Mercedes A-Class Review
Are you considering the A-Class for your next vehicle? Like all vehicles, it has strengths and weaknesses that will suit some drivers more than others.
So we’ve put together this review of key things to know about this German luxury car.
A brief history of the A-Class
The A-Class was first introduced in 1997 and focused on being a competent compact car. For this hatchback, Mercedes had rethought their typical car design by putting major components such as the engine and gearbox between the steel floors under the passenger compartment. This decision meant that in the event of a collision, these components would slide between those floors without injuring the passenger or driver, making it a very safe car despite its size.
What are the key features of the A-Class?
In later generations, the A-Class’s design changed from an MPV-like appearance to a sleek, performance-style hatchback.
Decisions like sports seats for the AMG Line models offer lower back support and overall comfort while driving. The rest of the interior is well thought out, with spacious cabin space, an infotainment system, and dashboard controls that are easy to operate and practical.
Regarding overall space, drivers and passengers will fit comfortably in the cabin space, and rear seats can be folded if you require more boot space.
What about the engines?
That depends on what you’re looking for. You’ll find either 1.5L or 2L petrol, diesel or plugin hybrid engines.
If you’re a performance-focused driver and want a hatchback that can keep up with, then the A45 S 4MATIC+ offers a 2L petrol engine, AMG suspension and 421 BHP. It will set you back £60,626 and has 31 MPG.
The A250e AMG Line is a great choice if your fuel consumption is important. Its 218 BHP makes it less speedy than the A45 S 4MATIC+; however, the 1.5 petrol/plugin hybrid engine offers 217.3 MPG.
You can choose a diesel option from the A180d AMG Line, which offers a 2L diesel engine, 44.1 MPG and 116 BHP for £37,700. Or you can choose the A200d AMG Line, which offers a higher MPG and BHP of 56.5 and 150, respectively, with the same sized diesel engine for £35,689.
Is the A-Class worth buying?
It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz cars often focus on luxury to provide an executive driving experience. This can make them more expensive up front and pricey to run.
For those drivers that want to keep the running costs as low as possible, you'll have limited options to choose from, so you might be better off considering vehicles that are focused on fuel economy. It also struggles in the reliability category as well with low rankings in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey for family cars.
But if you’re a driver who is focused on performance, then you’ll find that the A-Class has more choices for you to consider. Most models will offer good acceleration and handling, although you may find the plugin hybrid version a bit heavier to move around. It falls into the hot hatch category better than the family car category.
If you’re unsure about buying because of the price, purchasing a used A-Class can be the more affordable choice. It may also be possible for you to buy on finance so you can pay for the car via monthly instalments.
Why should I buy my next Car from Car Synergy?
We have a great selection of used cars for sale in Leeds, including used Mercedes A-Class cars, so we’re confident that you’ll be able to find your next car in our showroom.
At Car Synergy, we believe in making buying and selling vehicles simple and convenient. If you already have a vehicle you’d like to sell, you can complete one of our online applications for a free valuation. Part exchange is a great option that makes offloading your old car and buying your next one a streamlined process.
If you’d like more information about any of our cars and services, you can get in touch today, and we’ll be more than happy to help!