The A-Class has certainly been a top seller for Mercedes in the UK, therefore, this new generation will be a make or break for the manufacturer. It faces rivals like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series or the Volkswagen Golf, therefore will Mercedes’ re-vamp of the A-Class obliterate its competition or plateau the manufacturer’s high expectations of the model?
What engines will be available for the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class? Buyers will have the range of engine options to choose between one diesel and two petrol engines.The 116bhp 1.5-litre diesel badged A 180d – is the most efficient at launch, as it predicts 68.9mpg. Mercedes have also highlighted the A-Class will hit 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds. The two petrol engines differ, as one is a 161bhp 1.4-litre turbo, badged A 200 and 222bhp 2.0-litre turbo, badged A 250.
All engine versions of the A-Class come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
How does the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class drive? With the UK roads, this can bring the good and the bad in the A-Class, this is due to Mercedes opting for a spring and anti-roll bar setting. These are intolerant of any lingering, long-wave body movement.
In terms of driver comfort, in comparison to the older model, it is a lot more comfortable, due to how supple it is – all of which is enough to not be affected by a bumpy road or two. Although we do have to say against its competitors, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class isn’t as comfortable as the Volkswagen Golf, as it's not smooth when at low speeds and over potholes. However, it’s more like the Audi A3, but much better than the BMW 1 series when it comes to the uneven tarmac.
In terms of driver comfort, in comparison to the older model, it is a lot more comfortable, due to how supple it is – all of which is enough to not be affected by a bumpy road or two. Although we do have to say against its competitors, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class isn’t as comfortable as the Volkswagen Golf, as it's not smooth when at low speeds and over potholes. However, it’s more like the Audi A3, but much better than the BMW 1 series when it comes to the uneven tarmac.
There are numerous suspension set-ups available on the A-Class, which we found very exciting! With it being Mercedes smallest model, it is obvious to say there is a few body leans through faster bends – however, they handle it greatly and it feels agile enough to tackle change of direction.
The car is very light, therefore when driving in town, it won’t be an issue when performing basic manoeuvres. The steering is incredible, it has the ability to build weight naturally as you turn into corners and it accurately allows you to position yourself on the road where you want to be.
What does the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class look like? You couldn’t expect anything less when we say the new Mercedes A-Class looks a sight for sore eyes. There isn’t a shadow of a doubt that you won’t feel comfortable behind the wheel of an A-Class; the driver’s seat adjusts manually on all trim levels (electric seats are available as part of the Premium Plus package) but also hugs you in all the right places and there’s plenty of steering wheel movement.
When it comes down to visibility, if you were or are an owner of the third-generation Mercedes A-Class, you’ll know visibility wasn’t its strongest point as when pulling out of junctions or backing into tight spaces, it didn’t assist you well. However, it has been released by Mercedes that visibility has been positively impacted by 30%, thanks to taller and squarer windows. Even better, all models come with a reversing camera as standard – although, if you want to step it up a notch, you can choose the Executive package, which gives you front and rear parking sensors.
The car is very light, therefore when driving in town, it won’t be an issue when performing basic manoeuvres. The steering is incredible, it has the ability to build weight naturally as you turn into corners and it accurately allows you to position yourself on the road where you want to be.
What does the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class look like? You couldn’t expect anything less when we say the new Mercedes A-Class looks a sight for sore eyes. There isn’t a shadow of a doubt that you won’t feel comfortable behind the wheel of an A-Class; the driver’s seat adjusts manually on all trim levels (electric seats are available as part of the Premium Plus package) but also hugs you in all the right places and there’s plenty of steering wheel movement.
When it comes down to visibility, if you were or are an owner of the third-generation Mercedes A-Class, you’ll know visibility wasn’t its strongest point as when pulling out of junctions or backing into tight spaces, it didn’t assist you well. However, it has been released by Mercedes that visibility has been positively impacted by 30%, thanks to taller and squarer windows. Even better, all models come with a reversing camera as standard – although, if you want to step it up a notch, you can choose the Executive package, which gives you front and rear parking sensors.
In terms of the A-Class’ infotainment system, as standard, you will receive a standard 7.0in system, along with a sat-nav, a DAB radio and some USB sockets. The infotainment system can be controlled via three ways: voice control, touchscreen, a touchpad on the centre console or touch-sensitive panels on the steering wheel.The size of the screen can be furtherly upgraded too, you can have as standard a pair of 7-inch screens but then have either a 10.25-inch touchscreen or two 10.25-inch screens. Also, the voice control system is very similar to how the Siri system works on an iPhone, you simply activate the system by saying “Hey Mercedes”.
The space in the front of the A-Class is adequate, even if you are quite tall, you’ll feel comfortable in the driver seat, as the seats slide back a long way and there’s plenty of headroom. However, this can be capped if you choose to opt-in for the panoramic roof because it reduces it ever so slightly.
To conclude, we feel the A-Class has implemented some worthy changes in terms of its space within the car, with its high-tech equipment you receive (even as standard), but overall a great car to drive as well. We would only say the cost of the car may hinder your decision in choosing the new Mercedes A-Class as your next car.
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To conclude, we feel the A-Class has implemented some worthy changes in terms of its space within the car, with its high-tech equipment you receive (even as standard), but overall a great car to drive as well. We would only say the cost of the car may hinder your decision in choosing the new Mercedes A-Class as your next car.
For more CarCliq reviews click here
Looking for a used Mercedes A-Class? Click here
