Mercedes-Benz A Class Hatchback

• Body Glass
  • 4 Electric Front and Rear windows
  • Heat insulating dark tinted rear and rear side windows
  • Heated glass rear windscreen + timer control
  • Privacy glass
  • Rain sensing windscreen wipers with two sensitivity settings
  • Rear windscreen wiper
• Brakes
  • ABS with Brake Assist
  • Active brake assist includes forward collision warning system with autonomous braking
  • Adaptive brake assist with hold function and hill start assist
  • Electronic parking brake
  • ESP curve dynamic assist
  • ESP with ASR
• Carpets/Rugs
  • AMG floor mats
• Chassis/Suspension
  • Lowered comfort suspension
• Communication
  • Dual bluetooth interfaces
  • Hey Mercedes Voice activation
  • Preinstallation for Mercedes Benz link
  • Wireless charging
• Driver Aids
  • Attention assist
  • Blind spot assist
  • Cruise control + speed limiter
  • Direct steering
  • Direction indicators with lane change function
  • DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)
  • Lane keeping system
  • Mercedes me remote services
  • Speed sensitive power steering
• Driver Convenience
  • Car wash mode
  • Easy pack tailgate hands-free access
  • ECO start/stop function
  • Engine start/stop button
  • Fluorescent jacket for driver
  • Remote boot closing
  • Tailgate
• Driver Information
  • 10.25 inch touchscreen central media display
  • 10.25" Digital instrument cluster display screen
  • Brake pad wear indicator warning light
  • Fingerprint scanner
  • Fluid level warning indicator for fuel, oil, coolant and washer fluid
  • Hard-disk navigation
  • Lamp failure indicator
  • Mercedes me connect including emergency call system, accident recovery, breakdown management and maintenance
  • Outside temperature gauge
  • Owners manual in English
  • Pre-installation of private car share
  • Service indicator (ASSYST)
  • Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto
  • Speed limit assist
  • Trip computer in multifunction display with current consumption indicator
• Driving Mirrors
  • Body coloured door mirrors
  • Electric adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated LED side indicators
• Embellishment Trims
  • Light longitudinal grain aluminium trim
• Entertainment
  • DAB Digital radio
  • MBUX multimedia system
  • Mercedes Benz sound system (100 W) with 6 speakers
• Exterior Body Features
  • AMG body styling - AMG front apron with front splitter and AMG rear apron and visible exhaust tailpipe trim elements
  • Body colour bumpers
  • Body colour door handles with chrome inserts
  • Body colour side skirt
  • Chrome beltline strips
  • Diamond radiator grille with pins in fine star pattern
  • Exhaust system with 2 visible tailpipe trim elements and rear apron
  • Radio aerial
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Window line trim strip in chrome
• Exterior Lights
  • Adaptive brake lights
  • Headlamp assist automatic headlamp activation
  • LED High level third brake light
  • LED High Performance headlamps including integral LED daytime running lamps and adaptive highbeam assist
  • LED tail lamp
  • Rear fog lights
• Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
  • Air conditioning - One zone thermatic automatic climate control with automatically controlled air distribution
  • Black air vents with surround in silver chrome
• Interior Features
  • 3 Spoke flat bottom leather multi function steering wheel with perforated leather in grip area
  • Black roof lining
  • Brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs
  • Front centre armrest with stowage
  • Front door sills with Mercedes Benz lettering
  • Front seat backs luggage nets
  • Galvanished gear shift paddles on steering wheel
  • Height/reach adjustable steering column
  • Interior mirror with reading lamps in black and frameless
  • Rear armrest with 2 cupholders
  • Stowage compartment in centre console with retractable cover
  • Twin front cupholders
• Interior Lights
  • Interior lighting - 64 colour Ambient lighting
• Packs
  • Light and sight package - A Class
  • Mirror package - A Class
  • Parking pack with 180 degree view - A Class
  • Seat comfort pack - A Class
  • USB pack plus - A Class
• Safety
  • 3 rear 3 point seatbelts
  • Active bonnet
  • Black seatbelts
  • Bonnet with power domes
  • Childproof locks manually operated for rear doors and electrically operated for rear power windows
  • Crash responsive emergency lighting
  • Driver and passenger head and side airbags
  • Drivers knee airbag
  • Dual stage driver/passenger airbags
  • Front and rear seatbelt reminder
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Window airbags
• Seats
  • 3 seat bench in 2nd row
  • 4 way lumbar support
  • 40:20:40 split folding rear seats
  • Automatic child seat recognition sensor
  • Heated front seats
  • ISOFIX and top tether child seat fixing points in two outer rear seats
  • Seat occupancy sensor for front passenger seat
  • Single front passenger seat
  • Sports seats with integrated headrests
• Security
  • Alarm system/interior protection/immobiliser
  • Guard 360 degree vehicle protection
  • Keyless entry lock/unlock
  • Keyless Go
  • Remote central locking and crash sensor with emergency opening function
• Vanity Mirrors
  • Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• Wheels
  • Summer tyres
• Wheels - Alloy
  • 18" AMG 5 twin spoke light alloy wheels,aerodynamically optimised, painted in black with high sheen finish
• Wheels - Spare
  • Tirefit sealant kit

• Emissions - ICE
  • CO: 0.214
  • HC: 0.021
  • HC+NOx:
  • Noise Level dB(A): 68
  • NOx: 0.017
  • Particles: 0.0001
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 136
• Engine and Drive Train
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Catalytic Convertor: Yes
  • CC: 1,332
  • Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72.2
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 81.2
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Gears: 7 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
• Fuel Consumption - ICE
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: No
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 47.1
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 48.7
  • WLTP - MPG - High: 56.5
  • WLTP - MPG - Low: 30.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium: 49.6
• General
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: Yes
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.3
  • Badge Power: 163
  • Based On ID:
  • Coin Description: N
  • Coin Series: AMG Line Executive
  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23E
  • Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 96
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 92
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 75
  • Safety Concerns?: No
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • Service Interval Mileage: 15,500
  • Special Edition: No
  • Special Order: No
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999,999
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
• Performance
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): No
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.2
  • Engine Power - BHP: 163
  • Engine Power - KW: 120
  • Engine Power - PS: Yes
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5,500
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 199
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 27.5
  • Engine Torque - NM: 270
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 2000
  • Top Speed: 140
• Test Cycles
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2
• Tyres
  • Alloys?: Yes
  • Space Saver?: No
  • Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18
  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Style: AMG 5 TWIN SPOKE
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
• Vehicle Dimensions
  • Height: 1,423
  • Height (including roof rails):
  • Length: 4,428
  • Wheelbase: 2,729
  • Width: 1796
  • Width (including mirrors): 1,992
• Weight and Capacities
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 43
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,920
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1190
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 350
  • Max. Loading Weight: 480
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1,600
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 720
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1,440
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Ten Second Review
Mercedes-Benz is a company often portrayed as being deeply conservative, though in fact, no other manufacturer has such a record of innovation. Today, the brand is bolder, more forward-thinking and younger in feel, attributes very much in evidence in this fourth generation version of its smallest A-Class model. This car's now pitched even more directly against sporty premium compact family hatches like Audi's A3 and BMW's 1 Series thanks to key new driving features, plus sharper looks, extra media connectivity and greater efficiency. It's a step forward.

Background
Want a case study in how to change brand perception? You're looking at it right here with this third generation Mercedes A-Class. Almost singlehandedly, this car has taken this famous marque and made it one a younger buyer could consider. Plus at the same time, this MK3 design has also paved the way for a whole new generation of compact models that have done wonders for the Stuttgart maker's bottom line. Time to check out this significantly revised version. As before, we're told to regard this A-Class as what the market calls a 'compact premium family hatchback' - in other words, a Focus or Astra-sized car with superior quality and a bit of extra badge equity. It's the kind of very profitable product that all the mainstream makers wish they could sell but which is primarily defined by this car and its two closest competitors, the Audi A3 and BMW's 1 Series. The frumpy first and second generation A-Class contenders didn't really threaten these two rivals in any meaningful way, but this car's MK3 model predecessor really did. With its successor, Mercedes has sharpened up the looks, improved interior space and dialled in a great deal more safety and media connectivity.

Driving Experience
From launch, the A-Class range is based around three key engines, with others scheduled for the future. The entry-level A200 variant is likely to be most popular featuring a new 1.4-litre 163hp unit available with either 6-speed manual or 7G-DCT dual-clutch auto transmission. Rest to 62mph in the manual model takes 8.2s. Next up is the A250, which uses a 2.0-litre petrol powerplant developing 224bhp and is only offered with the 7G-DCT auto 'box but is available with Mercedes' 4MATIC AWD system. Rest to 62mph here takes 6.2s. The diesel alternative is the A180d, which puts out 116hp and uses the 7G-DCT auto gearbox. What else do you need to know? Well the suspension is the usual torsion beam rear set-up on most models, but if you go for a variant with 4MATIC AWD, you'll get a more sophisticated multi-link rear set-up. The 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving modes system is standard, as usual enabling you to tweak steering feel and throttle response. At extra cost, adjustable damping can be added into it. Some of the autonomous driving capability from larger Mercedes models has been built into this one, meaning that, in certain situations, your A-Class, if appropriately equipped, will effectively be able to drive itself on dual carriageways at cruising speeds.

Design and Build
From the outside, this fourth generation A-Class delivers a more progressive design with a low bonnet and flat, more angular LED headlamps. The car is visually extended by its now longer wheelbase and a smart character line along the side. The bonnet slopes down more heavily than in the preceding model series, emphasising the more dynamic, upright front. Larger wheel arches housing bigger rims (ranging from 16 to 19 inches) help too, making this A-Class sit more squarely on the road. The premium hatch has a wider look at the rear end thanks to a more heavily waisted greenhouse and at the rear, there are slim, two-section tail lights. It's the interior that sees the really big changes though. The usual instrument binnacle cowl has been completely dispensed with, so the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard can extend from one front door to the other with no visual discontinuity. A virtual instrument screen (of either 7-inches or 10.25-inches in size) replaces the usual dials and can be joined with a centre-dash infotainment display (again either 7-inches or 10.25-inches in size) to create one continuous monitor, much as you get in larger Mercedes models. That extra wheelbase means more interior space - and the 370-litre boot is 29-litres larger than before too.

Market and Model
Prices for mainstream models start at around £26,000 or the A180d diesel variant, rising to £27,500 for the petrol A200 and just over £30,000 for the petrol A250. There are three trim levels - 'SE', 'Sport' and 'AMG Line'. Every model comes well equipped. The entry-level 'SE' trim features twin seven-inch displays including a central touchscreen with MBUX multimedia system featuring 'Hey Mercedes' voice activation. Plus there's comfort suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, a DAB radio, Artico man-made leather and Bertrix fabric upholstery, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, a Keyless-Go starting function and air conditioning. The 'Sport' trim line adds LED high performance headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, Artico and 'Fleron' fabric upholstery and automatic climate control. 'AMG Line' customers will benefit from 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, an AMG bodystyling kit, Artico and Dinamica microfibre upholstery and a three-spoke sports steering wheel. This fourth generation A-Class is much better connected than before. Navigation functions, for example, can now be based on traffic feedback from so-called 'Car-to-X communication' where information gets fed in from other similarly-equipped road users. As usual, there's a dowloadable 'Mercedes Me' app that connects you into your car and can tell you things like local fuel prices or the availability of parking spaces at your destination.

Cost of Ownership
The economy champion of course, is the A180d variant, which exhales just 108g/km of CO2, while only drinking a gallon of fuel on the combined cycle every 68.9 miles. With respectable performance figures, it's a tempting package - albeit one that in its standard form, forgoes the big wheels and aggressive bodykits of more dynamic-looking versions. If you plan on adding the extra features, then economy will obviously take a hit. As for the petrol engines, well the A200 in manual form manages 51.4mpg on the combined cycle and 133g/km of CO2, figures that improve to 55.3mpg and 120g/km if you go for auto transmission. The auto-only A250 2.0-litre petrol variant manages 45.6mpg and 141g/km. The warranty may be an industry standard 3 years but is for unlimited miles, handy to know if you spend a lot of time on the road. Just remember that a mid-range diesel is the sensible option for high resale figures. With that in mind, something like a mid-spec A180d model might well represent the sweet spot of the range. On the other hand, an 4MATIC petrol variant with every option thrown at it will lose a lot more of its value over the years.

Summary
Mercedes turned things around with its third generation A-Class, recreating it into the kind of car a younger, sportier buyer could consider. This sleeker, more sophisticated, bigger and better connected fourth generation model version continues that theme and lays down quite a challenge to its Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series rivals. And in summary? Well those who can afford the asking prices and like the driving experience will find this hatch sporty, self-assured and possessed of a feel-good factor that really does make you feel special if you've specced your chosen variant correctly. Which is exactly what owning a car of this kind should be all about.