MERCEDES A180

Racy-looking dashboard is well off Audi’s pace, but as a premium semi-hot hatch, the ambience is on target and the driving position spot-on. My First GPS graphics within the non-touchscreen tablet are a long way from looking premium. Ergonomic drawbacks include annoying column-shift lever, distant and fiddly climate control, and ’70s retro-cool tombstone seats that look terrific but lack upper-back support, though cushion is well-sculptured. But beware everpresent cabin rattles (mainly B-pillar belt adjusters) are unfortunate companions. Boot capacity is an average 341 litres. Run-flat tyres mean there’s no spare.