Pathological goes to Rio with Kia (Used)

The Kia Rio for a while carried the image of being a budget car nothing more. Those who needed a cheap means of getting around considered the Rio because of it's ultra-low base price. Now times have changed however, and the Kia Rio is far from the cheap car that it used to be. It's still affordable and offers much new technology for such a low asking price. Has Kia finally stepped up their game? Or is it a case of all style no substance?

Performance: The Kia Rio only comes with one engine and that's a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 138hp. There's plenty of pace for city and highway driving, and fuel economy is really good as well. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six speed automatic gearbox. Picking between the two depends on your tastes.

Ride & Handling: The Kia Rio ride often feels firm and never settled over bumps and potholes. If you get the top of the range trim with the low profile tires, the ride comfort will suffer a bit more. Handling is okay, it's not as sporty as a Fiesta but it does offer a secure feeling. The only downside is the steering can often feel numb at times.

Refinement: Wind noise is well suppressed but very little else. Engine noise is often joined by tire noise slapping on the road. The gearshift is a bit notchy too. On long journeys this can make things a bit tiresome unless you turn the radio up a bit to drain out the noise.

Behind the wheel: This car is very easy to get comfortable in because the driving position is adjustable and should suit everyone. The seats are flat and firm. The controls are simple and well placed. The big problem however is the small rear window and thick pillars, which restrict rear visibility.

Space & Practicality: The Rio offers an impressive amount of space for four adults. There's plenty of headroom and legroom to go round. The boot offers plenty of space for its size and the rear seats fold 60/40 for added versatility.

Equipment: The base trim level misses out on power windows and power door locks. But you do get air-con and a CD-player standard. You'll have to step up to the EX trim to get power door locks, windows and Bluetooth connectivity. SX trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, power folding exterior mirrors, auto headlights with LED day time running lamps and a sports tuned suspension.

Buying & Owning: The Kia Rio is one of the most affordable cars on the market. However, the value factor slowly disappears when you climb up the trim levels. The base trim loses out on features that should be standard, while the top of the range seems rather overpriced for what it is. Running costs should be low thanks to good fuel economy, while resale unknown.

Quality & Reliability: The Kia Rio overall interior quality feels good. The quality of the materials used feel sturdy and long lasting. A huge step forward for the brand. Reliability has been average for the Kia brand.

Safety & Security: All Rios come equipped with front and side curtain airbags. Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are standard as well. It should also be as thief-proof as other contemporary Kias.

The Kia Rio has really stepped up its game since it was first released in the U.S. No longer is it the car you'd choose because it’s the cheapest to buy. The new generation of the Rio is stylish, practical and even offers good fuel economy. However, the only disappointing factors are the kit level for the base trim and the disappointing driving experience compared to the Ford Fiesta. If you can ignore these few little faults, you'll find that the Rio is a great car with good value for the money.

Devon's Pick: SX trim may be the most expensive of the Rio range. It's the only version of the Rio that offers the most attractive features such as those LED daytime running lamps and flashy alloy wheels. It's worth spending the extra but it loses the value for money factors.

Likes: Good fuel economy, stylish exterior looks, practical and offers good value for the money.

Dislikes: Not as comfortable or fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta, the base trim is very disappointing.

Pathological tries out a Compass from Jeep

The previous generation of the Jeep Compass was an absolute joke that had no one laughing. It literally was one of the worse crossovers you could opt for, but with deep discounts it kept it a favorite among rental car lots and budget buyers. The new Compass however Jeep is hoping to change things but has it done enough?

 You only get the choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder pumping out 180hp. You can opt for a six-speed manual gearbox but that only comes with the entry-level Sport and Latitude Trim levels. Our tester car was the top of the range Limited which came with a nine-speed auto gearbox. It came with mixed reviews as many felt that it was just way too many gears for the amount of horsepower the engine produced, while others thought that the engine and trans pairing was more ‘okay’ and just not that refined. Driving around town the Compass did feel very comfortable and easy to maneuver around, while on the highway you’ll wish you had fewer gears as the engine often gets lost in all the gears. The engine is flexible when up to speed and doesn’t really make too much of a racket while at cruising speeds. The engine stop/start technology isn’t as smooth as it could be but it does a decent job and you can deactivate it if you find it annoying.

The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support and adjustability, while those in the second row won’t have anything to complain about as it is decent in space. The boot space is also generous too but it isn’t class leading. The infotainment system is easy to use and simple in operation, but the several menus can get quite distracting while on the go. The one area that we wish that FCA would improve on is the interior quality. It just doesn’t seem up to snuff with the rest of the competition. It’s great that Jeep has improved interior quality and also improved the Compass dynamically, but it still isn’t as great as it could be.

Our tester car (Limited) came with a sunroof, heated leather seats, navigation system with back-up camera. 4x4 system, dual-zone climate control, HID headlights and a security group package. It’s really hard trying to justify this version of the Compass as it is close to $40k and well for that amount of money there are some real heavy hitters that will give the Compass a run for its money in quality and refinement.

We enjoyed our short time with the Compass and found it to be light years better than the outgoing model. However, the nine-speed auto gearbox isn’t refined and FCA reliability record hasn’t been great. If you want the most capable compact crossover of the lot than this is your best bet, however you can buy a Subaru XV and it’s just as capable. It may not have the flexible engine but the running costs are lower and the refinement is much better.

Likes: Light years better than the previous generation, Trailhawk version has the most off-road prowl.

Dislike: Refinement of the transmission and build quality needs to be improved; otherwise this fresh new design is just a coat of primer.

Our pick: Ditch the Sport and go right for the Latitude. You get plenty of kit standard and the price isn’t too expensive like the Limited. The Trailhawk is the option for those who are going to do off-roading in this, but at the price point. You minus well consider a Subaru XV which is similarly priced, more refined and more reliable.

Top pick: Mazda CX-9

You’d be pretty daft to think that Mazda isn’t capable of making a great seven-seat crossover. The proof is in the CX-9 which in our opinion is one of the best options out there if you need seven-seats but don’t want to lose driving entertainment. It’s our top pick after all.

The 2.5 turbo four-cylinder pumps out 250hp and a diesel-like 310lb-ft torque. You can use regular fuel on this engine but the output will drop to 227hp and well a 23hp loss in power is not worth saving few nickels and dimes. We highly recommend using premium fuel to get the fuel 250hp from that four-cylinder engine. The best part of the CX-9 is the fact that despite it not having much horsepower it doesn’t feel sluggish to drive; it’s actually the complete opposite. The high torque at low revs gives the CX-9 so much pull that driving around town is smoother than you’d think and when it comes to passing on the highway, the four-cylinder manages to cope with the heavy weight of the CX-9 with surprising amounts of flexibility. Steering feedback is amazing and the chassis manages to be comfortable and agile. Road noise is present but it is far from annoying or a deal breaker, you can easily drain it out with the radio, wind noise wont’ be much of an issue either thanks to good interior insulation.

The front seats offer superb comfort and the driving position is spot on good. The second row is good in space as well while the third row is surprisingly comfortable with plenty of comfort features to help it feel less claustrophobic. The CX-9 may not have the same amount of cargo space as a Chevy Suburban with both two rows of seats folded down but to say that the CX-9 isn’t roomy enough ultimately means that you’ll have to pick either a Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition EL.

The dashboard is first class in refinement and the fact that all the controls and dials are within reach of the driver’s hand and are easy to use. The infotainment system is actually quite easy to navigate through with all the menus logically laid out, even though we still bash them for being too distracting while on the go. The Bluetooth connectivity is so seamless to use and isn’t as fussy as the Nissan Maxima we had as a tester.

Our tester car was the Grand Touring trim which came with LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, optional all-wheel-drive system and a Bose premium audio system. Also included in our CX-9 was navigation system, lane departure warning, distance pacing cruise control and blind spot monitoring system (this feature came in handy as we nearly cut-off a few people who rode in our blind spot during a brief drive on the highway).

There are few crossovers that really do tickle our fancy and make us wish we had a need for seven-seats. The CX-9 is one of those crossovers. It really does live up to the ‘zoom-zoom’ with the way it feels on the road and how comfortable and easy it is to live with despite it being a large seven-seat crossover. The only other crossover that doesn’t feel as daunting to drive is the Mercedes GLE and well not everyone wants to pay the premium for one, thus the CX-9 literally is the best of the best and is our top pick.

Likes: The turbo four-cylinder is smooth and offers plenty of flexibility, while running costs is within reason. It can fit up to seven people and doesn’t feel daunting to drive.

Dislikes: Don’t use regular fuel!

Our pick: Most people will be happiest with the Sport or Touring trim. We highly suggest going right for the Grand Touring Trim. It comes with so much kit standard and the asking price is actually quite reasonable. It may be a tad too pricey for some but what you get in return is well justified.

Pathological tries to find a Spark with a Chevy

Even developing a cheap car is an expensive business. So if companies want to make any money out of one they need to share the costs. This explains why Chevy used the Opel/Vauxhall platform for its smallest Spark. But is buying one a false economy?

The standard 1.2 four-cylinder pumps out 98hp. It may not seem like much but it does offer decent flexibility around town but on the highway you'll really want to pick and choose your overtaking. You'll feel like you're constantly flogging the accelerator pedal even though you aren't. Which does put a slight damper on the running costs because while most four-cylinder engines thrive on the higher rpms, the tiny engines like this one are best suited with a manual gearbox which really does utilize the little horsepower and torque the engine has to offer. Sadly we didn't get a manual gearbox with our top of the range 2LT trim but at least it didn't feel cheap inside like we thought it would, the previous Spark was more of a hipster feeling car while this one feels more Euro Chic.

Driving around town the Spark is actually quite fun to drive. It's easy to squeeze in and out of tight parking spaces and very easy to dart around at low speeds. The steering feels light and decent on feedback, it just when you get on faster paced roads everything seems to just fall apart. It doesn't hold its own as well as it should and well the ride comfort maybe comfortable, but it feels like you've driven a long distance just from the abundance of engine noise and wind noise that sneaks into the cabin. We know the price tag of the vehicle, but a Ford Fiesta seems more refined and isn't much more expensive.

The interior does feel like it is built to a price and well some materials feel cheap and nasty. Build quality seems good from what we've been able to see. The front seats offer decent comfort and support, while those in the back will have decent space. You won't be able to fit three abreast as this car is strictly a four-seat vehicle only. The boot space isn't anything to complain of since this is a small car but the Ford Fiesta and even a Fiat 500 feels more versatile.

Our tester car came equipped with leatherette seating surfaces, keyless entry with keyless start and a rear park assist. You also get a seven-inch infotainment display, bluetooth for your mobile device, 15-inch alloy wheels and integrated fog lights.

We understand that not everyone can afford most of the mainstream sedans and hatchbacks, and the Chevy Spark certainly is one vehicle that should be on your lists of considerations. We didn't say short list this because well the Ford Fiesta is far more fun to drive and the Mitsubishi Mirage beats the Spark in the value for the money factor. The Spark certainly is better to drive than a Mirage and we surely would choose one of the a Mirage any day, it's just the simple fact that if you don't get the cheapest one. You minus well get a Sonic or even a Nissa Versa Note. It's good value for the money but there are too many indirect rivals to choose from for similar cash.

Likes: Low running costs. Easy to drive around town and live with as a daily commuter car.

Dislikes: Outside the city limits everything goes downhill. It can get expensive as you climb the range.

Our pick: Stick with the 1LT. It comes with all the standard kit most care about and also has standard alloy wheels without having to pay the price premium of the 2LT. The Activ version has a slightly raised driving position but no all-wheel-drive option is also worth considering if you want a crossover poser but it's quite dearly priced.

Short drive review

Kia Niro

Likes: A hybrid crossover is definitely a smart move on Kia's part. Spacious interior for five with a decently sized boot.

Dislikes: Leisure-hybrid-acceleration. The auto gearbox can be jerky at low speeds.

Overall: It's the hybrid for those who aren't trying to appear snobby.



Land Rover Evoque

Likes: It's stylish and fully capable off-road. The convertible version makes no sense but it looks good.

Dislikes: It can get expensive quickly. Build quality is still iffy no matter how you look at it.

Overall: It's the smallest and the cutest Land Rover of the range.



Honda Accord

Likes: We personally love the way it looks. We love the way it drives and we love the new turbo engines.

Dislikes: Sleek styling makes visibility slightly compromised.

Overall: This maybe the best Accord, ever, and there's a hybrid available.



Alfa Romeo Giulia

Likes: No matter which engine you choose, both are up for the job. Dare we say more fun to drive than a BMW 3-series?

Dislikes: The interior build quality is iffy in build quality. Resale value is weak.

Overall: It's full of Italian flare and charm.



Jeep Compass

Likes: A handsome little thing with real off-road capabilities. The interior is much improved over previous generation.

Dislikes: Engine stop/start isn't very smooth. It needs a 2-liter turbo engine option.

Overall: A decent option in a very crowded segment.

We 'escape' with the new Ford crossover

We love the Nissan Rogue but the Ford Escape has a few tricks up its sleeve that may make give the Rogue a good run for its money.

The standard 2.5 four-cylinder is only offered in the base S Trim. You'll have to step up to the SE or top of the range Titanium trim to get the optional 1.5ecoboost four-cylinder pumping out 180hp and the 2-liter ecoboost four-cylinder pumping out 240hp. We'd say the best way to go with the Escape is the 1.5ecoboost engine. It feels much more flexible than the standard 2.5 and you can option for all-wheel-drive if you desire the extra traction. Our tester car was the 1.5ecoboost in the Titanium trim which came ticked with all-wheel-drive and it did come in handy when we drove through a very severe rain storm. The Escape managed to offer really good steering feedback while the chassis managed to handle  the corners and bends well. We know that this isn't a sports car but the confidence that it provides is still really good. There's a little bit of road noise that sneaks into the cabin at higher speeds and some wind noise can be beard around the side mirrors. These are merely nitpicks at best though.

We enjoyed driving the Escape around especially on the highway. The 1.5ecoboost engine doesn't feel short on pull thanks to high torque at low revs. We've tested the Escape before and managed to drive both the 2.5 and the previous 2-liter turbo engine which only pumped out 230hp at the time. The 2.5 is fine for those who are on a budget and really do want an Escape. The running costs are so identical to the 1.5ecoboost that we wouldn't even bother choosing the 2.5. The Escape is easy to squeeze around tight urban streets and can hold its own well on faster paced roads.

The driver's seat offers plenty of adjustments and comfort for driver's of all sizes. The rear seat is comfortable with plenty of headroom and legroom. You shouldn't have any trouble squeezing cargo into the boot as it is plentiful in space. It may not offer the third-row seating option as the Nissan Rogue, but in this case we are willing to ignore that. Most buyers won't really need a third-row seat and besides the Explorer is such a good option to step up to if you do need that extra space. The Ford SYNC system is much easier to use than it was in the Escape we tested. The menus are much easier to navigate through and the dash board isn't as button happy as it once was. We do however wish that Ford made a little more effort in the standard S Trim which really does wear the budget starting price to a tee.

Our tester car came equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, voice-activated navigation system and of course the 1.5ecoboost four-cylinder with all-wheel-drive. Along with those optional features, the standard kit is really good and it should be considering the Titanium trim is the highest trim in the range and is the most expensive as well. We wouldn't bother with this trim as the mid-range SE trim will satisfy most buyers needs. You can choose from the same two engines as the Titanium and if you need all-wheel-drive you can also option for that. It seems though that the all-wheel-drive adds a hefty premium to the overall package and is best avoided unless you have to have the extra traction. We will repeat ourselves again, the all-wheel-drive is a nice added features especially when we were driving around the outer city limits through a rain storm. We however didn't feel it was needed as we've driven an Escape with front-wheel-drive in similar driving conditions and it managed to hold its own just as well.

It's hard to fault the Escape with this refreshened exterior and interior. The new engines on hand are flexible and offer decent running costs. We just feel that Ford has priced the Escape a bit too ambitiously as some keen rivals offer better value for similar money. The Titanium trim while it is good in its own right, we wouldn't bother with it because it can get too expensive for what it is. You'll have to badly want to pay the premium to justify it. The SE trim does the job well and is our pick of the range. Overall the Escape is a smart choice that's made even better.

Likes: The 1.5ecoboost engine is the best of the range. The touch screen infotainment system is much easier to use and the Escape refinement has improved.

Dislikes: All-wheel-drive is an expensive and probably a unneeded option for many. Exterior styling fell on mixed opinion.

Old dog, new tricks?

Just because you can teach an old dog new tricks doesn't mean that those tricks are worth learning. The Toyota Corolla certainly holds on tightly to it's laurels, but with talented rivals that have caught on to the the formula. The Corolla doesn't really seem like the sensible option it once was.

The standard 1.8 four-cylinder engine feels plenty for most buyers, while others will be much more satisfied with either a Chevy Cruze or Mazda 3. You won't have to really push the engine too hard on faster paced roads, however around town the Corolla shines as it's light steering and comfortable suspension makes it easy to live with as a daily commuter car. What we like the most about the Corolla is despite it having secure handling, it certainly knows it's limit. You won't feel inspired to driving it hard through corners or bends because the steering feedback is so numb that you'll lose confidence fast. It's as if the steering wheel and the front wheels ended all communication between each other. The suspension like we said before is comfortable but when you do decide to drive spiritedly, there's way too much body roll. It's almost as if the Corolla has a higher center of gravity than a compact crossover.

Drive the Corolla the way it's intended and you'll be greeted by a quiet cabin. It's so quiet that you'd think that Lexus or Mercedes designed it, just don't look around the cabin because that's where the Lexus and Mercedes reference ends. The dashboard seems logically laid out and is very easy to use. The infotainment system is easy to navigate through but it can get very distracting while on the go. The Bluetooth connectivity is just a tad too fussy for our liking. The front seats are okay in terms of comfort and adjustability isn't really all that limited. The second row seats are so-so in comfort. The seat bottom feels flat and lacking in comfort. The boot offers decent space but the old-fashioned trunk hinges eats into precious boot space. A Volkswagen Golf has a smaller boot but makes the most of the space that it does have.

There's a dizzying number of trim levels to choose from. We will focus on just a few because the rest are priced so closely together that they feel rather pointless. Standard L trim gets Bi-LED headlights, power windows and Blueooth connectivity. You'll have to step up to the LE to get a 6.1-inch touch screen infotainment screen, remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. XLE adds multi-LED headlights, smart key system with push button start and power sunroof. Top of the range XLE adds power adjustable front seats, premium audio system and premium trimmed seats. Our tester car was the LE trim which does offer make the most sense financially thanks to extra bits such as remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. However, you'll have to step all the way up to the XLE to get alloy wheels.

The Toyota Corolla offers a compelling package for those who really do prefer to rest on their laurels when it comes to a compact sedan. It may not be as fun to drive as the Mazda 3 but it certainly does have the build quality and low running costs. We just wish that it wasn't so dull to drive.

Likes: Low running costs with excellent quality and refinement.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trim levels, and it's just so dull to drive. Rivals have caught on to Toyota quality and are more engaging to drive.

Our pick: The XLE maybe a tad too expensive for some but you get plenty of standard kit. We would stick with the LE for those who don't want to spend the cash just for alloy wheels and fancier headlights. You get auto climate control and full touch screen infotainment system, that's enough for some people. It certainly was enough for us, but why aren't alloy wheels fitted as standard?

Devon hops in the smallest minivan you can buy (used)

The Mazda 5 is living proof that you don't need a large 4x4 to carry a family around in comfort. It's dinky size means that it's a easy to park and good on gas. All while offering a clever six passenger configuration. In the land of the large 4x4, can Mazda convince buyers going small is all the rage?

Likes: Decent amount of space in the cabin, tons of equipment standard for such a low asking price, low running costs and impressive handling.

Dislikes: Firm ride over some surfaces, interior plastics don't feel up to par, may prove to be too small for some families.

Performance: The Mazda 5 comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 160hp. It does a good job of pulling the 5 around town and on the motorway. Fuel economy is decent too. It's not the sportiest engine, and you'll have to rev it hard to get up to speed with the automatic. We'd stick with the base trim for the manual gearbox.

Ride & Handling: The 5 can handle pretty well for a car of its size and weight. However, the trade-off is the ride is a little too firm for some taste. The pay off is solid body control, which is combined with impressive grip and quick steering. This makes the 5 more engaging to drive than other MPVs.

Refinement: The 2.4-liter engine operates very smoothly. There's some wind noise when you pick up speed on the motorway, road noise however is pretty much subdued. All six passengers will love how refined the cabin feels. It's airy and comfortable on long journeys.

Behind the wheel: There's plenty of adjustments for the steering wheel and front seats, so drivers can get comfortable easily. All-round visibility is pretty good thanks to a high driving position, and many functions that can be controlled by the buttons on the steering wheel. The stereo controls on the dash are a bit confusing.

Space & Practicality: The 5 can carry six passengers in somewhat comfort. The second row passengers will feel comfortable, while third row passengers will feel a bit cramped. Plus the boot isn't massive with all the seats up. You'll have to fold down the third row seat to carry anything more than a few suit cases. Headroom and legroom is generous to all but the third row. Which should be left to the kids.

Equipment: The Mazda 5 comes well equipped. Even the base model will satisfy most buyers. Alloy wheels, climate control, stability control and six speaker sound system come standard. Top of the range adds Xenon headlamps, rain sensing wipers, heated front seats and moonroof.

Buying & Owning: The Mazda 5 comes with a low asking price. You'll have to step up to the higher trims to really get the toys that you want. Resale value is strong so your investments will be well protected. Discounts are available, but aren't anything to brag about. Running costs should be low thanks to decent fuel economy.

Quality & Reliability: Mazda's record on mechanical reliability is pretty impressive. So you shouldn't have any worries on that score. The cabin has a solid feel that inspires confidence that the car will last. While many rivals offer classy, soft touch plastics. The 5's is hard, scratchy and rather dour.

Safety & Security: The Mazda 5 comes with advanced front, side impact airbags and side-impact curtain airbags. Traction control, and stability program are standard as well as sophisticated braking system to help you avoid trouble. On the security, all 5's come with both alarm and engine immobilizer.

The Mazda 5 doesn't look like your conventional minivan. It's smaller than a conventional minivan, but that doesn't mean it's not as good. You get a six passenger seating configuration, sliding doors and a long list of features that justify the low asking price. Although the 5 maybe too small for some families, its still a great MPV all round. With responsive handling and low running cost takes the sting out of owning one. Helping the Mazda 5 one attractive offer too good not to consider.

Devon M 

Devon test drives a compact Mercedes Crossover (GLA)

The Mercedes GLA may be a good deal on paper but can it shake the image that the CLA seems to be tarnished by?

Standard GLA250’s turbocharged four-cylinder is good for 208hp while the top of the GLA45 AMG’s 375hp is wicked fast. Pick of the range is simple and the most logical choice, even though we do enjoy how fast the AMG form is, we’d have to say the GLA250 is the only way to go. It’s the more affordable of the two and the running costs are actually quite good. It’s hard to fault it too because there’s decent turn of pace around town and on the highway, plus you can option it with all-wheel-drive if needed.

On the road the GLA does feel more composed than you’d think. There’s plenty of grip with the 4-matic all-wheel-drive system and steering feedback is pleasantly good. The AMG form has a lowered suspension and its setup is more aimed towards agility. However, you’ll be surprised that there is a fair balance between body control and ride comfort; at least the GLA lives up to the Mercedes badge with very minimal wind and road noise to complain of.

There is plenty of space for the front passengers and rear passengers. Headroom and legroom are both decent. The boot space is decent too but nothing to brag about. The infotainment system is too fiddly to operate while on the move, and there are far too many menus to look through for simple functions. Plus we aren’t huge fans of the screen that sort of just pops out the dash instead of raising and lowering into the dash like in the Audi Q3.

Bluetooth audio streaming, 14-way power driver’s seat with memory, power lift gate and eco start/stop system all come as standard. You’ll have to pay extra for navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps and 4-matic all-wheel-drive. Both options that are great but all depends if you really have to have them. Our tester car came pretty decked out and also came with a pretty decked out price tag as well.

The GLA price tag is enticing but you’ll have to walk away with a very sparsely equipped GLA. Even if it does offer decent kit at a decent price, you’ll have to overlook the Q3 which does have a bit more kit standard and of course the more dynamically appealing X1. Getting the GLA to a desired level of kit means you’ll be paying more for it and it becomes even harder to justify especially when there are so many indirect rivals that are larger roomier and has more standard kit too.

Mercedes reliability record is spotty even though Mercedes does enjoy high customer satisfaction scores. The interior materials do feel up to Mercedes par, but the overall reliability of the electronics should be something to look at long term wise. But at least Mercedes doesn’t short change on the safety with collision prevention assist plus, driver attention assist, and adaptive braking technology. Seven airbags are standard; and an alarm system with engine immobilizer is fitted to keep theft at bay.

The GLA is one of those crossovers you’ll either love or loathe. We like the low starting price and the overall badge appeal that comes along with owning a Mercedes, however you will feel short changed with the GLA just like the CLA. Its indirect options are much better and that raises the question is it really worth it? If you have to have a Mercedes yes; otherwise there are better indirect rivals that cost similar money and offer way more.

Likes: AMG form is wicked fast. It’s a practical hatchback on stilts with a low starting price.  Low running cost.

Dislikes: Low price goes bye-bye when options are added. Infotainment system is fiddly to operate and there are too many distracting menus.

Devon’s choice: GLA 250 4-matic all-wheel-drive. If your heart is set on having a GLA this form is the best way to go. You’ll want to keep the options list light with just one or two options added on. Both are a bit pricey but are worth adding; 4-matic all-wheel-drive for the added traction in sticky situations and Bi-xenon headlamps for the added luxury car appeal.

Performance: Standard form is good but AMG form is wicked fast. ****

Ride & handling: Both are surprisingly good. ****
Refinement: Up to Mercedes standards. ****
Buying & owning: Some versions can get expensive but holds value well. **
Quality & reliability: Quality is good but reliability record is spotty. ***
Safety & Security: Comes with all the gear needed for avoidance and in event of accident. ****
Behind the wheel: Comfortable front seats; infotainment system too fiddly. ***
Space & Practicality: Decent space for five; boot space nothing to brag about. ***
Equipment: Decent kit but options are expensive. ***