Warming up the engine
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Remember the original Mercedes-Benz A-Class? Launched in 1997 it had troubled beginnings but was incredibly clever, packing E-Class style space into a supermini platform. The generation that followed in 2004 was similarly clever and higher quality too, but in 2012 the A-Class became a conventional, Golf-style family car. The latest model, which debuted in 2018, will also be the last A-Class - but it’s also the one yet.
Handsome on the outside, the most striking aspect of the current A-Class is its interior, thanks to jet-style air vents and a twin screen display - though many of its rivals have now adopted something similar, taking away some of the early impact. It has a premium look and feel but still does everything you’d want from a family hatchback, while the range includes everything from plug-in hybrids to incredibly quick performance models.
The popularity of the Mercedes A-Class isn’t surprising - the idea of a Golf-sized hatchback with a Mercedes badge on the nose, priced at a relatively affordable level, means hundreds of thousands of buyers have been able to get behind the wheel and tell their friends they have a ‘Benz. The car’s styling and features back up the branding though, with a smart exterior and modern, high-tech feeling cabin for a feel-good factor you don’t often get in cars of this size.
The pair of display screens spanning in front of the driver were quite eyecatching when new, and while cars like the Golf and BMW 1 Series have since adopted a similar layout, the Mercedes ‘MBUX’ system still looks good and works well. It can feel a little complex at first but it’s easy to get used to the major features, and even the voice control function works pretty well.
It’s not the most spacious or airy car in this class but it’ll still seat four comfortably and a fifth passenger in a pinch. Earlier cars weren’t quite there for refinement or ride comfort but Mercedes has improved this over time, and all now make good cruisers, while being responsive and agile enough when the road gets twisty. The hot versions are truly spectacular too - the A 35 is a real Golf R rival, while the A 45 is simply the hottest hatchback around, and genuinely thrilling to drive.
The Merc’s premium rivals include the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, while the Volkswagen Golf is an obvious comparison too as pretty much the default choice in the family hatch sector. For a premium feel without the price tag, the Mazda 3 is also one to consider, and for space, quality and reliability, the latest Honda Civic is about as good as you’ll get - and the Type-R, while not as quick as the AMGs, is even better to drive.
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Diesel has fallen out of fashion in recent years but if you cover a lot of miles then it may still be worth a look. The regular petrol models are getting pretty frugal though and they’re smooth and refined too, and should serve most drivers’ needs perfectly well. The plug-in hybrid makes more sense for new buyers and company users than used buyers though, as its tax advantages largely disappear after the first year. As far as trim levels go, even the entry-level Sport Executive is worth a look, though while all models use a twin screen layout, the smaller screens in some lower-spec models look a bit lost in their housings - you ideally need the pair of 12-inch screens for the full impact and usability.
The A-Class has a big lineup for a relatively compact car, with a slightly confusing array of trim levels that are probably best summed up as being better equipped the more words there are in the trim name. Certain kit is standard on all models though, from touchscreen infotainment to air conditioning to LED headlights, so no A-Class is poorly equipped. Most of these trim levels also apply to the saloon version of the A-Class too.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s exterior dimensions are:
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s boot size is:
Towards the upper end of the A-Class range several models came in at more than £40,000 when new, and that means used buyers, if you’re looking at a car between two and six years old, will be stung with a £600 annual VED bill, or £590 for the plug-in hybrid models. For cars that cost under £40,000 new, you’ll pay a much more reasonable £190 per year, or £10 less for the plug-ins.
Buy an A 180 d and you should pay the lowest insurance of any A-Class, thanks to its group 18 rating. The A 180 petrol is two groups higher, while the plug-in hybrid A 250 e begins in group 30. The hot hatchbacks will be most costly, thanks to a group 36 rating for the A 35 and group 41 for the A 45. All these insurance groups are a bit more than you’ll pay for something like a VW Golf, which starts in group 14 and tops out at group 31 for the A 35-equivalent Golf R.
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What is the average mileage for Mercedes-Benz A-Class ?
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How many Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars are available for sale?
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