Mercedes A-Class

It's the smallest car to wear the Mercedes badge, and also the least expensive. It's not cheap by conventional measures, though, with its pricing putting it up against premium hatchback rivals such as the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. It does however exude clever thinking, as Mercedes has squeezed masses of room into its small and tall hatchback. Efficient engines should mean reasonable running costs, but the A-Class prioritises practicalities over the fun its rivals offer.

Mercedes A-Class 5dr hatchback (2005-2012)

Mercedes A-Class 5dr hatchback (2005-2012)

5 doors

Price £17,375 - £21,265

4.00 /5
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  • Pros:
    • Very practical and spacious interior
    • Low running costs
    • Good safety record
  • Cons:
    • Automatic versions are dearer to run
    • Cabin comfort could be better
    • Most engines aren't suited to motorway driving

For premium, upmarket practicality, there's little to match the Mercedes A-Class. The cabin feels enormous, while the high driving position gives a great view around town. The interior feels beautifully built, although it's not quite able to match the upmarket feel of its more expensive relatives. The three-door looks smart, but access to the rear is tricky, making the five-door model the choice if you’re planning on using those spacious rear seats.

See full Mercedes A-Class 5dr hatchback (2005-2012) range
Mercedes A-Class hatchback

Mercedes A-Class hatchback

doors

Price £20,150 - £28,800

3.70 /5
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There are no variants for this edition
  • Pros:
    • Great looks
    • Entry car well priced
    • All engines are very economical
  • Cons:
    • Poor quality in places
    • Boot space trails rivals
    • Ride of AMG Sport model is firm

The Mercedes A-Class is taking a much more traditional approach to rivaling the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. The old car's mini-MPV proportions have been replaced by a lower, wider more normal small hatchback style that looks great. Those looks are helping the A-Class to reinvent itself as a sportier model – as the Sport and AMG Sport specifications suggest. Like other Mercedes models, the A-Class is fun to drive, but not with the same sports car feel of a BMW 1 Series. That means the suspension is slightly more forgiving over bumps, while the steering also errs on the side of comfort – it feels pleasantly weighted, but the reaction of the car to steering inputs isn’t as sharp. And much as the interior is as good looking as the exterior, some of the quality of the plastics is disappointing for a Mercedes.

See full Mercedes A-Class hatchback range