The A-Class is a serious
contender in the premium hatchback class, and those looking at a BMW 1
Series or Audi A3 should definitely give it a look. The Mercedes badge
still carries considerable weight in the premium sector, and the A-Class
is a well priced and handsome way of getting the three-pointed star on
your driveway.
There's plenty of choice in the range, from basic petrol and diesel engines right up to the barnstorming A 45 AMG. If you don't fancy the A-Class hatchback, it's spawned three variants - the GLA compact crossover, CLA saloon, and CLA Shooting Brake estate, so there's lots of stylish options to please most buyers.
The A-Class suffers in practicality when you compare it to rivals like the Audi A3, though, thanks to a narrow boot and poor rear passenger space. Some element of the cabin also don't quite feel up to scratch for a premium car, and the options list can quickly get very expensive.
There's plenty of choice in the range, from basic petrol and diesel engines right up to the barnstorming A 45 AMG. If you don't fancy the A-Class hatchback, it's spawned three variants - the GLA compact crossover, CLA saloon, and CLA Shooting Brake estate, so there's lots of stylish options to please most buyers.
The A-Class suffers in practicality when you compare it to rivals like the Audi A3, though, thanks to a narrow boot and poor rear passenger space. Some element of the cabin also don't quite feel up to scratch for a premium car, and the options list can quickly get very expensive.
Our Choice
A 180 d SE
The
A-Class has come a long way in 20 years, and today's model is almost
unrecognisable from the MPV-like original of 1997. Famously, the A-Class
failed the so-called 'moose test', forcing Mercedes to modify the
chassis and fit ESP (Electronic Stability Control) as standard.
A facelift was unveiled in 2001, before production ended in 2004. By this time, nearly 1.1 million W168 A-Class had been produced, with Mercedes reportedly losing around £1,200 for every vehicle sold.
• Best hatchbacks on sale
The second-generation W169 arrived in 2004, before the current A-Class launched in 2012, this time in a more conventional, five-door hatchback format. Aside from a facelift in 2015, the A-Class is fundamentally unchanged in five years, so the fourth-generation model, set to arrive in 2018, is long overdue.
Its key rivals are the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, as well as, to a lesser extent, the Volvo V40 and Lexus CT.
You'll pay a little over £20,000 for the entry level A 160, which is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 101bhp. The A 180 is the same engine with 120bhp, while the A 200 delivers 154bhp.
Next up is the A 250, again a four-cylinder petrol unit, but this time in 2.0-litre guise and with 250bhp on tap. The range-topping A 45 offers a mighty 377bhp, making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in production.
The diesel line-up includes the 108bhp 1.5-litre A 180d, and a pair of 2.1-litre units, namely a 134bhp A 200d and a 175bhp A 220 d. The A 250 and A 220d can be fitted with 4Matic four-wheel drive.
There are five trim levels – SE, Sport, Sport Edition, AMG Line and WhiteArt Edition – with standard specification including 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning 7-inch media display, leather seats, active brake assist, cruise control, keyless-go, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are many 'packs' available, as well as a huge list of options.
A facelift was unveiled in 2001, before production ended in 2004. By this time, nearly 1.1 million W168 A-Class had been produced, with Mercedes reportedly losing around £1,200 for every vehicle sold.
• Best hatchbacks on sale
The second-generation W169 arrived in 2004, before the current A-Class launched in 2012, this time in a more conventional, five-door hatchback format. Aside from a facelift in 2015, the A-Class is fundamentally unchanged in five years, so the fourth-generation model, set to arrive in 2018, is long overdue.
You'll pay a little over £20,000 for the entry level A 160, which is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 101bhp. The A 180 is the same engine with 120bhp, while the A 200 delivers 154bhp.
Next up is the A 250, again a four-cylinder petrol unit, but this time in 2.0-litre guise and with 250bhp on tap. The range-topping A 45 offers a mighty 377bhp, making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in production.
The diesel line-up includes the 108bhp 1.5-litre A 180d, and a pair of 2.1-litre units, namely a 134bhp A 200d and a 175bhp A 220 d. The A 250 and A 220d can be fitted with 4Matic four-wheel drive.
There are five trim levels – SE, Sport, Sport Edition, AMG Line and WhiteArt Edition – with standard specification including 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning 7-inch media display, leather seats, active brake assist, cruise control, keyless-go, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are many 'packs' available, as well as a huge list of options.
Engines, performance and drive
Lower spec models are comfortable, but sporty versions are firm, and aren't as much fun to drive as rivals
With sporty bodykits and stiffer suspension, the higher-spec A-Class
models are clearly aimed at those looking for a car that's fun to drive.
However, the BMW 1 Series still trumps the Mercedes in this department.
Like many other Mercedes models, the A-Class feels decently sporty, but it lacks the direct steering and responsive handling of the BMW. There's plenty of grip, especially if you go for a four-wheel drive model, but the ride is too firm on UK roads. This is particularly true if you opt for high-spec cars with sports suspension and bigger alloy wheels.
The diesel engines are powerful enough, but they sound quite gruff and are a bit too noisy around town. Petrol models are better, but aren't as efficient and could do with being a bit more powerful to keep up with traffic easily.
Go for an A 200d, and you get Merc's trusty 2.1-litre diesel under the bonnet. It makes 134bhp in this guise, but as mentioned, it's rather noisy when compared to rivals. Add a seven-speed DCT gearbox, and while it delivers smooth shifts, they're not as fast as the DSG-equipped Audi A3. Seventh is relatively long geared, to, so it kicks down readily at motorway speeds, but thankfully doesn’t jerk between ratios.
Mercedes
has fitted the Dynamic Select system to the A-Class, which lets you
choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual driving modes. Eco
blunts the throttle response enough to be frustrating, while Sport mode
holds on to gears for longer to boost acceleration, although that does
mean the engine sounds harsh. There are paddles
on the wheel to allow you to take manual control of the gearbox, but the
plastic shifters aren’t that pleasant to use, and, most of the time,
the electronics do a good enough job of finding the right ratio.
In corners, the A-Class continues to be a bit of a letdown. The numb steering doesn’t offer any feedback, while the chassis lacks the agility found in an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. The Mercedes suffers with understeer, leaving you uninspired by its driving dynamics.
Mercedes claims that the A 250 can sprint from 0-62mph in just 6.3 seconds, but damp conditions during our test meant we only managed a best 0-60mph time of seven seconds. That was half
a second slower than the a VW Golf GTI in the same conditions, although the two cars posted identical times through the gears from 30-70mph – both clocking 5.3 seconds. In-gear acceleration was similar, too, although the slightly shorter-geared VW edging ahead in the higher ratios.
The
Mercedes A 250 feels heavy in corners in comparison to a Golf GTI, and
it isn’t as agile. The steering is positive and turn-in is sharp, but
there isn’t much feedback. Plus, while there’s plenty of grip, the chassis doesn’t feel as composed as the GTI’s when you push the limits. The six-speed manual model doesn’t have quite the same positive shift
as a GTI, either, while getting on the power early on the exit of
corners sees the nose push wide where the Golf tucks in and sticks to
your chosen line.
Take it easy, and the A 250 is on the firm side. It features sports dampers as standard, and while they do a good job of soaking up big bumps, the car’s stiff chassis tends to follow crests and dips in the road – making for a fidgety ride. Mercedes does offer adaptive dampers for £595, and these are synchronised with the standard Dynamic Select system to enhance the car’s ride.
Like many other Mercedes models, the A-Class feels decently sporty, but it lacks the direct steering and responsive handling of the BMW. There's plenty of grip, especially if you go for a four-wheel drive model, but the ride is too firm on UK roads. This is particularly true if you opt for high-spec cars with sports suspension and bigger alloy wheels.
The diesel engines are powerful enough, but they sound quite gruff and are a bit too noisy around town. Petrol models are better, but aren't as efficient and could do with being a bit more powerful to keep up with traffic easily.
Go for an A 200d, and you get Merc's trusty 2.1-litre diesel under the bonnet. It makes 134bhp in this guise, but as mentioned, it's rather noisy when compared to rivals. Add a seven-speed DCT gearbox, and while it delivers smooth shifts, they're not as fast as the DSG-equipped Audi A3. Seventh is relatively long geared, to, so it kicks down readily at motorway speeds, but thankfully doesn’t jerk between ratios.
In corners, the A-Class continues to be a bit of a letdown. The numb steering doesn’t offer any feedback, while the chassis lacks the agility found in an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. The Mercedes suffers with understeer, leaving you uninspired by its driving dynamics.
Engines
Slotting in just below the rapid AMG A 45 is the A 250 AMG hot hatch. Power comes from the same four-cylinder turbo petrol engine as the A 45, but power drops from 381bhp to 215bhp. A few years ago, that would’ve been a fair amount, yet today, it’s at the lower end of the power charts when compared to front-drive rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R and SEAT Leon Cupra.Mercedes claims that the A 250 can sprint from 0-62mph in just 6.3 seconds, but damp conditions during our test meant we only managed a best 0-60mph time of seven seconds. That was half
a second slower than the a VW Golf GTI in the same conditions, although the two cars posted identical times through the gears from 30-70mph – both clocking 5.3 seconds. In-gear acceleration was similar, too, although the slightly shorter-geared VW edging ahead in the higher ratios.
Take it easy, and the A 250 is on the firm side. It features sports dampers as standard, and while they do a good job of soaking up big bumps, the car’s stiff chassis tends to follow crests and dips in the road – making for a fidgety ride. Mercedes does offer adaptive dampers for £595, and these are synchronised with the standard Dynamic Select system to enhance the car’s ride.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
Low emissions boost company car appeal, but pricey option packs bump up list prices.
The entry-level petrol A 160 costs about as much as a mid-spec Ford Focus,
making it pretty good value. Our favourite engine, the A 180d diesel
dips below the 100g/km barrier but it is a bit more expensive to buy in
the first place. The other diesels are reasonably efficient: the A 200d
AMG Sport manages a claimed 62.8mpg. Every model gets stop-start, while
the optional seven-speed double-clutch gearbox posts better economy
figures than the manual models across the board. Adding a DCT automatic
gearbox to the A 200d boosts economy to a claimed 74.3mpg.
Although
the A-Class slightly undercuts posh rivals like the BMW 1 Series and
Audi A3, you need to check the spec sheets carefully because it’s not
especially generously equipped and you can easily ramp up the costs with
extras. Mercedes offers upgrade packs that range in price from just
under £1,000 to nearly £3,000, while some of the options they offer
aren't available as individual items.
Insurance Groups
The A-Class range covers groups 17 to 31, with most models in the 20s. The A 250 AMG has similar insurance costs as its hot hatchback rivals, and is a more wallet-friendly choice than the A 45, which is in Group 44.Interior, design and technology
Smart looks compared to some ordinary looking rivals, but space is compromised as a result
With its bold grille, low roofline and sporty dimensions, the Mercedes
A-Class is much more desirable than the frumpy previous model. It's up
there with the Volvo V40
as one of the best-looking hatchbacks you can buy, premium or otherwise
- certainly beating its German rivals, the BMW 1 Series, VW Golf and
Audi A3.
The mid-life refresh in 2015 was pretty subtle, with the biggest difference being revised lights at the front and rear, plus the new badging at the back designed to identify diesel or hybrid models easier. Go for a Sport version and you get 18-inch wheels and a diamond pattern grille, although it forgoes the chrome finish seen on higher-spec AMG versions. One thing to note is that Sport models don't get lowered suspension, unlike some rivals. The range gets a variety of metallic paints, from bright green and purple, for £595, to matt grey for £1,795. But even in standard white, the A-Class looks sharp.
Inside,
the Mercedes remains largely unchanged, with big updates coming in the
form of revised trim levels. The A 200d Sport has the same chequerboard
finish to the dash as you’ll find in other models, while the trio of
circular air vents add a modern touch. The interior is classy, but the
Audi A3 and VW Golf beat it in terms of quality and functional design.
Some of the plastics aren't of the best standard and the finish doesn't
quite match the VW Group cars' interiors.
Build quality in the cabin is first rate, but some of the plastics do feel rather hard, especially those
for the window switches and infotainment controls, although a bank of metal buttons below the multimedia controls gives a slightly classier feel.
Standard kit is reasonable, with climate control, a reversing camera and Bluetooth all included. However, sat-nav and DAB radio are options, while both rivals have them as standard, plus desirable kit such as LED headlights and adaptive cruise control is only available as part of expensive option packs.
The mid-life refresh in 2015 was pretty subtle, with the biggest difference being revised lights at the front and rear, plus the new badging at the back designed to identify diesel or hybrid models easier. Go for a Sport version and you get 18-inch wheels and a diamond pattern grille, although it forgoes the chrome finish seen on higher-spec AMG versions. One thing to note is that Sport models don't get lowered suspension, unlike some rivals. The range gets a variety of metallic paints, from bright green and purple, for £595, to matt grey for £1,795. But even in standard white, the A-Class looks sharp.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The tablet-style infotainment screen is easy enough to navigate via the rotary controls on the centre console, but it looks like it’s an aftermarket fitting, compared to VW’s integrated display and Audi’s slick pop-up screen. Man-made Artico leather comes as standard, although its slightly harder feel means you can notice the difference between that and the optional hide you get in rivals.Build quality in the cabin is first rate, but some of the plastics do feel rather hard, especially those
for the window switches and infotainment controls, although a bank of metal buttons below the multimedia controls gives a slightly classier feel.
Standard kit is reasonable, with climate control, a reversing camera and Bluetooth all included. However, sat-nav and DAB radio are options, while both rivals have them as standard, plus desirable kit such as LED headlights and adaptive cruise control is only available as part of expensive option packs.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
Small dimensions mean A-Class isn't as roomy in the back as its rivals
The
racy looks of this A-Class are appealing, but the price you pay for
them is a relatively cramped interior. It won't appeal to many family
buyers, as the rear seats are cramped for adults, and relatively narrow
door openings don't really facilitate easy fitting of child seats. Next
to practical rivals like the Audi A3, it's not ideal, but it stacks up
fairly favourably next to the similarly compromised BMW 1 Series.
Go
for the AMG-badged trims, and the ride is seriously compromised due to
the larger alloy wheels and stiffer springs proving quite uncomfortable
on Britain’s rutted roads.
Size
At 4,299mm long, the A-Class is slightly shorter than comparable BMW 1 Series or Audi A3 Sportback models. Its 1,780mm width is wider than the BMW, but narrower than the A3.Leg room, head room and passenger space
Rear legroom is tighter, too, while the small windows and black materials used throughout the cabin make it feel claustrophobic. There’s plenty of seat and wheel adjustment to help you get comfortable, and while the view out the back is restricted by the small windows and thick C-pillars, a reversing camera is included on most models as standard. You get a decent-sized glovebox and armrest cubby, too.Boot
A boot capacity of 341 litres is nearly 40 litres down on the VW Golf and Audi A3 Sportback, while a high sill and narrow tailgate opening mean it’s even trickier to load large items in and out. It's only a touch smaller than the BMW 1 Series, though, and the seats fold down completely flat to make loading longer items easy.Reliability and Safety
Plenty of technology is borrowed from the rest of the Mercedes range
There's Pre-safe, which prepares you and the car for an impending accident, and plenty of other high-tech kit is available even if it does add a lot to the price of the A-Class. It all helped the car get the full five stars from the crash safety experts at Euro NCAP. You get six airbags, tyre pressure monitors and collision prevention assist. Cruise control is standard across the range, while goodies such as lane keeping and traffic sign recognition are included in option packs.
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