Mercedes-Benz A Class
New from £31,310
Is the Mercedes-Benz A Class Hatchback a good car?
Read our expert review
Words by: Dan Trent
"The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has already proven itself an appealing premium alternative to regular hatchbacks like the VW Golf, a cut above an Audi A3 and a strong rival to the BMW 1 Series. This mid-life refresh does little to mess with the successful formula and introduces the usual subtle visual tweaks in terms of new lighting signatures and other trim updates, the model line-up streamlined to make the buying journey clearer and the already brilliant onboard tech made even better. Regular A-Class hatchbacks are available with so-called ‘mild hybrid’ assistance on petrol versions but, at the time of writing, the full plug-in hybrid is only available on the saloon derivative."
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Running costs for a Mercedes-Benz A Class
Helped along by a marketing-friendly link to F1, Mercedes’ hybrid tech is among the most effective in the business. A shame, then, the flagship A250e plug-in (PHEV, in the jargon) isn’t currently available on the more popular hatchback. If a saloon works for you it can help slash monthly costs if you’re company car user, thanks to the greatly reduced Benefit In Kind, not to mention the fact you can do your shorter journeys on electric power alone and therefore save at the pumps. Let’s hope the PHEV joins the hatchback range soon, though all petrol A-Classes now feature what’s known as mild hybrid assistance . True, the car can’t power itself on the electric motor as the PHEV can but it does fill in the gaps in power delivery from the petrol or diesel unit and expands the range of the stop/start system to include ‘sailing’ with the combustion engine off.
Reliability of a Mercedes-Benz A Class
Like many premium brands Mercedes doesn’t have the greatest showing on reliability surveys, the additional costs of repairs when they are required partly a factor in that. To be fair these surveys sometimes lag some way behind the current reality as well, and owner satisfaction with the A-Class seems generally good. The standard three-year warranty is nothing remarkable, the unlimited mileage aspect welcome if probably irrelevant for the kind distances most owners will travel in that time, especially with the restrictions written into many finance agreements.
Safety for a Mercedes-Benz A Class
While Volvo has successfully marketed itself as a safety leader Mercedes has, over the years, introduced just as much if not more of the kit we now take for granted. No surprise, then, the A-Class comes bristling with the airbags and other protections if the worst happens and a host of systems to make sure it doesn’t in the first place. As such it will alert you if it thinks your attention is wandering, pull you back into lane, brake automatically for hazards if you don’t and all the rest. The only systems not standard across the range and limited to more expensive models are blind spot alerts and system to warn if you’re about to open a door into passing traffic or cyclists. While the standard safety gear is good you can also pay extra for the next level of assistance as part of an optional Driving Assistance package.
How comfortable is the Mercedes-Benz A Class
You buy a Mercedes with a level of expectation it will feel a cut above the average in quality and refinement and, generally, the A-Class delivers. There was a little more tyre noise than we’d have liked, which is one of those seemingly minor things that can become draining on long journeys. Other than that it drives with the kind of overall polish you’d expect of a Mercedes, with an easygoing manner, light controls and a decent balance between comfort and sporty composure. The regular headrests on the base model are replaced by sportier looking one-piece seat packs on the others in the range, standard faux leather gaining a microfibre centre panel to hopefully stave off sweaty back syndrome on hot days. The back seat of the A-Class isn’t especially spacious, meanwhile, so if you want a more family friendly and practical Mercedes hatchback you may be better off with the related, and more upright, B-Class.
Features of the Mercedes-Benz A Class
In an interesting move Mercedes launched the twin-screen MBUX operating system in the A-Class, its smallest and most affordable model laying the infotainment groundwork for the entire range. This already impressive system has been further improved in this update as well, all models getting the paired 10.25-inch screens, one in front of the driver for instrumentation and driving information while the centre one does maps, entertainment and communications. This can be touch- or voice operated via the improved ‘Hey, Mercedes!’ wake-up call, while ‘capacitive’ pads on the steering wheel spokes offer another way of interacting. This takes a bit of getting used to – the left one does the centre screen, the right does the instruments – but is logical once you get your head round it and the graphics are stylish and crisp with tons of functionality. We’d prefer actual buttons to touch sensitive ones on the basis it’s too easy to activate them as your thumbs brush the wheel when steering but built-in hard disk navigation (with a free three-year subscription to live traffic updates) is standard and phones connect and charge wirelessly for hassle-free integration with Apple and Android devices. Of the four trim levels currently available the base one is probably there to hit a price point, the top one adding garnish like a panoramic roof and memory seats but – as ever – the mid-level specifications are probably the best balance of kit and price, and the ones most people will go for.
Power for a Mercedes-Benz A Class
The two fire-breathing AMG hot hatch models – the A35 and A45 – remain available and go against rivals like the VW Golf R, Audi’s S3 and RS3 and the BMW M135i but these are so different in character, performance and price to the rest of the A-Class range they’re best considered standalone models. There is still an A200d diesel but most buyers will likely be choosing between the petrol A180 and A200, which use versions of the same 1.3-litre engine. All A-Classes now come with automatic gearboxes of one type or another, the petrol getting a seven-speed unit activated by a column stalk behind the wheel that has always been too easy to mistake for indicators or wiper controls for our liking. We’d previously criticised the automatic gearbox for being a little indecisive but, by this showing, Mercedes seems to have improved things with this updated car. Both petrol models are also what’s known as mild hybrids, which means a more powerful stop/start system able to boost you off the line but not drive the car on electric power alone. For that you need the plug-in hybrid version, which is only available on the saloon. This is a shame, given it’s an effective and well-engineered system with enough battery power to do the majority of shorter journeys without waking the petrol engine while capable of driving long distances without the faff of charging stops if you do.
Lease deals
These deals are based on terms of 8,000 miles, for a 36 month lease with a 6 months initial payment.
Standard equipment
Expect the following equipment on your Mercedes-Benz A Class Hatchback. This may vary between trim levels.
- 18in Alloy Wheels - 5-Twin Spoke Light - Aerodynamically Optimised - Painted in Black with High-Sheen Finish
- Beltline Strips - High Gloss Black
- Bodystyling - Side Skirts - Body-Coloured
- Bonnet with Power Domes
- Brake Calipers with Mercedes-Benz Lettering on Front
- Bumpers - Body Coloured
- Door Handles - Body Coloured
- Door Mirrors - Electrically Adjustable and Heated with Integrated LED Indicators
- Electric Windows - 4
- Exhaust - Two Visible Tailpipe Trim Elements
- Glass - Rear Windscreen - Heated with Timer Control
- Mirror Package
- Night Package
- Privacy Glass
- Radiator Grille with Mercedes-Benz Pattern in High-Gloss Black - Central Mercedes Star and Single Louvre in Matt Grey with Chrome Inlay
- Rear Fog Light
- Summer Tyres
- TIREFIT Tyre-Sealant Kit
- Window Line - Black
- ABS - Anti-Lock Braking System with BAS - Brake Assist
- Active Bonnet - Pedestrian Safety Measure which Detects an Impact and Raises Bonnet by 65mm
- Active Brake ASSIST
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Brake Assist with Hold Function and Hill Start Assist
- Adaptive Brake Lights
- Airbag - Kneebag for Driver
- Airbags - Dual Stage - Driver and Front Passenger
- Airbags - Head and Sidebags - Driver and Front Passenger
- Airbags - Windowbags for Driver and Front Passenger
- Alarm System with Immobiliser and Interior Protection - Thatcham Category 1
- Automatic Child Seat Recognition Sensor
- Car Wash Mode
- Childproof Locks - Manually Operated for Rear Doors and Electrically Operated for Rear Power Windows
- Crash-Responsive Emergency Lighting
- Driver Monitoring Camera
- ESP - Electronic Stability Programme with ASR - Acceleration Skid Control
- ESP Curve Dynamic Assist
- Electric Parking Brake
- First Aid Kit and Warning Triangle
- Fluorescent Jacket for Driver
- GUARD 360 Vehicle Protection with Anti-theft Alarm System
- ISOFIX and Top-Tether Child Seat Fixing Points in Rear - Two Outer Seats
- Keyless Go
- Parking Package
- Remote Central Locking and Crash Sensor with Emergency Opening Function
- Seat Belts - Rear Three-Point - 3
- Seat Belts Reminder - Front and Rear
- Seat Belts in Black
- Seat Occupancy Sensor - Front Passenger Seat
- Wiper System - Rear Windscreen Wiper
- ATTENTION Assist
- Active Park Assist with Parktronic
- Brake-Pad Wear Warning Indicator
- Cruise Control with Limiter
- Dynamic Select with a Choice of Driving Modes - ECO-Comfort-Sport and Individual
- Hey Mercedes - Voice Activation
- Instrument Cluster - Fluid Level Warning Indicator for Fuel - Oil - Coolant and Washer Fluid
- Instrument Cluster - Outside Temperature Display
- Instrument Cluster - Service Indicator ASSYST
- Instrument Cluster - Trip Computer in Multi-Function Display with Current Fuel Consumption Indicator
- Lamp Failure Indicator
- Owners Manual - English
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Air Conditioning - Air Vents Black with Surround in Silver Chrome
- Air Conditioning - THERMATIC Automatic Climate Control - One Zone - Automatically Controlled Air Distribution
- Centre Armrest - Front with Stowage
- Comfort Seats with Adjustable Head Restraints
- Direction Indicators with Lane-Changer Function
- Door Sills - Front Door Sills with Mercedes-Benz Lettering
- Floor Mats - Velour
- Heated Front Seats
- Instrument Display - 10.25in Digital Display
- Interior Lighting - Light and Sight Package
- Interior Mirror - Reading Lamps in Black - Frameless
- KEYLESS-GO - Starting Function
- Luggage Nets on Driver and Front Passengers Backrests
- Rain-Sensing Windscreen Wipers with Two Sensitivity Settings
- Rear Armrest with Two Cup Holders
- Roof Lining - Black
- Seat Comfort Package
- Seats - Lumbar Support - Four Way
- Seats - Rear Seat Backrests - Split Folding 40-20-40
- Steering Column - Manually Adjustable for Height and Reach
- Steering Wheel - 3-Spoke Multi-Function - Trimmed in ARTICO Man-Made Leather
- Steering Wheel - Gear Shift Paddles
- Stowage - Luggage Compartment Cover
- Sun Visors with Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
- Trim - Dark Carbon-Fibre
- DAB Digital Radio Tuner
- Digital Extras - Remote and Navigation Services
- Digital Extras - Standard Services
- Dual Bluetooth Interfaces
- Hard-Disk Navigation
- Live Traffic Information
- MBUX Multimedia System
- Media Display - 10.25-inch with Touchscreen
- Pre-Installation for Private Car Sharing
- Radio Aerial Roof Spoiler
- Smartphone Integration
- Sound System - Mercedes-Benz Sound System - 100W
- USB Package Plus
- Direct-Steer System
- ECO Start-Stop Function
- Speed Limit Assist
- Speed-Sensitive Power Steering
- Suspension - Lowered Comfort Suspension
- Headlamp Assist - Automatic Headlamp Activation
- High Level Third Brake Light - LED
- LED High Performance Headlamps with Integrated LED Daytime Running Lights and Adaptive High Beam Assist
- LED Tail Lamps
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