Priced from £31,905 and to be had as a hatchback or saloon, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been a large achievement, turning in a pretty low-priced, yet elegant and upmarket own family automobile.
The latest version changed into launched in 2018 and fast end up one of the first-rate-selling cars within the UK (it became the fourth maximum popular car after the MINI in 2021).
Now in its fourth technology, the A-Class continues to polish in a sector no longer without sturdy opposition – think BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Peugeot 308, DS 4 and MINI Clubman.
So, what’s new for 2023? Well, there’s tweaked styling, upgraded device, added slight hybrid petrol engine generation and a much wider coloration choice.
The outdoors changes are subtle with revised lighting the front and rear, and LEDs as widespread. There at the moment are more than one slim bonnet bulges and the front grille is bigger than ever.
The huge trade is inner where the cutting-edge MBUX infotainment gadget has been geared up.
As visible on Mercedes-Benz cars higher up the variety, it’s a slick and elegant set-up featuring two 10.25-inch displays.
Meanwhile, it’s extra comfortable than ever with 4-manner lumbar assist on each seats up the front, while the overall excellent of materials in the cabin and end is brilliant.
There’s a desire of 3 petrol engines, a diesel and a plug-in hybrid.
All new Mercedes-Benz A-Class petrol engines now have 48V slight hybrid tech.
A 1.Three-litre 4-cylinder faster is at the middle of the petrol and hybrid engine alternatives, whilst the diesel gets a 148bhp 2.0-litre unit, handing over fifty seven.6mpg economic system.
We tested the access-stage A180 (petrol) and A250 e (plug-in hybrid) variations.
The former produces 134bhp, handing over a 0-62mph time of 9.Three seconds and a pinnacle pace of 134mph. Capable of as much as forty eight.7mph, its CO2 emissions are an inexpensive 134g/km.
The PHEV alternative, which unfortunately is simplest available at the saloon model of the A-Class, pairs the 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric powered motor, giving a complete output of 212bhp.
The small 15.6kWh battery gives a pure EV range of up to fifty one miles with on-paper gas financial system of up to 353mpg, and CO2 emissions of just 23g/km.
With a 0-62mph time of seven.5 seconds, it has a pinnacle velocity of 143mph. If you want even extra tempo, then observe the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG A-Class line-up.
First the A180. The moderate hybrid machine is designed to make the engine start technique quieter and allows the car to ‘sail’ with the engine switched off whilst cruising or coasting to a halt.
On the road the A one hundred eighty feels speedier than the authentic figures endorse – more than enough for ordinary driving.
The mild hybrid tech works nicely, with easy starting from a standstill and extra oomph when you get going. Mercedes claims the battery gives the automobile a 14bhp strength increase whilst pulling away or all through acceleration, and I can well agree with this. What’s more, 50mpg could be very workable on a sensibly-pushed longer run.
You also can pick from 4 using modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual). As ever, Comfort is just fine, with Eco dulling the using the revel in. Sport increases throttle reaction and livens up things a bit, however the A180 is at its quality cruising along.
The engine is delicate, most effective becoming vocal below heavy acceleration, while the seven-pace twin-seize automatic gearbox is easy and responsive.
If you pick a low driving function, then you’ll just like the A-Class. The guidance is quick and it is able to be hustled through corners with well-managed frame roll.
It’s not a Ford Focus or BMW 1-Series, however it feels planted and the ride is a good blend of comfort (on the firm side) and using engagement.
The A250e PHEV is the more powerful and slicker of our test cars. Starting off in whisper-quiet EV mode, it’s a while earlier than the petrol motor kicks in.
Again, maximum at home in Comfort mode, it switches from petrol to electric and vice versa easily maximum of the time. It’s a little heavier than its slight hybrid sibling, but it nevertheless manages to supply an fun journey.
The eight-pace computerized gearbox isn’t fine in class, however is going via the motions, while the accelerator pedal is a little on the sensitive facet.
The A250e may be charged from 10-one hundred% at an AC charging station in 1 hour and 15 minutes, or 1 hour 45 minutes using a home wallbox.
Given the tax benefits, the A250e makes absolute feel for business customers. Private customers have to be put off even though. If you may control without the hatchback, you have a domestic charger and also you don’t cowl excessive mileages, your visits to the petrol station can be few and far between because you’ll be going for walks your A-Class in EV mode maximum of the time.
When it involves space, the A-Class has lots up the front, and except you’re over six foot, it’s first-class in the again too. Luggage capability is a beneficial 355 litres within the hatchback, increasing to at least one,195 with the rear seats folded. Battery storage method the PHEV takes a small hit (345/1125 litres).
Ultimately, the A-Class isn’t pretty as sporty as it seems, but there’s nonetheless a laugh available, it drives properly, and it’s sensible.
Verdict: Mercedes-Benz has accomplished just sufficient to preserve the A-Class applicable in the top rate circle of relatives hatchback region. Stylish, easy to power, cushty and nicely prepared, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class oozes high-quality.
