Car Reviews > Mercedes-Benz > A Class > Mercedes Benz A-Class Range Car Review

A-Class: Entry Level Mercedes Style

Car enthusiasts the world over bemoan the fact that all the German luxury brands seem to be pandering to the entry level buyers. Gone are the days when Porsche only made 2-door sport coupes or Land Rover only made luxury 4x4. Now it seems that they will make anything as long as it will increase market share. Did one really ever think they would see the day that Porsche made a 4-door saloon? Or for that matter was there a car person on the planet that ever expect Mercedes to make a compact hatchback? While there will be many who never forgive Porsche for releasing a 4-door sedan because frankly there is no reason for it at all. But one may be able to excuse Mercedes for the A-class.

The main reason that Mercedes can be forgiven for producing a compact car is two-fold. The first reason is that there is nothing wrong with building a quality entry level car that will help build brand loyalty. The second reason the A-Class is okay is because the world needs more high quality, luxury vehicles that don't destroy the planet.

For those who don't know the A-Class is a 5-door compact hatch that offers several ecologically friendly engine choices under the bonnet. The entry level engine found in the A160 is a 1.5-litre 95bhp petrol and the second option comes in the A180 as a 1.7-litre 116bhp little thing. Both engines are what one would expect with o-62mph speeds at 12.6 and 10.9 respectively.

The A-Class from Mercedes Benz is also offered with two diesel engines as well. The oil-burners found in the A160 and the A180 are both 2.0-litre common-rail types that produce 82bhp and 109bhp respectively. These power outputs are not what one might expect from Mercedes, but these engines and this car were built to help with fuel economy not to break land speed records. The smaller engine gets an excellent estimated 64.2mpg combined.

Of course the thing that truly sets the A-Class apart from the rest of the compact hatches is that it delivers the excellent comfort and safety one normally associates with the Mercedes Benz brand. The designers have made the A-Class sit up high which allows the driver to have excellent vision while driving through tight city streets. Steering is easy to maneuver and the suspension is probably the softest in the class.

Mercedes was smart enough to remember that people buy these types of cars to move their families to and fro. The car maker left enough space for people to sit comfortably and still leaves a decent amount of boot space. The rear seats can tumble forward to allow for more boot space. The overall interior look and feel is upscale as one would expect in any Mercedes made car. Top-notch safety features are standard on the A-class and they include; stability control, active head restraints, anti-lock brakes, four airbags adaptive brakes with flashing emergency lights and a nice added touch of having the interior lights come on if the car is involved in an accident.

The Mercedes A-Class has done well for the brand and the car class. Even though it is a small entry level type vehicle Mercedes has delivered a car that in every way possible scream Mercedes.

by Autoweb