[colt033]

I hope this thread is appropriate. I just wanted to get some opinions on this.

I've been driving BMWs for over 20 years and currently have a 62 plate 116d sport which is okay but probably the dullest car to drive I've had for a long time.

Over the past few years I've been frustrated with BMW's unadventurous styling so I've started looking at Mercedes who seem to be doing well in this area.

So I tried the new A class A200. I really wanted to like it and it wasn't bad to drive; but I did't like it enough to pay 26,000 for it (they took over 3k off list so I don't think it's selling well). Next, I tried a 1-year-old A180 automatic. I didn't like it at all: poor visibility, nowhere near enough power, although to be fair 120 bhp isn't a lot.

So, despite really wanting to try the MB brand, I'm left feeling that their entry level cars aren't that good and I'm just wondering if anyone has experience of both and whether you think it's smarter to stick with an plain / slightly ugly BMW than drive a nice looking MB that might make me hate driving it.

Thanks.