995 destination and delivery charge. 600 less than the starting price of the current CLA, which will soon be replaced by a new model. 32,500, buyers can enjoy this base model with the advanced MBUX multimedia system which premiered last year. This new system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia display. The A 220 also comes standard with a Panorama roof, 17-inch wheels, and LED headlights and taillights. The second A-Class Sedan model bound for U.S. A 220 4MATIC. As the name implies, this variant is virtually identical to the A 220 but incorporates an all-wheel drive system. Both the A 220 and A 220 4MATIC models come with safety features like Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, and adaptive braking technology that includes a Hill Start Assist and HOLD function. Active Distance Assist Distronic with Route-Based Speed Adaptation, Active Steering Assist, and other driver assistance technologies are optional extras. According to some reports, the U.S. 鈥檛 receive any A-Class hatchback models but could get future A35 AMG and A45 AMG Sedan models. 32,500 in the U.S. BMW doesn鈥檛 offer a direct rival (yet) to these two.
The driving experience is the name of the game for small sports cars, and the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is as good as it gets. It may not have the all-out speed of its older sibling, the Porsche 911, but the 718 Boxster feels just as potent. Clever turbos cut down on lag, which means responses are lightning quick. The steering is the same - the rack is electronically assisted, but it relays plenty of feedback from the road. This is an impressive balance, and one that other premium badges haven鈥檛 mastered (looking at you, Audi). Porsche鈥檚 PDK gearbox defines the genre of dual-clutch automatics, and, especially with launch control, it's excellent. All the same, we appreciate that the 718 Boxster still comes with a six-speed manual transmission, another rarity these days. All the performance details are as finely honed as you鈥檇 expect from Porsche. Brakes are powerful and responsive. The suspension is composed but aggressive.
If these aren鈥檛 enough, Porsche鈥檚 options list holds enough upgrades to satisfy all but the wildest of speed demons. The 718 may be the entry point to Porsche鈥檚 lineup, but for most mortals, it鈥檚 all the performance you could ever dream of. The 718 Boxster makes no bones about its mission in life, which generally doesn鈥檛 include carrying passengers or cargo. Seating is limited to two, although the supportive and leather-trimmed seats do make the journey comfortable. Baggage is another matter. The 718 Boxster鈥檚 mid-engine layout means that cargo space is split between a small trunk and a hood-access 鈥渇runk.鈥?The power-folding soft top encroaches on the space even further. The end result is a grand total of 9.6 cubic feet of cargo, with 5.2 of that located in the frunk. That鈥檚 enough for a (light) grocery run, but will probably be a squeeze on a weekend away. No one is buying the 718 Boxster for its utility, but a Chevrolet Corvette manages 15 cubic feet behind the seats. Still, the Boxster isn鈥檛 the worst in its class - a BMW Z4 has only eight cubic feet for cargo.
Although it鈥檚 a blast on the back roads and the track, performance isn鈥檛 the 718 Boxster鈥檚 only trick. The cabin is outfitted with modern tech, and even base models come with luxury touches like leather accents. The upper trims can wear leather, wood, carbon fiber, and a dizzying array of paint and upholstery choices. The exterior has grown more refined since the last generation, too. A more aggressive rear end sets off Porsche鈥檚 classic hood shape, giving the 718 Boxster a little more identity than it had in the past. GTS trims take the muscular lines and make them menacing. 60,000, the 718 Boxster isn't cheap to start. But a careless trip through Porsche鈥檚 configurator will tip the Boxster toward the six-figure mark. That base price is more than most competitors. 50,000, and even a Chevy Corvette can be had for less than the 718 Boxster. 50,000 mark as well - is just around the corner and has Porsche squarely in its sights.
The good news is that a base 718 Boxster feels special enough to warrant Porsche鈥檚 premium. The less good news is that adding any options will drive the price up in a hurry. Our only major qualm is the lack of standard automatic emergency braking, but, all the same, bring a calm stomach and a deep wallet. Final thoughts. Sports cars are as much about personality as statistics, and the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is difficult to dislike. It鈥檚 sublime to drive and classy both inside and out. Being a two-seater spots convertible, it comes with compromises. Cargo space is scarce, and the options list intimidates by breadth and cost. The 718 Boxster鈥檚 competition is nothing to sneeze at, starting with Porsche鈥檚 (slightly cheaper) coupe version, the 718 Cayman. But drop the top down on a sunny day, hit the gas pedal, and try not to love the 718 Boxster. Sports cars are about the pleasure of the drive, about how they make you feel, and in the Boxster, Porsche has another winner.