Mercedes A-Class A180 Sport 5dr Auto Review
Category: Family car
Section: Version review

The model
Read full reviewClassy, comfortable, good to drive, safe and packed with technology, the Mercedes A-Class stands among the best premium-badged options in the family car class. A lot of the engines work well in different ways: the entry-level diesel (A180d) if you want great fuel economy; the hot-hatch-quick A250 petrol if speed is your bag; the A250e plug-in hybrid if it's super-cheap company car tax you're after. But for its overall pace, efficiency and cost, the A200 is our pick of the bunch. So-so reliability is the A-Class's Achilles heel, though, and one of the reasons we rank the Audi A3 above it.
The trim
See full equipmentMid-rung Sport is our favourite trim. Over and above SE trim, you get more attractive 17in alloy wheels, more powerful LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and various styling enhancements. Consider adding the Executive package, which adds front and rear parking sensors, power-folding door mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a 10.3in infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto and wireless phone charging.
The engine
See full engine specsThis 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a relatively modest 134bhp. You need to work it quite hard to get the best from it, and it's quite coarse when you do.