Mercedes-Benz is aiming their new A-Class at the traditionally more youthful, but increasingly trendy, hatchback market. Only fitting then that we sent our youngest, trendiest and man-with-a-band correspondent, JJ, to give it the once-over.
Forget any notions, connotations or suggestion you may have heard of Mercedes-Benz being “an old man’s car”. Take a step back and look at the current models on offer from the German heavy weight and it should be clear that Mercedes-Benz is producing some of the most visually dynamic vehicles available. In fact, Mercedes are so bent on offering new and exciting models that they have completely re-engineered their A-Class for an entirely new customer and market segment.
If you remember the previous A-Class, then you’ll agree with its association with the popular term “Mom’s Taxi”. With the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz needed to steer clear of stereotypical labels such as this and, most importantly, develop an answer to the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. Thus, the latest generation A-Class has become a premium hatchback to take on the best in the business.
The new A-Class has been closely based on the Concept A, which we saw at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show, and the new car has no resemblance to the outgoing model whatsoever, which is a good thing.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa invited Mark Fetherston, an Englishman and lead designer of the A-Class, to address media at the local launch. Mr Fetherston’s CV includes work on the SLS AMG and soon-to-be-launched CLA-Class (or A-Class sedan). Fascinated by sharks and how they move through the water, Fetherston tried to capture that same motion in the design profile of the A-Class. He also made a number of trips to some of the world’s deserts to study the wind and its effect on the sand.
The A-Class is all about flowing lines and the illusion of creating movement even when it’s standing still. Fetherston says one of the key elements in achieving this design goal is the “dropping line”, which runs down from in front of the rear wheel arch towards the base of the driver’s door. This line is what gives the car its forward, ‘pouncing’ effect, say Mercedes, which enhances its overall sporty and aggressive character.
The A-Class, although a compact hatchback, gives the illusion of being larger, thanks to its long bonnet and sporty front end. Aerodynamics have also played a key role in the design and thus special attention was given to form and function when designing the roof line. The silhouette reveals smooth, flowing lines finishing in a flat edge. The roof spoiler, which conveniently hides all the aerials, provides an extra sporty touch and gives structure to the roof assembly.
The A-Class is one seriously visually appealing vehicle. Stand back and study the lines for a moment, appreciate it, it’s like looking at art. The proverbial jewel in the crown, however, is the pin filled grille. The grille was a stand-out feature of the Concept A we saw at JIMS and proved popular around the world too, which inspired Mercedes to make this feature a production reality. The final product has been modified slightly to cater for safety and cooling, but otherwise it remains a signature A-Class feature.
As is the case with other Mercedes-Benz models, you are able to select different equipment packages for the A-Class, even though it’s pretty well equipped in standard trim. The available trim packages include ‘Urban’, ‘Style’ and ‘AMG Sport’. In addition, three more styling packages are available: ‘Night’, ‘Exclusive’ and ‘AMG Exclusive’. These add touches ranging from a gloss black radiator grille and side mirrors in the Night package, through to heated front sports seats with 4-way lumbar support and 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels on the AMG Exclusive package.
Inside, the A-Class boasts premium quality all round, as expected. The interior closely resembles that of the B-Class and shares many other equipment items from other models in the Mercedes range, which means cabin items and functions are familiar and easy to use. One of the highlights though is the tablet-like LCD screen mounted on the dashboard. Some might like it to have a fold-away storage function, like that of the Audi A3, but that’s a personal preference.
The AMG spec models benefit from, among other things, a set of sporty front seats. These offer some great support and are very comfortable. They also give the interior an added sporty aura. Space inside the A-Class is rather impressive. There is ample rear leg room and the boot will swallow up 341-litres or up to 1 157-litres with the rear seats folded down.
So the A-Class looks great and is well spec’d, but has it got the bite to match its bark? Well, Mercedes-Benz is offering a rather wide range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines for the A-Class, some of which have been completely redeveloped.
The A180 CDI for instance will be the very first Mercedes-Benz to emit only 105 g/km of CO2. Moreover, the A220 CDI already meets the Euro 6 emission standard, which only comes into force in 2015. All engines powering the new A-Class feature stop/start functionality as standard and, compared to the previous model, fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 35% in some cases. The engines can be combined with either a new 6-speed manual or Mercedes’ 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, which ideally combines comfort and sportiness.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa let media loose in and around Cape Town, where we had the opportunity to drive the petrol-powered A180 and A250 in city conditions, as well as on some of the best roads in our country.
The A-Class A180 is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and promises to be an excellent all-rounder, thanks to its 90 kW and 200 Nm of torque that is spread between 1 250 – 4 000 r/min. As a result, the entry-level A-Class will keep up with larger capacity naturally aspirated cars on the road, yet still offer great fuel economy, which Mercedes claim as low as 5.5 l/100km.
The A-Class A250 is for those who are a little more passionate about their driving and place more emphasis on having a sense of enjoyment from their vehicle. The A250 is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which develops 155 kW and 350 Nm from just 1 200 r/min through to 4 000 r/min. The wide spread of torque means the A250 never leaves the driver wanting, whether powering out of corners or taking on other hot hatches at the lights. The sportier performance also comes with an endearing turbo whistle and a slightly harder ride, which is thanks to retuned suspension for improved road holding.
As for its rivals, well there’s no question that the A-Class is going to attract a number of Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series buyers. Mercedes could, however, also find serious interest from Volkswagen Golf GTI drivers due to a scorecard that boasts youthful and fresh styling, the premium appeal of its three-pointed star, as well as competitive pricing. The A-Class range starts at R273 718 with the standard A180 and ends with the A250 at R392 606.
First impressions suggest Mercedes-Benz has catered very well to its new and younger generation target market, which can still look forward to the 265 kW and 450 Nm-strong A45 AMG super-hatch that will take on the likes of the Audi RS3 and BMW 1 Series M Coupe.
| Pricing (incl. VAT and C02 Tax) | |
| Mercedes-Benz A180 BE | R273 718 |
| Mercedes-Benz A200 BE | R296 632 |
| Mercedes-Benz A250 BE Sport | R392 606 |
| Mercedes-Benz A180 CDI BE M/T | R300 000 |
| Mercedes-Benz A180 CDI BE A/T | R310 000 |
| Mercedes-Benz A220 CDI BE | R355 000 |
Pricing includes a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
