13 December 2013
The new A Class scores an A+
More than 2.1 million A Classes have been sold globally since the introduction of the first generation little Benz in 1997. The A Class along with the B Class and the new CLA are the only models in the Mercedes-Benz range that drive the front wheels and they form part of a new class of compact vehicles for the brand.
Now, the high roof-line and boxy shape have been replaced by an all new desirable hatchback design, with the new car's roofline having been lowered by 166mm to give an overall height of only 1.43 metres. It is wider as well as longer, and the sculptured sheet metal and sleek profile results in a smooth 0.28cd (drag co-efficient).
The interior is trimmed with quality materials throughout and the dash layout is clean and uncluttered. A 14.7cm audio display screen taking centre stage atop the dash has a hi-tech tablet look about it, while the ambient interior lighting provides a sense of luxury.
The third generation A-Class has a choice of five four-pot engines comprising two 1.6L and two 2.0L petrol engines and a 1.8L diesel. The petrol powerplants are all-aluminium and use direct-injection fuel delivery as well as turbocharging for optimum performance and fuel efficiency.
For the first time in AMG history there are fire-breathing four-pot engines tagged with the AMG badge
The A180 and A200 are both of 1.6 litre capacity, with the A180 delivering 90kW/200Nm and 115kW/250Nm for the A200. The A250 and A45 AMG are powered by 2.0L engines producing 155kW/350Nm and a massive 265kW/450Nm respectively. Mercedes-Benz claim the engine that's fitted to the A45 AMG is the world’s most powerful four cylinder production engine currently available, placing it at the top of the hot hatch list in its class. The A 200 CDI uses a 1.8L oil burner that delivers 100kW/300Nm.
All motors except for the A45 AMG are coupled to Mercedes-Benz's rapid shifting 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The A45 AMG uses the AMG SPEEDSHIFT version of the auto’ box that’s engineered to handle the higher output. The permanent 4MATIC all-wheel-drive setup is fitted to the A45 AMG and distributes the torque between the two axles as the demand requires, providing optimum grip.
All motors are frugal thanks to Mercedes Benz BlueEfficiency technology which includes a stop/start system as standard equipment across the range. The A200 CDI is said to consume only 4.6L/100km and the high powered AMG model is the thirstiest of the lot, rated at 6.9L/100km.
The A 45 AMG is a fire breathing monster and is claimed to sprint from a standstill to our motorway speed limit in a snappy 4.6 seconds. A switch located on the dashboard allows the driver the option to select from three drive modes. They are ‘Economy’ for conservative driving, ‘Sport’ for a livelier throttle response and ‘Manual’ that allows drivers to shift the gears as required.
With the gear lever stalk mounted on the right hand side of the steering column, one little frustration for beginners is that it is easily mistaken for the indicator or wiper lever, but fortunately the transmission cannot mistakenly be shifted into reverse while on the move.
The new A Class has a list of standard active safety equipment that will put the ‘moose test’ yarn to rest. These include the PRE-SAFE accident mitigation system, ATTENTION ASSIST, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), BAS (Brake Assist System) and run-flat tyres. Occupant protection includes nine airbags.
The A-Class will compete head-to-head with the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 but the fresh design and the appeal of the three-pointed star up front are sure to attract interest from buyers looking for something fresh. Pricing kicks off at $46,900 for the A180 and $54,900 for the A200. The A200 CDI has a $54,900 sticker and the A250 Sport retails for $64,900. The A45 AMG tops the range off at $94,900.