Mercedes A-Class A200 AMG Line Premium 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 equipmentRange-topping AMG Line is tempting with its 18in alloy wheels, sports seats, aluminium interior trim and privacy glass, but pushes the price into the territory of larger cars such as the Audi A4. For that reason, we’d stick with Sport trim and add the Executive package – and the Premium package if possible as well.
The engine
See full engine specsThe 161bhp A200 is much pokier than the A180, and our pick of the range. We tested it smashing 0-60mph in 7.5sec – far quicker than the Audi A3 35 TFSI and BMW 118i managed – and it has effortless oomph for relaxed cruising. It's a bit thrashy at high revs, but makes up for that with good average fuel economy – we managed over 40mpg.
