CAR WARRIORS: MERCEDES BENZ 2015 GLA250 CLASS

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

MERCEDES BENZ 2015 GLA250 CLASS

On the off chance that the CLA sport car sedan is Mercedes-Benz's passage into the traveler side of the comparison, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is the gateway into the brand's SUV positions, which now numbers five vehicles including the GLA, GLK, ML, GL and G class models. The way that the GLA and CLA offer the same stage makes them considerably more interlaced.

The CLA is as of now an undisputed accomplishment, with more than 30,000 units sold to date and a bring in for however many all the more as could be expected under the circumstances to take care of extra demand. Furthermore, with the smaller SUV business outpacing moderate size car for the first time , Mercedes is hoping that with the GLA, When lightning strikes again.As a daily driver, the GLA will handle everything from runs to school, the Super Target, and pickups of arriving out-of-towners followed by the inevitable and highly anticipated return of same, back to the airport. But the GLA is more than just an around-town go-getter. According to Mercedes, it is capable of off-road excursions into the great beyond. But realities have shown that this is rarely how the vehicles are used. Still, the abilities are built-in to satisfy the Walter Mitty in all of us. M-B thinks that those would-be Mittys (a redundancy, perhaps) will, in most cases be in the 30+ range, and would generally buy a CLA except for the fact they need the added utility that a compact SUV brings.

Estimated for the city, the 2015 GLA measures 173.9-inches from nose-to-tail, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase and is 71-inches wide by 60-inches tall. Outfitted with a particular 2.0-liter four barrel direct-infusion motor that makes 208-pull and 258 lb-ft of torque, it is fueled by a front-wheel-drive (accessible Quarter 1 of 2015), or on account of our sampler, another era all-wheel-drive 4Matic variant with a force take-off to the back pivot using an electro-powerfully controlled multi-plate grip and a collapsible driveshaft for mischance security. The sytem supplies completely variable front-to-back torque distribution down to a 50:50 part.
The 4Matic version is mated to a seven-speed DCT (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox, equipped with paddle shift levers. Corner cutting was enhanced by brake-induced Torque Vectoring that incorporates inside rear wheel braking to artificially shorten the length of the vehicle through the turns. All 4Matics are equipped with Downhill Speed Regulation, which helps the GLA to creep down an incline through a combination of gearing, engine speed and braking. Controls are also present on the center console, which enable the GLA to adapt easily to varying sorts of terrain. When using such features, the center display can be configured to display steering angles, a compass and transmission modes.
The GLA rides on Mercedes' sport suspension consisting of MacPherson struts with spring struts and wishbones in front and a multilink kit that includes coil springs, MacPherson struts and anti-dive geometry at the rear. Steering comes from a rack and pinion speed sensitive electromechanical steering system, which also serves to countersteer in the case of oversteer. ECO start/stop is standard on this small SUV that tips the scales at 3,384-pounds. Regardless of preliminary fuel economy ratings of 24 City / 32 Highway / with a 27 mpg average, the GLA can still go zero-to-60 in less than eight seconds and top out at 130 mph.
The GLA is not just about performance. Safety manages a few hits as well, including
Collision Prevention Assist with autonomous braking that can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and eight standard airbags. Lane departure warning and blind-spot detection are optional extras.

The GLA adopts many of the same design cues as seen in the CLA, including the "dropping lines" contours along the flanks of the vehicle. An upright star-styled grille leaves no doubt as to the SUV's heritage and in the case of our high-line 4Matic tester, was accented with available Bi-Xenon headlamps and LED running lights. Simulated skid plates are front and rear, to at-least hint at the GLA's off-road abilities. From the rear, in addition to the GLA's sexy hips, we note a hint of the bulbous look found on the Porsche Macan. As for design influences, that's definitely not a bad thing.
Our tester was enhanced with the available Sport Package ($2,000), which included AMG Wheels, bodystyling and AMG brakes with M-B logos and drilled rotors. Chrome roof rails are included as standard to finish off the visual excitement.

If you liked the interior of the CLA compact sedan, so too will the GLA strike your fancy. With a design language similar to that found in the sedan, the SUV carries forth with well-executed materials that clearly label this as a Mercedes-Benz. Soft-touch materials abound with single-needle tailoring. A spartan, no-nonsense gauge binnacle offers driver information, including a central TFT screen that can be changed to display navigation, audio, trip and performance information. The freestanding seven-inch display holds sway atop the center console and to us is one of the least desirable features of this interior.

The GLA's fourteen-way power seats offered hours of comfort on the twisty turns of backroad Vermont. Combined with the tilt and telescoping three-spoke steering wheel, virtually anyone can find a good seating position....as long as you can stay out of the rear seat. Since this is a compact SUV, chances are, most will find the rear seat legroom um, rather challenging. On the other hand, they do fold down in a 60-40 split.
Our tester included the Multimedia Package ($2,400 to 2500), which included a rearview camera, M-B Comand with Navigation and Voice Control, 10GB music register, seven-inch display, Sirius XM radio Traffic and Weather, and DVD player.
Further back, the GLA has approximately 17-cubic feet of storage with the rear seats in the upright position. Fold them forward for an increase to 43.5-cubic feet, which is accessed through the standard M-B automatic liftgate function.

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

MERCEDES BENZ 2015 GLA250 CLASS

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