WHAT’S NEW

PRICE The $2900 increase buys the pair of digital displays and higher standard safety tech.

TECHNOLOGY The A-Class is the first Merc to have a touchscreen, along with predictive suggestions from the artificial intelligence for everything from radio stations to routes.

PERFORMANCE The turbocharged engine is downsized from 1.6 litres to 1.3 but power is up by 5kW and fuel use is down by 0.4L/100km

DRIVING Revised suspension means fewer complaints over big hits. The steering is light and lacks the feedback of bigger Benzes but is fine for this segment.

DESIGN Sleeker headlamps, more glass and fewer creases in the door panels are obvious exterior changes. Space in the rear seats is well up on the outgoing model.