What does it cost?
For The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available with some strong and efficient engines, plus it looks stylish and resale values will be strong.
Against The ride is overly firm, yet most models handle poorly. It doesn’t feel as classy as an Audi A3 inside, and higher-spec models are pricey.
What Car? says
The Mercedes A-Class looks great inside and out, but rivals are classier, better to drive and more refined, so it’s hard to recommend.
What Car? readers say
4
There are 12 Mercedes-Benz A-Class versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
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.
Reader test team says:
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback A180 BlueEFFICIENCY 5dr
I ordered my car prior to it being officially launched in the UK and I have to say I took a bit of a flyer on it as the available information was…
4
out of 5 stars
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback A180 CDI BlueEFF. AMG Sport 5dr
Well I don't know what road testers smoke these days but the banality of the 1-Series and A3 didnt attract me one bit. The A-Class is a very classy…
4
out of 5 stars
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback A200 CDI BlueEFF. AMG Sport 5dr
I wanted to put in a review here after test driving an A class C200D auto, and reading What car knock it. Let's get the negatives out first. Yep, the…
4
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback A200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport 5dr
Not our favourite A-Class. We think most buyers will be better off with the entry-level petrol car.
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