Car Test
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R0225 | |
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See also
R0122
March 2002 |
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| Mercedes-Benz A-class | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model A170 CDi LWB | |
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SINCE THE ORIGINAL A-CLASS APPEARED, SMALL hatchbacks have been growing. They tend to be nearer four metres long these days and even rival Audi made its A2 longer than Merc’s baby.
Indeed, a new generation of (much cheaper) city cars, like the Vauxhall Agila and Hyundai Amica, were not much shorter-though in fairness, the A-Class has always had ample width. So the advent of a longer-wheelbase version is not only desirable, but really does resolve the original’s inability to satisfy some potential buyers’ accommodation needs. The sliding two-piece back seats have been remounted farther back, so effective luggage space is the same as in the short-wheelbase version. (this has added 3cm to its length, in fact, due to minor frontal styling changes). However, the longer wheelbase results in a massive improvement to rear leg-stretching space, so in practice, it’s no hardship to slide the seat forwards and release more luggage room. The only downside is that the high-set rear cushions (too high for really short passengers) aren’t accompanied by low footwells (like the A2’s). This results in a less than ideal seating posture – and pedal operation, too. We’ve driven the more powerful petrol versions and found the acceleration good, but mechanical refinement doesn’t match the 1.4’s. This diesel strikes a compromise and its strong low-speed response is remarkably free of any harshness, so one can confidently tackle a 30mph pull away in top slot. Of course, the three-cylinder A2 is significantly more frugal, but it can’t match this Merc’s low-speed manners – important in town or around the lanes. The longer wheelbase has some beneficial effects on the model’s behaviour over poorer roads, but (just like the A2) there’s still too much flouncing and steering nervousness to summon real enthusiasm. You can enjoy your driving more in other small hatchbacks at two-thirds of the price. Although it’s worth a respectable 50% of its list price after three years, this adds up to £8000-odd, not to mention the interest on the capital. Compared with that, fuel savings are incidental. |
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