Mercedes A-Class Hatchback (2012) The Expert Review

Review
First Outside
If you think you know, the Mercedes A-Class, then think again. A new model is going for sale in Great Britain, which not not go like its predecessor. Its designers began literally with a blank sheet of paper, and the results of their efforts is very impressive. Now I think he can capture revenue was from upscale competitors like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and the Volvo V40, the output of the A-class area ill-equipped to win the competition. This new model has a significant presence on the streets, in part, by his bold nose, the following design elements similar to those of Class B last half - a car from the customer well received. The new class has a clear V-shaped front to their design, units of the grid and separated from the headlights of the vehicle body. Depending on model, up to 160 mm lower than the old A-class, wide 409 mm and 16 mm, but with an intelligent design and carved detail on the sides of the car, says Mercedes, the car is more aerodynamic efficient in its class, with a drag coefficient of 0.26.
Rrating: 4
Second Inside
Inside, the Class A luxurious look and feel, and we particularly liked the three openings, the central helices appear. The choice of contrast very well, creating an atmosphere of luxury, while the upper dashboard is quite high, the seats have to find a wide range of adjustment, a comfortable driving position easy.
Rating: 4
Third Convenience
The trunk is not "strong point, smaller than the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series" A-Class. However, the rear seats fold flat, for those times you need to carry long objects.
Rating: 3
4th Ride and handling
We tested the petrol and diesel versions of the A200, both with the manual transmission 6-speed ride control features for comfort and found two successful cars on the streets of Europe and offers a smooth, comfortable, with good steering response, gear change smooth and precise brakes. The A250 model sporting 211bhp AMG was a very different proposal, which is a much stronger because of his transfer tower sports-tuned suspension and live performance from the gear DCT 7-G-machine, which can be controlled by paddle shifters. We also had a short drive from 211bhp A250 AMG model developed through a slalom course in aviation. The car was very good handling, making quick turns with aplomb and good balance, even at high speeds. With electronic stability systems, the handling of the car was still safe and predictable, with a touch of oversteer at the limits of liability, all the while accompanied by a growing dependence of the exhaust system that the car has changed tactics.
Rating: 4
5th Performance
There is a good mixture of gasoline and diesel engines to choose from and they all have links to the ECO / Home system. The petrol line-up starts with a 122bhp 1.6-liter, 156bhp 1.6-liter or 2.0 liter. Those who preferred the 211bhp diesel engines, has the option of a 109bhp 1.4-liter, 109bhp with a 1.8 or a 1.8 with 136 hp. There are two transmissions, a six-speed manual or seven-speed 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission automatically.
Rating: 4
6th The operating costs
The smaller A180 CDI diesel is particularly noteworthy because it is the first Mercedes to emit 98g/km of C02, with up to 74.3mpg on the official combined cycle. If you prefer a little more of your diesel A200 CDI 0-62 mph in 9.3 seconds to do, but can always go back to 65.7mpg, while emitting 114g/km of C02 only. All new engines already with a standard of Euro-6 to meet the no effect until 2015.
Rating: 4
7th Reliability
Mercedes build quality and reliability is back, and the class A should continue the trend. It was very good and very solidly built, but there is a new model, only time will tell if it really as reliable as you feel.
Rating: 4
8th Security
As you would expect from Mercedes, safety is a priority for the new class and collision avoidance radar system in the presence and attention with standard equipment across the entire product line was based. A novelty in this market segment designed to ensure the full attention of the first pilot, a red triangle on the map to avoid accidents due to audible tones followed nose to tail. Other features such as Pre-Safe, Distronic Pro, blind spot monitoring, are maintenance and speed limits on the track, the largest Mercedes-wizard features that are optional on the cost of the A-Class.
Rating: 5
9th Team
Standard equipment levels are good with the basic models with a suspension comfort, Radio CD with good color screen feature 5.8-inch, AUX input and USB port, Bluetooth and the driver Becker PRewire card. The SE adds alloy wheels attractive 10-16in, sport seats, leather steering wheel adjustment direction and intelligent, while the Sport adds chrome trim, cruise control, dual exhaust, which consists of the rear car and two-tone alloy wheels of 17 inches. Followed by AMG Specifications. The first of these, AMG sport package comes with a dynamic behavior with the sport suspension, ventilated disc brakes and AMG styling. Also gets more than 18-inch five-spoke alloys. Topping the range is from AMG developed performance model, with uprated suspension and steering, red brake calipers, AMG focused twin-spoke 18in alloys, ESP and various configurations that allow the driver more freedom to the car to enjoy before the electronic security systems to intervene. Red trim detail also sets these cars apart from the rest of the series. Customers to buy the sport and AMG sports models can customize their cars with night packages and exclusive ways of doing things such as privacy glass, chrome, bi-xenon headlights and tires include 18-inch alloy wheels.
Rrating: 4
10th Why Buy?
While a niche for the old Mercedes A Class has carved, he could never compete with the large and impressive models from Audi and BMW. Now you can not only keep up, but beat in some areas, customers looking for a luxury sedan competitors of a different choice.
Rating: 4