Mercedes A-Class saloon - MPG, running costs & CO2

A slippery shape and Mercedes' latest engines make the A-Class saloon surprisingly affordable to run. The tapered tail of a saloon shape has better aerodynamics than the near-vertical boot of a hatchback, and engineers have spent many hours testing and adapting the A-Class saloon in the wind tunnel. The result is a model with less drag than any other production vehicle on sale – a mantle it takes on from the Mercedes CLA.

Mercedes A-Class saloon MPG & CO2

There are four petrol engines and one diesel: a 1.5-litre in the A 180 d, while the petrol range kicks off with a 1.3-litre petrol badged A 200. The latter will be a great choice for most drivers, offering 161bhp and up to 48.7mpg fuel economy for an impressive blend of performance and economy. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard in almost every A-Class saloon, with different driving programmes to promote economical or sporty driving. CO2 emissions from 123g/km in the A200 means it should also be quite affordable for company-car drivers.

The A 180 d saloon is less powerful, with 114bhp, but its economy figure of up to 64.2mpg makes it the most frugal version available, so it'll appeal to anyone who spends a good deal of time on the motorway.

There's also a lower-powered 1.3-litre A 180 badged petrol, but as it returns the same official figures as the A 200, the only real reason to choose it is for its lower upfront or leasing costs.

More powerful A 220 and A 250 2.0-litre petrol engines are also offered, along with 4MATIC four-wheel drive. These can still return up to 42.2mpg (40.9mpg for the 4MATIC), which is reasonable given the power on offer.

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Every A-Class saloon attracts road tax of £145 a year, and it should be hard (but not impossible) to select enough options to push it above the £40,000 barrier, at which point a £320 surcharge is added in years two to six.

Insurance groups

The A-Class Saloon sits in group 18 for the A 180 d and 23 for the faster A 200, making it reasonable to insure for a car with the three-pointed star on its nose. The A 250 AMG Line sits in group 29 out of 50, reflecting its higher performance.

Warranty

The manufacturer's warranty lasts for three years, but unlike rival brand Audi, there's no cap on the mileage you can accrue in that time. For this period you'll also have the peace of mind of being covered by Mercedes Roadside Assistance should any faults crop up.

Servicing

Mercedes offers a 'ServiceCare' plan that covers the cost of servicing and can be paid for monthly, with flexible durations to suit customers. Around £30 a month can cover two services over two years, three services over three years or four services over four years.