For The engine is very punchy, giving the A-Class something of a hot-hatch feel.
Against The ride is very firm indeed, and this version of the A-Class costs more than many rivals with more power.
Not our favourite A-Class. We think most buyers will be better off with the entry-level petrol car.
There are three choices of suspension on the A-Class; Comfort, AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG.
Even the Comfort suspension will be too firm for many tastes, feeling jittery on any road that isn’t perfectly smooth. The AMG Sport is even less comfortable, but it does provide better body control to complement the car’s strong grip. Don’t even think about the Engineered by AMG arrangement; it’s so firm, you’d have to be a masochist.
The diesel engines are disappointing because they’re noisy and generate too much vibration. The petrols are better, being smooth and happy to rev, but they’re also relatively underpowered compared with key rivals.
The standard six-speed manual gearbox is fine, although the twin-clutch gearbox is also worth considering. This is standard with the 1.8 diesel and 2.0 petrol, and a cost-option across the range.
We reckon a A180 petrol car, on Comfort suspension with 16-inch wheels and a manual gearbox represents the best compromise.
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