Futuristic tech at fingertips
ROAD TEST/ Mercedes-Benz’s compact hatch is roomier and has a comfier ride, but it’s the Star Trek tech that really inspires, writes Denis Droppa
The new fourth-generation MercedesBenz A-Class ticks all the boxes by growing in size and offering better practicality, but it’s the Star Trek factor that is likely to hook the most customers.
The technology inside Merc’s premium compact hatchback brings science fiction to life with its hi-tech toys and artificial intelligence, which at times make one feel as if one’s not merely driving a car, but piloting an intergalactic vessel.
At the heart of this tech is the new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system, which the company calls “a revolution of the user experience in the car”. A digital instrument panel replaces a traditional analogue cowl and the infotainment is housed in a touchscreen interface that comes with a 17.8cm screen as standard or a widescreen 26.7cm display as an extra-cost option. It’s those giant digital displays that give this car its aforementioned spaceship-type vibe, along with turbine-style metallic air vents that complete a smart and hi-tech look. In terms of fit and finish it’s like a scaled-down S-Class in there, and Merc’s smallest car really lays on a premium feel.
But the jury’s out on how user-friendly MBUX really is, as cool as it is to look at and impress passengers with. There are several ways to interact with it including a touchscreen, voice control, a laptop-type touch pad between the seats, Blackberrystyle touch-control buttons on the steering wheel and yes, even some real buttons.
If you prefer simple and minimalistic, an Audi A3 makes a better bet.
In a bid to simplify things, MBUX uses Merc’s most intelligent voice control to date, one that recognises natural spoken language. By using the phrase “Hey Mercedes” you summon an onboard AI with a friendly female voice and ask it (her) to do stuff like adjust the air-conditioning, change a radio station, or navigate to an address.
My onboard pal delivered mixed results, sometimes finding addresses and radio stations right away and at other times failing to discern what I’d repeatedly uttered.
MBUX’s artificial intelligence is also said to learn the driver’s preferences and habits; for instance it can remember your favourite songs and the way to work. Based on your habits, it is also claimed to detect the right radio stations and displays them as favourites.
All the tech is packaged inside a roomier interior in which four or five adults can fit quite comfortably, thanks to the new A-Class growing a notable 120mm in length to 4,299mm. The boot has also expanded by 29l to a useful 370l.
The size increase hasn’t come at a weight penalty and it’s actually 20kg lighter, making for a car that scurries through the urban jungle with good agility.
The new A-Class is initially available as the A200 and the A250 Sport, respectively priced at R500,012 and R596,969, including a six-year/ 100,000km maintenance plan. Both cars feed the front wheels through a seven-speed dualclutch 7G-DCT automatic transmission, and there are steeringmounted gearshift paddles.
In 2019 the range will be expanded with the A180d turbodiesel and the high-performance A35 and A45 AMG.
The A200 on test here is powered by a revelation of a little 1.3l turbo petrol engine. Notions of an underdelivering badge disappear when you boot the throttle and experience the car’s willing nature.
With outputs of 120kW and 250Nm, claimed performance is 0-100km/h sprint in a creditable 8.0 seconds and a 225km/h top speed. Not quite hot-hatch territory but it’s an enjoyably free-revving car with almost no turbo lag.
Dynamic Select allows the driver to change between Comfort, Sport, Eco or Individual driving modes which affect the responses of the steering, throttle and gearshifts, as well as the adaptive damping where fitted.
There’s a lot to like about Merc’s latest A-Class. Along with its improved space and ride quality, it embraces the fourth industrial revolution in a way that makes rivals like the A3 and 1 Series look old. That said, some people will prefer the simpler and possibly more user-friendly interfaces of the Audi and BMW, not to mention their cheaper price tags. Value for money
Overall
Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI, 140kW and 320Nm R475,500 BMW 120i auto, 135kW and 270Nm R481,759