Mercedes-Benz Problems

Most carmakers are going to fill-for-life on their automatic transmissions and the point I have made is that it's not a good policy for owners to leave it and not have regular changes. Automatic transmission mechanics would say the fluid should be changed every year or around 50,000km at the most. The Mercedes service schedule would seem to be about right and I would stick with that.

The V8 in the SRT8 sounds great but the core quality is no match for a Mercedes. If you like driving, the new GLE 63 would be my pick.

Even Hyundai admits there are shortcomings in its Bluetooth setup so, although it works fine for you, perhaps you have not had the opportunity for a back-to-back test with 10 other vehicles including the super-impressive Mercedes-Benz GLC.

You might have to reconsider. Mercedes-Benz spokesman David McCarthy replies: "Even rental Mercedes-Benz cars have roadside and servicing assistance in Australia."

The resale figures are right and reflect the booming demand for AMG cars of all types, and especially the C63, in Australia.

It's definitely a real Benz in all the important areas, from design and safety to quality, and front-wheel drive means better packaging with more interior space and the ability to make the car more affordable. Every car maker is moving to front-wheel drive for efficiency, even BMW which won its reputation as a driver's brand with its rear-drive cars.

The basic CLA has 115kW and, more importantly, 250Nm. For a non-sporty driver, helped by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, that should be more than enough.