Mercedes A Class
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Clever supermini that offers excellent practicality in addition to a premium badge - it's just not that great to drive.
Review
The A Class remains a car pretty much without rivals, especially now that Audi has killed off the unsuccessful A2. The second-generation A Class carries on where the original left off - it's a practical, spacious and well-built supermini with the additional attraction of a three-pointed star on the bonnet.
The distinctive design is pleasing enough, but it's when you get inside that the A Class starts to become really clever, with a very spacious cabin considering its compact external dimensions. There's plenty of room for four adults (although rear seat access is a bit awkward in the three-door) and the baby Merc also boasts one of the biggest boots in the segment.
The good news is that this A Class is far more comfortable than its bouncy, hard-riding predecessor. The suspension now has a decent amount of compliance, while motorway speed cruising is impressively relaxed for something so small.
The downside is an indifferent dynamic performance on anything other than arrow-straight roads. The A Class's steering suffers from very artificial-feeling weighting, the chassis quickly runs out of front-end grip and the electronic stability system cuts in far too early if you try and turn up the pace.
At least buyers have a comprehensive range of engines to choose between with four petrols and three diesels on offer. However, steep pricing means the A Class offers progressively worse value as you move up the range, so we'd recommend the respectably rapid entry level "150" petrol engine as the optimal powerplant.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Handsome, distinctive and completely unique - the A Class is a perfect choice for those who want to stand out from the herd.
Handling
2 star
Indifferent handling means the A Class can't match the dynamic appeal of most of its rivals. Good in straight lines and at higher speeds, but not much cop in corners.
Comfort
4 star
The cabin is spacious, well finished and good to spend time in, and although ride quality is still a bit hard-edged, this A Class is vastly better than its bouncy predecessor.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Generally very well assembled, although a couple of areas of the cabin still feel cheap - especially considering the pricetags of more expensive versions.
Performance
4 star
All engines except the basic A160 CDI diesel offer decent amounts of urge, with the range-topping A200 Turbo being downright speedy.
Roominess
4 star
The A Class crams plenty of practicality into its compact dimensions with a spacious, well-finished cabin and a decently sized boot.
Running Costs
4 star
The A Class crams plenty of practicality into its compact dimensions with a spacious, well-finished cabin and a decently sized boot.
Value for money
3 star
Stingy base spec means having to pay extra for air conditioning on the entry level versions, while the A Class is massively expensive at the top of the range - you really are being made to fork out for the Mercedes badge.
