely functional; no rear camera; manual seats seem cheap

• The Pick:Great in isolation but is it better than the cheaper 911 GT3? Stay tuned
  $325,000 V8TT 3.8 397 540 S7 1350 3.5 — 10.7 98 07/16 R
  570S More than just a baby 650S
  Notasterrifyinglyrapidas650S;propersupercarlooks;greatsteering
  Still doesn't sound great; interior quality a little hit-and-miss


• The Pick:Just one to choose from, though a softer, more usable GT model is coming
  S $379,000 V8TT 3.8 419 600 S7 1400 3.4 — 10.7 98 R
  650S Even better than 12C
  Same brutal twin-turbo V8 as 12C, with supposedly even finer ride, handling and steering
  Arguably not as pretty as the 12C; we're yet to drive it locally but a road test is coming!


• The Pick: Always the coupe, for its purity and greater sporting focus
  Coupe $464,000 V8TT 3.8 478 678 S7 1330 3.0 10.5 11.7 98 61 R
  Spider $511,000 V8TT 3.8 478 678 S7 1370 3.0 10.5 11.7 98 61 R

Price

Eng

type

Eng

size Power Torque Trans.

Kerb

weight

0-100

km/h

0-400

metres

Fuel

cons.RON

Resale

%

Issue

tested Drive

Mercedes-Benz

3yr/unlimited

mercedes-benz.com.au

McLaren

3yr/unlimited

cars.mclaren.com

GT sedan $42,690 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1501 8.2 — 6.6 91 55 F

GT sedan $45,540 L4TTD 2.2 129 420 A6 1571 8.4 — 5.4 D 50 F

GT wagon $43,990 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1524 8.2 — 6.6 91 55 F

GT wagon $46,840 L4TTD 2.2 129 420 A6 1591 8.2 16.1 8.4 D 50 07/15 F

Atenza sedan $45,390 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1503 8.2 — 6.6 91 55 04/15 F

Atenza sedan $48,240 L4TTD 2.2 129 420 A6 1573 8.4 — 5.4 D 55 F

Atenza wagon $46,690 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1626 8.2 — 6.6 91 55 F

Atenza wagon $49,540 L4TTD 2.2 129 420 A6 1594 8.5 — 6.0 D 56 F

MX-5 Join the queue

All-new MX-5 channels original NA's simplicity; great steering and grip; zippy 1.5

No steering reach adjustment; engine note not as sweet and busier ride of the 2.0-litre

• The Pick: The big block's punch is tempting but 1.5 is the go, with a manual 'box
  1.5 Roadster $31,990 L4 1.5 96 150 M6 1009 8.3 — 6.1 95 64 09/15 R
  1.5 Roadster $33,990 L4 1.5 96 150 A6 1032 8.3 — 6.4 95 62 R
  1.5 Roadster GT $37,990 L4 1.5 96 150 M6 1009 8.3 — 6.1 95 65 R
  1.5 Roadster GT $39,990 L4 1.5 96 150 A6 1032 8.3 — 6.4 95 64 02/16 R
  2.0 Roadster $34,490 L4 2.0 118 200 M6 1033 7.3 — 6.9 95 64 02/16 R
  2.0 Roadster $36,490 L4 2.0 118 200 A6 1057 7.3 — 7.1 95 64 R
  2.0 Roadster GT $39,550 L4 2.0 118 200 M6 1033 7.3 — 6.9 95 65 09/15 R
  2 .0 Ro a ds ter GT $ 41 , 55 0 L4 2 .0 1 1 8 20 0 A6 1 0 5 7 7. 3 — 7.1 95 65 R
  CX-3 Big range, with sweet spots
  Striking styling; broad model range; AWD’s balanced and involving chassis; cool factor
  Front-drive diesel misses the dynamic mark; noisy petrol engine; rear-seat side vision


• The Pick: Either an sTouring or Akari petrol manual, or one of the great-handling AWDs
  Neo $19,990 L4 2.0 109 192 M6 1193 — — 6.3 91 50 F
  Neo $21,990 L4 2.0 109 192 A6 1226 — — 6.1 91 50 F
  Maxx $22,390 L4 2.0 109 192 M6 1193 — — 6.3 91 52 02/16 F
  Maxx $24,390 L4 2.0 109 192 A6 1226 — — 6.1 91 50 F
  Maxx Diesel $26,790 L4TD 1.5 77 270 A6 1262 — — 4.8 D 52 05/15 F
  Maxx AWD $26,390 L4 2.0 109 192 A6 1294 — — 6.7 91 52 A
  sTouring $26,990 L4 2.0 109 192 M6 1193 — — 6.3 91 52 05/15 F
  sTouring $28,990 L4 2.0 109 192 A6 1226 8.9 16.4 6.1 91 52 05/15 F
  sTouring AWD $30,990 L4 2.0 109 192 A6 1294 — — 6.7 91 54 02/16 A
  sTouring AWD Diesel $33,390 L4TD 1.5 77 270 A6 1356 — — 5.1 D 52 A
  Akari $31,290 L4 2.0 109 192 M6 1219 — — 6.3 91 54 F
  Akari $33,290 L4 2.0 109 192 A6 1252 — — 6.1 91 52 F
  Akari AWD $35,290 L4 2.0 109 192 A6 1332 — — 6.7 91 54 05/15 A
  Akari AWD Diesel $37,690 L4TD 1.5 77 270 A6 1368 — — 5.1 D 54 02/16 A
  CX-5 Class-leading compact SUV
  Excellent dynamics (and not just for an SUV); well-packaged cabin; drivetrain efficiency
  2.0 petrol needs revs to perform; no rear-seat air vents; steering freeze under load


• The Pick: Diesel Maxx Sport is one of the best compact SUVs on-sale in Australia
  Maxx FWD $27,190 L4 2.0 114 200 M6 1443 — — 6.4 91 57 F
  Maxx FWD $29,190 L4 2.0 114 200 A6 1475 — — 6.4 91 57 F
  Maxx $32,190 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1556 — — 7.4 91 56 A
  Maxx Sport FWD $32,790 L4 2.0 114 200 A6 1482 — — 6.4 91 59 F
  Maxx Sport $35,790 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1559 9.3 16.7 7.4 91 57 08/14 A
  Maxx Sport $38,990 L4TTD 2.2 129 420 A6 1633 8.0 15.8 5.7 D 57 06/12 A
  Grand Touring $43,390 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1612 8.4 16.0 7.4 91 57 11/15 A
  Grand Touring $46,590 L4TTD 2.2 129 420 A6 1685 — — 5.7 D 57 06/13 A
  Akera $47,410 L4 2.5 138 250 A6 1614 — — 7.4 91 57 A
  Akera $50,610 L4TTD 2.2 129 420 A6 1687 — — 5.7 D 58 03/15 A
  CX-9 All-new model due next month
  Disciplined handling; stacks of space, even in third row; silken drivetrain
  Sharp-edged imperfections jar through firm suspension and low-profile rubber


• The Pick: Unless the deal is razor-sharp, wait for the all-new CX-9 to lob next month
  Classic FWD $43,770 V6 3.7 204 366 A6 1939 — — 11.0 91 52 F
  Luxury FWD $52,080 V6 3.7 204 366 A6 1966 — — 11.0 91 51 10/11 F
  Luxury $56,505 V6 3.7 204 366 A6 2070 8.5 16.2 11.3 91 54 04/08 A
  Grand Touring $61,680 V6 3.7 204 366 A6 2086 8.5 — 11.3 91 51 A

A-Class Baby Benz goes hipster

Greatdriver(andyouth)appeal;attentiontodetail;fieryA45AMG;lotsofequipment

Tight rear seat; no manuals for Oz; more compliant ride still firm; prices creeping up

• The Pick: A250 Sport is terrific, though if you can stretch to the ballistic A45, do it!
  A180 $37,200 L4T 1.6 90 200 S7 1320 8.6 — 5.8 95 49 F
  A200 $42,800 L4T 1.6 115 250 S7 1320 7.8 — 6.1 95 50 F
  A200d $43,300 L4TD 2.1 100 300 S7 1410 8.8 — 4.0 D 50 F
  A250 Sport $53,500 L4T 2.0 160 350 S7 1380 6.3 — 6.7 95 51 A
  A45 AMG $77,900 L4T 2.0 280 475 S7 1480 4.2 — 6.9 98 53 1/16 A
  GLA-Class City almost meets country
  Think of it as a slightly larger, comfier, more practical A-Class – we actually like it more
  Not a proper SUV by any means, with tight rear seat room; turbo-diesel a bit gruff


• The Pick: The GLA250 4matic is a superb jacked-up driver's hatch
  GLA200d $48,900 L4TD 2.1 100 300 S7 1460 9.9 — 4.6 D 56 05/14 F
  GLA250 $59,900 L4T 2.0 155 350 S7 1430 7.1 — 7.0 95 57 A
  GLA45 AMG $83,900 L4T 2.0 265 450 S7 1510 4.8 — 7.6 98 58 12/14 A
  CLA-Class A-Class grows a tail
  Frameless doors give it a coupe feel; uprated interiors of non-AMG CLAs; boot space
  Tight rear headroom; uncomfortable back seat; trim rattles; price premium over A-Class


• The Pick: CLA200 is pleasant, though 250 Sport is punchier, while AMG is mega-fun
  CLA200 $51,400 L4T 1.6 115 250 S7 1355 8.5 — 5.7 95 58 12/13 F
  CLA200 S-Brake $52,400 L4T 1.6 115 250 S7 1385 — — 95 58 F
  CLA200d $51,900 L4TD 2.1 100 300 S7 1525 9.8 — 4.0 D 59 F
  CLA200d S-Brake $52,900 L4TD 2.1 100 300 S7 1555 — — D 59 F
  CLA250 Sport $65,400 L4T 2.0 155 350 S7 1405 6.7 — 6.1 95 60 A
  CLA250 Sport S-B $66,400 L4T 2.0 155 350 S7 1435 — — 95 60 A
  CLA45 AMG $89,500 L4T 2.0 265 450 S7 1510 4.6 12.8 7.0 98 60 07/14 A
  CLA45 AMG S-Brake $89,500 L4T 2.0 265 450 S7 1540 4.7 — 98 60 05/15 A
  B-Class Still not quite A-grade
  Spacious mini-MPV now with quality and class; competitive drivetrains; grippy 4matic
  Jiggly ride quality on standard run-flat tyres; slightly odd styling; uninspiring dynamics


• The Pick: A reasonable effort, but ride quality lets it down. Try a BMW 2 Active Tourer
  B180 $41,700 L4T 1.6 90 200 S7 1425 9.1 — 5.5 95 50 F
  B200 $48,100 L4T 1.6 115 250 S7 1425 8.6 — 5.5 95 50 06/12 F
  B200d $48,600 L4TD 2.1 100 300 S7 1505 9.8 — 4.2 D 50 06/12 F
  B250 4Matic $55,100 L4T 2.0 155 350 S7 1505 6.7 — 6.8 95 51 A
  C-Class S-Class goes compact
  Aerodynamic style; punchy petrol engines;superb cabin; fine dynamics; stonking AMG
  Rear seat comfort not great; coil-sprung models don’t ride like the air-sprung versions


• The Pick: C250 with optional Air Body Control for practical types, or AMG for petrolheads
  C200 $60,900 L4T 2.0 135 300 A7 1465 7.7 15.4 6.0 95 59 10/15 R
  C200 Estate $63,400 L4T 2.0 135 300 A7 1525 7.5 — 6.2 95 56 R
  C200d $62,400 L4TD 1.6 100 300 A7 1505 10.2 — — D 60 R
  C200d Estate $64,900 L4TD 1.6 100 300 A7 1580 10.6 — — D 56 R
  C250 $68,900 L4T 2.0 155 350 A7 1480 6.7 14.8 6.0 95 60 04/16 R
  C250 Estate $71,400 L4T 2.0 155 350 A7 1545 6.8 — 6.9 95 56 10/14 R
  C250d $70,400 L4TD 2.1 150 500 A7 1595 6.6 — 4.5 D 60 R
  C250d Estate $72,900 L4TD 2.1 150 500 A7 1660 6.9 — 4.8 D 56 R
  C300e $74,900 L4TDH 2.1 150 500 A7 — 6.4 — 4.0 D 59 R
  C63 AMG S $154,510 V8TT 4.0 375 700 A7 1580 4.2 12.28.6 95 60 06/16 R
  C63 AMG S Estate $157,010 V8TT 4.0 375 700 A7 1650 4.1 — 8.7 95 60 10/15 R
  C-ClassCoupe No longer a two-door sedan
  Sharp pricing and equipment; rorty 2.0 turbo for C300; ride of Airmatic suspension
  Steering not as sharp as other dynamics; base drivetrains not particularly sporty


• The Pick: C63 coupe is one of the truly great AMGs, but even the C200 is a sweetheart
  C200 $65,900 L4T 2.0 135 300 A7 — — — 6.0 95 R
  C250d $74,900 L4TD 2.1 150 500 A9 — — — 4.4 D R
  C300 $83,400 L4T 2.0 180 370 A7 — — — 6.6 95 R
  C63 S AMG $162,400 V8TT 4.0 375 700 A7 — — — 8.7 98 R
  SLK Roadster lets its hair down
  Cruisy character remains, but with lovely new direct injection V6 and frugal V8
  Clumsy transmission and abrupt ESC are out of sync; poor ride


• The Pick: SLK200 is a simple, sweet around-town tool; AMG only works on racetracks
  SLK200 $87,200 L4T 1.8 135 270 M6 1435 7.3 — 6.8 95 51 R
  SLK200 $87,200 L4T 1.8 135 270 A7 1470 7.0 — 6.9 95 51 05/11 R
  SLK300 $99,500 L4T 1.8 150 310 A7 1500 6.6 — 7.0 95 52 R
  SLK350 $125,400 V6 3.5 225 370 A7 1540 5.6 — 8.3 95 51 01/12 R
  SLK55 AMG $162,400 V8 5.5 310 540 A7 1610 4.6 12.68.5 98 51 10/12 R
  E-Class Raises the standard
  Cutting-edge tech; luxurious interior; oodles of standard kit; pleasing road manners
  Australia misses out on some of the fancy tech; mild wind noise; prices have gone up


• The Pick: The E400 (due soon) is a ripper, or go for the frugality of the E220d
  E200 $89,990 L4 2.0 135 300 A9 — 7.7 — 5.9 95 R
  E220d $92,900 L4D 2.0 143 400 A9 — 7.2 — 4.1 D R
  E350d $134,900 L6TD 3.0 190 620 A9 — 5.2 — 5.1 D R

L=in-line,

V=vee,

F=flat,

R=rotary.

Number of cyls or rotors.

T=turbo,

S= s'charged,

D=diesel,

H=hybrid

LitresKilowattsNewton metresM

=m

anual,

A

=automatic,

S=sequential,

C=CVT

Kilograms0-100km/h acceleration, in secs (Wheels

tested figures in italics)

0-400m acceleration, in sec s (Wheels

tested figures in italics)

Fuel consumption in Litr

es/100km

Recommended octane ratingGlass's predicted resale ra

ting, retained after 3 years

Rec When we drove it

ommended Retail Price

at time of publication(* indicates driveaway) F= F

ront drive,

R=Rear drive,

A

=All-wheel drive

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