A FOR AWAY

Nicki Minaj is the face of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class campaign. The Starships singer and self-proclaimed “baddest” bee in the trap complements the spunky nature of the newcomer, which addresses many of its predecessor’s shortcomings. We should reflect on the significance of the outgoing third-generation luxury compact in the context of this brand. At launch in 2013, it caused quite a stir, shredding the pram-like template that defined the first AClass just before the millennium ticked over. Nearly five years ago this author had a chance to speak with Mark Fetherston, the man who drew the car. He was also responsible for designing the legendary SLS AMG, with its throwback gull-wing doors. As inspiration for the then-new A-Class, Fetherston cited edgy muses like sharks and the ripples in sand made by sidewinding snakes. While the model looked the business, it left much to be desired in terms of dynamics and packaging. Turgid driving quality, cramped interior and limited luggage compartments were among the criticisms. Still, it succeeded in fostering a transformation of the Mercedes-Benz profile. It wanted to attract a young, trendy, successful demographic, and as the popularity of the car will attest, it worked. Sowetan Motoring travelled to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, for a closer evaluation of the latest car that will arrive in South Africa this year. The exterior is an expected evolution, sharper, pointier and easily distinguishable from the current car. But inside is where the script was rewritten. First, the practical stuff: more room for shoulders, elbows and knees. The boot sees a gain of 29 litres to 370 litres, which means accommodation for an additional suitcase, roughly. Perhaps still not the most versatile in the category, but a welcome improvement in any case. Where it will lead the pack until its peers follow suit is with its slick digital wares. The A-Class debuts the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system, which essentially makes the car a four-wheeled tablet. Display screens stretch across the fascia, although the size depends on how much you are willing to spend. The standard size is about 17.8cm and the extended offering spans 26cm. Gone is the rotary dial associated with the former COMAND system featured by the brand. This has been replaced with a touchpad. You can talk to it too, should you opt for the grander MBUX choice. “Hey Mercedes” gets its attention, after which you can make small talk about the weather — or make orders about your in-car temperature settings and music selection. If you don’t mind shelling out for optional kit, you can specify some of the semi-autonomous technologies from the S-Class. Great stuff, although we opted to take full control of the reins, to find out whether the new car remedies the on-road gripes of the soon-to-be-replaced version. It is marginally lighter (20kg), which dials in a little more nimbleness. Our impressions are positive — noticeably less jarring and more suppleness from the suspension. But there is a disclaimer. The lower offerings feature a rear torsion beam, while the top-level A250 boasts a more sophisticated multilink setup. Curiously, all the cars at global launch were equipped with the latter. We struggled to get an answer from representatives about the decision. Ostensibly it is for cost reasons. In fairness, this is an area where most buyers may not be too perturbed that bean counters had the final say. But it raises eyebrows given the upscale position of the A-Class. Three engine choices were available at launch. First up is the A180d (85kW and 260Nm) which has a 1461cc displacement. The 1332cc turbocharged petrol in the A200 serves 120kW and 250Nm, while the 1991cc A250, also boosted, delivers 165kW and 350Nm. We drove the entry-level diesel and the range-topping A250. The A180d impressed with its momentum through twisty foothills. The A250 offered an endearing engine note and a brisk sprint time of 6.2 seconds. Both are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the A200 can be had with a six-speed manual. Local pricing for the new A-Class is yet to be confirmed. Abroad, it starts off at around à31 398 — about R475 500 at the current exchange rate. As with the current car, the new one sets the bar high when it comes to aesthetics, desirability and cachet. This is bolstered by its impressive technological points and additional practicality.