Behind the wheel: Mercedes A-Class

DRIVE

RYAN HIRON

PREMIUM hatchbacks have fast become one of the most popular segments in the market today, with three clear leaders – the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes A-Class. Despite this, they’ve all remained relatively unchanged for a few years. But now Mercedes has been the first to pull the trigger on the new generation of luxury hatches. Not only does the three-pointed star have its sights set on getting an early lead in its class – with a new 1 Series on the horizon, and Audi likely to refresh its hatch in the next couple of years – but also on setting a new tech benchmark.

Although this is still instantly recognisable as an A-Class – despite a new design to bring it in line with Mercedes’ latest offerings – there’s plenty of new tech and engineering behind the hatchback. The biggest selling point is a new infotainment system, dubbed MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).

It’s designed to offer a more immersive experience, bringing a new ‘Mercedes Me’ voice assistant, tons of customisability and some augmented reality features for satellite navigation. Elsewhere, there’s semiautonomous technology and a range of new engines: two petrol and one diesel.

Powering my test car is a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. If you want a manual gearbox, then other options will be available later down the line.

It develops 114bhp and 260Nm of torque, capable of taking the A-Class from 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds and on to a 126mph top speed. As for economy, Mercedes claims 62.7mpg can be achieved on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 108g/km. It’s not the most powerful of units, but it’s brisk enough for daily usage and feels well refined on longer cruises, with little noise to be heard in the cabin.

It does hold on to gears a little long when pulling out of junctions, but the sevenspeed unit is otherwise faultless.

The Mercedes A-Class is a no-frills driving experience, going about its business in a muted but capable manner. If you want to drive enthusiastically, the car will allow you to do so but it won’t be the most fun Mercedes is the first major player to launch a new generation of hot hatches with its upgraded A-Class you’ve had behind a wheel, with it much better suited to long-distance cruising.

Its semi-autonomous driving technology – which comes in the form of adaptive cruise control with road sign recognition – means chewing up the motorway miles can be a stress-free experience, although not the most comfortable as a result of firm suspension.

Take it around town, and a short turning circle combined with good all-round visibility makes it easy enough to use as a daily machine.

The A-Class is the latest Mercedes to take on the more angular design language as introduced on the CLS.

It remains instantly recognisable as member of the German firm’s hatchback model line, but the new look is effective in bringing it firmly up to date.

Buyers will want to know their car will still stand out on the road in the same way its predecessors did . . . and it does, thanks to sharp lines and a subtly aggressive look. The A-Class brings a presence to the road that rivals fail to deliver on.

As you should expect with a car of this quality, the A-Class is a luxurious and comfortable place to be sat in.

There are tons of premium-feel materials throughout the cabin, such as synthetic leather upholstery, metal-effect trim pieces and a Nappa leather steering wheel. Not only does it all feel good to the touch, but it’s solidly put together. As for space, four adults can sit in the car in relative comfort although rear space may be limited for

u