Overall rating
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 200d Sport Review
Popular alternative to Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series
November 2016
Likes:
- Looks great
- Rides well
- Frugal diesel engines
- Reasonable entry-level pricing
Gripes:
- Some so-so cabin plastics
- Sluggish automatic gearbox
- Diesel engines are noisy at low speeds
- Doesn't drive as well as some rivals
Mercedes' answer to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 has been with us for some time now, and it has proved a popular alternative to its rivals from Munich and Ingolstadt. The powers that be in Stuttgart, however, have decided it's time the new 'baby Benz' had a refresh.
It isn't especially easy to tell the new A-Class from its predecessor. Anoraks might spot the diamond-pattern grille, new lights and updated exhausts, but that's about it. Small tweaks have been made to the on-board infotainment system, too, but again, you'd be hard pushed to spot them immediately.
Despite the lack of changes, though, the A-Class is still a pretty car, and it certainly looks every inch the premium product. The cabin is smartly designed, with chrome accents and, in some models, a broad swath of classy metallic trim.
The engine range comprises a host of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The most popular will likely be the 2.1-litre diesel found in our test car, an A200d. There is also a choice of gearboxes, with the six-speed manual supplemented by a seven-speed automatic.
On the road, the car's front-drive set-up means it falls short of class standards in the handling stakes, but it majors on ride, providing economical and comfortable medium-distance travel. It isn't quite the all-rounder that the price tag promises, though.
It isn't especially easy to tell the new A-Class from its predecessor. Anoraks might spot the diamond-pattern grille, new lights and updated exhausts, but that's about it. Small tweaks have been made to the on-board infotainment system, too, but again, you'd be hard pushed to spot them immediately.
Despite the lack of changes, though, the A-Class is still a pretty car, and it certainly looks every inch the premium product. The cabin is smartly designed, with chrome accents and, in some models, a broad swath of classy metallic trim.
The engine range comprises a host of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The most popular will likely be the 2.1-litre diesel found in our test car, an A200d. There is also a choice of gearboxes, with the six-speed manual supplemented by a seven-speed automatic.
On the road, the car's front-drive set-up means it falls short of class standards in the handling stakes, but it majors on ride, providing economical and comfortable medium-distance travel. It isn't quite the all-rounder that the price tag promises, though.