Mercedes-Benz A-Class
It's the smallest car to wear the Mercedes-Benz 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-Benz 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.
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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-Benz 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.
There are no prices & specs for this edition
Until now, Mercedes hasn't offered a model to directly rival premium hatchbacks such as the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 or Volkswagen Golf. The handsome new A-Class will change that however, aiming to attract youngers buyers to the brand. Featuring a much lower roofline and detailed creases on its side, the new A-Class offers much sportier looks. The A-Class will be available with a range of engines including a diesel that produces emissions of less than 100g/km - the first Mercedes to do so. A hot 208bhp 2.0-litre turbo is also planned, called the A250. The new Mercedes A-Class is likely to be priced from around £20,000 when it goes on sale in the UK at the end of 2012.
