The Mercedes A-Class is a car that’s come a long way since it was first launched back in 1997 as the first compact car in the Mercedes range.
Remember the infamous moose test?
Originally more of a supermini, the A-Class ‘grew up’ when the third generation model was released back in 2012 to become more of a family car, going into direct competition with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and the Ford Focus.
Now in its fourth generation, the A-Class underwent a facelift in 2023 and remains a popular choice on the family market for those looking for a premium touch. But how does it stack up against the competition?
Mercedes A-Class Exterior
There is no doubting the fact that the A-Class is a good looking car and is immediately recognisable as being part of the Mercedes family. The large pointed star on the front is the most obvious visual clue, but look closer and you’ll see that the grille is made up of smaller Mercedes logos. It’s the little things…
That wide grille is the centre point of an aggressively styled and lower front end, which gives the A-Class a more sporty appearance than many of its rivals.
Particularly when you go for the AMG Line trim – or above – you’ll benefit from additional touches compared to the standard car, with things like diamond cut alloy wheels that provide an extra touch of class.
The rear end is more understated with subtle rear lights and a diffuser but is a step forwards compared to the A-Class of years gone by.
Mercedes A-Class Interior
The premium touch of a Mercedes is evident when you climb aboard the A-Class, not least when you are greeted by a huge screen that houses both the digital dashboard and the infotainment screen.
The digital dash can be personalised somewhat – from minimal information to a more sporty appearance with vibrant colours – and not only provides standard information like speed and fuel economy, but also displays things including lane assist and directions.
The infotainment screen can no longer be controlled via a central trackpad – with some steering wheel pads instead - but is straightforward to use and works with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. There are further physical buttons and controls on the steering wheel for things like audio volume and setting the cruise control.
Mercedes A-Class Space
The A-Class is the smallest model in the Mercedes range but you wouldn’t always be able to tell that from the inside where there is plenty of space for a family.
In both the front and rear, you have plenty of legroom and three adults can fit across the rear seats – although there are rivals that provide more space if you were regularly carrying three in the rear seats.
For children however, there is more than enough room in the back, even if a child seat is fitted.
Across the cabin, there is no shortage of storage space with multiple cup holders in the front along with large door pockets and a separate storage compartment between the front seats that also houses two charging points.
In the rear, there are large door bins and two secret cup holders hidden within the central arm rest – which pop out when required (or can be remain hidden so children don’t know they are there to play with…)
The rear section of the seat can also be dropped to allow access to the boot, which has 350 litres of space. Whilst not the largest boot in the class, it’s also far from the smallest with room to throw three cases in the back. A 40/40/20 split gives options when it comes to the need extra space, with the ability to fold the seats flat for a nice level load bay.
Behind the Wheel of the Mercedes A-Class
The A Class comes with a choice of two 1.3 litre petrol engines, with 180 spec cars offering 136hp and the more powerful 200 spec that we sampled offering 163hp. Both cars come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, whilst you could also opt for an eight-speed diesel or a hybrid.
The gearbox benefits from steering wheel paddles that allow you to take control if you wish – and gives a more sporty feel once again when you climb behind the wheel.
The 163hp petrol option provides punchy levels of performance but also good levels of fuel economy, and you have the option to either engage sports mode if you want to make things a little more responsive or can switch to eco mode to make your fuel go even further.
A softer suspension setup than a number of its rivals means that the A Class is a comfortable place to be when you are dealing with the joys of British roads, whilst the steering is nice and light and the car handles well, which is exactly what you want from a family hatchback.
Narrow pillars around the front and rear windows mean you have decent visibility throughout, with rear cameras that make manoeuvres even easier.
Vertu's Verdit
The A-Class is the model that made Mercedes more accessible to the masses and despite being part of one of the most competitive classes in the market place, remains a hugely attractive option for families.
Okay you may have to pay a little bit more for the premium badge on the front, but the A Class looks the part, is comfortable, good to drive and packed with impressive technological touches that mean for us, it’s a hit.
- Mercedes