The Narcissism Of Small Differences, Part 2

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Following our discussion on the difference between a CUV, a wagon and a hatchback, (and the ever blurring line between them), we got a note from AutoGuide.com‘s Mike Schlee, via our Facebook page. According to Schlee, even the GLA lineup is split amongst the designations.

Schlee, who was at the GLA launch, claims that

The GLA 45 AMG is actually classified as a car (hatchback) due to it’s lowered height and lower sitting bumpers. Mercedes was not allowed to classify it official as a ‘truck’ in the USA.



But the taller GLA 250 is classified as a ‘truck’ and is allowed to have crossover things like rear and side tinted windows.

So, there you have it. I never knew that the ubiquitous “privacy glass” was a”truck” only item, but that can easily be solved with a $200 trip to the tint shop.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Oct 10, 2014

    Attempt 3. The vehicle classification systems globally are used as technical barriers. How hard would it be to have one set of regulations. This is also where the UNECE vehicle harmonisation regulations would be a good starting point in ridding the globe of these barriers. Tariffs like the chicken tax. The classification of a PT Cruiser as a truck are all primary examples of technical barriers and protection of certain parts of the vehicle market. The best way to curb fuel and CO2 is to use pricing as a tool. Buy and drive what you want, so long as you can put fuel into it. EVs and Hybrids are the same. If you want that feel good sensation every morning when you get out of bed and jump into your EV or Hybrid then pay the full cost. The same goes for 'trucks' - CUVs/SUVs and pickups if you want a vehicle that has poor FE in comparison to other forms of transport, then pay the cost. I don't care what anyone drives. Just so long I don't have to pay a cent or subsidise their lifestyle. This is what classification is about. Classification is a politically correct way of saying discrimination.

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Oct 10, 2014

    Duplicate? Where? The vehicle classification systems globally are used as technical barriers. How hard would it be to have one set of regulations. This is also where the UNECE vehicle harmonisation regulations would be a good starting point in ridding the globe of these barriers. Tariffs like the chicken tax. The classification of a PT Cruiser as a truck are all primary examples of technical barriers and protection of certain parts of the vehicle market. The best way to curb fuel and CO2 is to use pricing as a tool. Buy and drive what you want, so long as you can put fuel into it. EVs and Hybrids are the same. If you want that feel good sensation every morning when you get out of bed and jump into your EV or Hybrid then pay the full cost. The same goes for 'trucks' - CUVs/SUVs and pickups if you want a vehicle that has poor FE in comparison to other forms of transport, then pay the cost. I don't care what anyone drives. Just so long I don't have to pay a cent or subsidise their lifestyle. This is what classification is about. Classification is a politically correct way of saying discrimination.

    • #1 #1 on Oct 10, 2014

      I like that so everyone can have as many vehicles as they can handle. Is that correct?? OK i'm in!! Have a lovely day.

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Oct 10, 2014

    Fix this fucking site up!!!!

  • Kosmo Kosmo on Oct 10, 2014

    Petty bickering about wagon/CUV and government is horrid/will save us from ourselves aside, here is a real world example: I bought a Volvo XC60 R-Design -- luckily, TTAC readers cannot execute me over the internet for a CUV purchase! -- and it's a great car, impeded significantly by a NINE INCH ground clearance. If lowered by Volvo, it would lose it's truck classification, and its admittedly so-so MPG figure would hurt Volvo's CAFE numbers over here. I can tell you that it's a much more entertaining vehicle after being lowered by 1.5 inches. Now it's exactly the tall wagon with a bit of extra ground clearance I wanted/needed, and it goes like stink! And uses too much gas when having fun.

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