What’s the new A-Class like inside?
As you should expect with a car of this calibre, the A-Class is a luxurious and comfortable place in which to sit.
There are tonnes of premium-feel materials throughout the cabin, such as synthetic leather upholstery, metal-effect trim pieces and a Nappa leather steering wheel. Not only does it all feel good to the touch, but it’s solidly put together too.
As for space, four adults can sit in the car in relative comfort – although rear space may be limited for those on the taller side. The boot is bigger than its predecessor too, now boasting 370 litres of luggage space – a 29-litre increase.
What’s under the bonnet?
Powering our test car is a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. If you want a manual gearbox, then other options will be available later down the line.
It develops 115hp and 260Nm of torque, capable of taking the A-Class from 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds and on to a 126mph top speed. As for economy, Mercedes claims 62.7mpg can be achieved on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 108g/km.
It’s not the most powerful of units, but it’s brisk enough for daily usage and feels well refined on longer cruises, with little noise to be heard in the cabin. It does hold on to gears a little long when pulling out of junctions, but the seven-speed unit is otherwise faultless.
What’s the Mercedes A-Class like to drive?
The Mercedes A-Class is a no-frills driving experience, going about its business in a muted but capable manner. If you want to drive enthusiastically, the car will allow you to do so but it won’t be the most fun you’ve had behind a wheel with it much better suited to long-distance cruising.
Its semi-autonomous driving technology – which comes in the form of adaptive cruise control with road sign recognition – means chewing up the motorway miles can be a stress-free experience, although not the most comfortable thanks to the firm suspension of the AMG Line specification.
Take it around town and a short turning circle combined with good all-round visibility makes it easy enough to use as a daily machine.
Verdict
The new Mercedes A-Class has set a benchmark for the next generation of premium hatchbacks, and one that may prove tough to crack for impending competitors.
It offers a seriously well-equipped package with technology that perhaps wouldn’t be seen on cars twice the price – although the attempt at revolutionising voice control with Mercedes Me may take some time to prove its worth.
For the image-conscious and tech-focused buyer, there may not be a better car on sale today.
Similar cars
Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo V40
Key specifications
Model as tested: Mercedes-Benz A180d AMG Line
Price (on-road): £28,540
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 115 hp
Torque: 260 Nm
Top speed: 126 mph
0-60mph: 10.3 seconds
Fuel economy (combined): 62.7 mpg
CO2 emissions: 108 g/km
