This video features the Mercedes-Benz A-Class range.

Ten Second Review

The improved third generation Mercedes A-Class distils the essence of its famous brand and puts it into a compact five-door hatch. Offering distinctive looks and a quality feel, the miniature Merc has proved a hit with consumers, but it's needed to up its game in the face of tougher competition from key rivals in the premium compact hatch segment like Audi's A3 and BMW's rejuvenated 1 Series. Hence this revised version, with its smarter looks, extra equipment and greater efficiency.

Background

Mercedes' A-Class has transformed itself in recent years. Original first and second generation version of this model were clever, but quirky, with neat, spacious packaging but tall, boxy and resolutely un-sporting looks. In 2012 though, the Stuttgart brand got with the programme and bought us this more dynamic MK3 version. It's proved to be a strong seller, but with the competition also upping its game, the Three-Pointed Star has decided to introduce a package of key enhancements to keep it competitive. The styling hasn't changed much but standards of efficiency certainly have, with the base A180d variant able to return 80.7mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 89g/km of CO2. At the other end of the line-up, the frantically-fast A45 4MATIC hot hatch continues on, able to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds thanks to a staggering 381PS. It seems that all bases are covered.

Driving Experience

This MK3 model A-Class has always offered much more of a sporty drive than its predecessors but many reviewers thought that the original version of this car was just a tad too sporty. It certainly offered a firmer ride than some buyers were expecting. Hence Mercedes' decision with this improved model to offer all variants from 'Sport' trim upwards with a 'DYNAMIC SELECT' drive dynamics system able to offer a softer 'Comfort' suspension setting at the press of a button. The set-up also offers 'Sport', 'Eco' and 'Individual' options, all of which, like the 'comfort' setting, also modify throttle, steering and auto gearchange response. The engine range is much as before, though small tweaks have been made to improve efficiency. At the foot of the petrol range lie the 122bhp A180 and 156bhp A200 models, with a 218PS A250 variant available for those seeking more power but not able to stretch up to the flagship Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC hot hatch version. Many though, will want a diesel, probably the frugally-minded A180d with 109bhp, but maybe also the A200d model with 136bhp. There's also an A220d derivative with 177bhp if you need more power but still want to fuel from the black pump.

Design and Build

This third generation A-Class delivered a design that was longer, wider and lower than before, with sharply defined edges and tautly-drawn convex and concave surfaces which seem to constantly change as the light catches them. Not too much has changed in this regard, except at the front where there's a smarter, more angular front bumper below a standard 'diamond' front grille. At the rear, the exhaust pipes are now integrated into the rear bumper while the tail-lights are revised. Overall, though the changes may be subtle, they do sharpen up the styling nicely. Inside, the interior has been upgraded with smarter instrument dial housings, more seat adjustment, sleeker metal switches, plus a fresh choice of materials and dash trims. Higher end variants also benefit from a larger 8" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone integration. This system is an option on lower models. Boot space remains competitive at 341-litres. If you want a bit more attitude from your A-Class but can't quite stretch to the top Mercedes-AMG A45 model, there's a 'Motorsport Edition' package available on the pokier mainstream diesel and petrol variants, the A220d and the A250. This adds a large rear wing along with splashes of green trim inside and out that reference the livery of the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

Market and Model

As before, prices for mainstream models sit in the £20,000 to £30,000 bracket. The A220d and A250 variants can both be had with all-wheel drive for around £1,500 extra. If you want the pinnacle of the range - the Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC - you'll need almost £40,000. Whichever A-Class variant you choose - 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol or the 1.8-litre diesel - all models come the basic equipment features you'd expect. At the 'SE'-trim level most customers want, that means 16" alloy wheels, a decent quality CD stereo, Bluetooth 'phone compatibility, a USB port, air conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel and a 5.8" infotainment touchscreen. 'Sport' trim adds a larger 8" touchscreen, 17" wheels, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and sports seats. 'Sport Edition'-spec models gain sat-nav, KEYLESS-GO push-button starting and luxury seats. While the 'AMG Sport' trim is all about looks, with 18" wheels, lowered suspension and carbon trim. Extroverts might also like the 'AMG Night Edition' trim, which tints the windows and features different 18" wheels. Safety kit available includes 'DISTRONIC PLUS distance control' radar cruise control, a 'COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS' system that'll stop you from rear-ending the car in front, 'ATTENTION ASSIST' to alert you against drowsiness and the usual suite of airbags and electronic aids.

Cost of Ownership

The economy champion is the A180d variant, which exhales just 89 g/km of CO2, while only drinking a gallon of fuel on the combined cycle every 80.7 miles. With respectable performance figures, it's a tempting package - albeit one that forgoes the big wheels and aggressive bodykits of more dynamic-looking versions. If you plan on adding the extra features, then economy will obviously take a hit. As for the pokier engines, well the relatively powerful A220d manages 104g/km of CO2, with this increasing to 121 g/km with 4MATIC 4WD added. Even the A45 super-hatch manages 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and 162 g/km, remarkable figures for such a fast car. The warranty may be an industry standard 3 years but is for unlimited miles, handy to know if you spend a lot of time on the road. Insurance groups are 15 for the A180 rising to 43 for the A45. Mercedes generally hold their value well, with the A-Class no exception. Just remember that a mid-range diesel is the sensible option for high resale figures. With that in mind, something like an A200d Sport Edition model might well represent the sweet spot of the range. On the other hand, an 4MATIC petrol variant with every option thrown at it will lose a lot more of its value over the years.

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Specification

Body Glass
Rain sensor windscreen wipers
Heated rear window with timer
Electric front windows
Electric rear windows
Rear wiper
Brakes
Adaptive brake system
ESP with ASR
Electronic parking brake
Hill start assist
ABS with Brake Assist
Chassis/Suspension
Comfort suspension
Communication
Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone
Driver Aids
Reversing camera
Attention assist
Speed sensitive parameter assisted steering
Park assist pilot with front and rear park assist
Collision prevention assist plus
Dynamic drive mode selector
Driver Information
Bulb failure indicator
Service indicator (ASSYST PLUS)
Trip computer
Low fluid warning light
External temperature gauge
8" colour display screen
Driving Mirrors
Electric adjustable heated door mirrors
Auto dimming driver's door mirror
Body coloured door mirrors
Electric folding door mirrors
Auto dimming rear view mirror
Embellishment Trims
Chrome air vent surrounds
Checked pattern trim
Entertainment
USB port
Exterior Body Features
Twin Trapezoidal tailpipes
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Chrome beltline
Body colour door handles
Body colour bumpers
Body colour side skirt
Diamond radiator grille in black with one louvre in silver + chrome insert
Exterior Lights
Adaptive brake lights
LED daytime running lights
LED headlights
High beam assist
Headlamp assist
Daytime running lights
LED tail lights
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Dual zone automatic climate control
Interior Features
Gearshift paddles on steering wheel
Load securing rings in luggage compartment
12V socket
Illuminated door sills
Illuminated storage compartment
Luggage compartment cover
Black headlining
Front seat backs luggage nets
Twin front cupholders
Artico leather upholstery
Illuminated glovebox
Storage compartment under load area floor
Front centre armrest with storage compartment
Height/reach adjustable steering column
3 spoke perforated leather multifunction sports steering wheel
Storage compartment under front seats
Interior Lights
Footwell lights
12 colour Ambient lighting
Front and rear reading lights
Packs
Seat comfort pack - A Class
Safety
Window airbags
Active bonnet
Front head airbags
Front and rear seatbelt reminder
Child proof door locks
Warning triangle and first aid kit
Dual stage Driver/Passenger Airbags
Tyre pressure monitoring system
3 rear 3 point seatbelts
Drivers knee airbag
Front side airbags
Occupancy sensor for passenger seat
Crash responsive emergency lighting
Seats
4 way adjustable lumbar support
Front head restraints
Isofix rear child seat preparation
Heated front seats
Rear head restraints
Height adjustable front seats
Electric front seats with memory
Adjustable head restraints
1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats
Auto Mercedes-Benz child seat recognition sensor
Security
Keyless Go access/ignition system
Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser
Remote central locking
Vanity Mirrors
Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Wheels - Alloy
17" 5 twin spoke alloy wheels
Wheels - Spare
Tirefit sealant with electric air pump

Options

Entertainment
6 speakers	Standard
Mercedes Audio 20 radio/single CD + telephone keypad	Standard
DAB Digital radio	£420.00
Media interface	Standard
SD card slot	Standard
Harman/Kardon logic 7 surround sound system + 12 speakers	£680.00
Packs
Stowage Pack - A Class	£170.00
Driving assistance pack - A Class	£1,695.00
Lane tracking pack - A Class	£595.00
Paint - Metallic
Metallic - Polar silver	£595.00
Metallic - Cosmos Black	£595.00
Metallic - Mountain grey	£595.00
Metallic - Cavansite Blue	£595.00
Metallic - Orient bronze	£595.00
Metallic - Elbaite green	£595.00
Metallic - Canyon beige	£595.00
Paint - Solid
Solid - Cirrus white	Standard
Solid - Jupiter Red	Standard
Exterior Body Features
Metallic paint	£595.00
Solid paint	Standard
Body Glass
Privacy glass	£295.00
Driver Information
Mercedes connect me	Standard
Garmin Map pilot navigation system with SD Card	Standard
Mercedes connect me with remote online services	£150.00
Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay	Standard
COMAND online HDD Nav with media interface, radio/CD/DVD/MP3, 8" screen, linguatronic, 10GB music register, SD card slot , smartphone integration	£995.00
Driver Aids
Speedtronic cruise control	Standard
Towing
Manually folding towbar	£810.00
Trim - Leather
Artico leather - Black	Standard
Artico leather - Grey	Standard

Performance

Performance
0 to 60 mph (secs)
0 to 62 mph (secs)	10.4
Engine Power - BHP	102
Engine Power - KW	75
Engine Power - PS
Engine Power - RPM	4500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT	133
Engine Torque - NM	180
Engine Torque - RPM	1200
Top Speed	118