Mercedes brings its ‘A’ game

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class now offers a stronger proposition to buyers in the premium compact hatch segment.

The improved third generation Mercedes A-Class distils the essence of its famous brand and puts it into a compact five-door hatch.

Offering distinctive looks and a quality feel, the miniature Merc has proved a hit with consumers, but it has needed to up its game in the face of tougher competition from key rivals in the premium compact hatch segment like Audi's A3 and BMW's rejuvenated 1 Series.

Hence this revised version, with its smarter looks, extra equipment and greater efficiency.

Mercedes' A-Class has transformed itself in recent years.

Original first and second generation versions of this model were clever, but quirky, with neat, spacious packaging but tall, boxy and resolutely un-sporting looks.

In 2012 though, the Stuttgart brand got with the programme and bought us this more dynamic Mk3 version. It's proved to be a strong seller, but with the competition also upping its game, the Three-Pointed Star has decided to introduce a package of key enhancements to keep it competitive.

The styling hasn't changed much but standards of efficiency certainly have, with the base A180d variant able to return 80.7mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 89g/km of CO2.

At the other end of the line-up, the frantically-fast A45 4MATIC hot hatch continues on, able to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds thanks to a staggering 375bhp.

It seems that all bases are covered.

This Mk3 model A-Class has always offered much more of a sporty drive than its predecessors but many reviewers thought that the original version of this car was just a tad too sporty.

It certainly offered a firmer ride than some buyers were expecting. Hence Mercedes' decision with this improved model to offer all variants from Sport trim upwards with a Dynamic Select drive dynamics system able to offer a softer Comfort suspension setting at the press of a button. The set-up also offers Sport, Eco and Individual options, all of which, like the Comfort setting, also modify throttle, steering and auto gear change response.

The engine range is much as before, though small tweaks have been made to improve efficiency.

At the foot of the petrol range lie the 122bhp A180 and 156bhp A200 models, with a 215bhp A250 variant available for those seeking more power but not able to stretch up to the flagship Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC hot hatch version.

Many though will want a diesel, probably the frugally-minded A180d with 109bhp, but maybe also the A200d model with 136bhp. There's also an A220d derivative with 177bhp if you need more power but still want to fuel from the black pump.

This third generation AClass delivered a design that was longer, wider and lower than before, with sharply defined edges and tautly-drawn convex and concave surfaces which seem to constantly change as the light catches them. Not too much has changed in this regard, except at the front where there's a smarter, more angular front bumper below a standard grille.

At the rear, the exhaust pipes are now integrated into the rear bumper while the tail lights are revised. Overall, though the changes may be subtle, they do sharpen up the styling nicely.

Inside, the interior has been upgraded with smarter instrument dial housings, more seat adjustment, sleeker metal switches, plus a fresh choice of materials and dash trims.

Higher end variants also benefit from a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone integration.

This system is an option on lower models. Boot space remains competitive at 341-litres.

If you want a bit more attitude ‘diamond’ front from your A-Class but can't quite stretch to the top Mercedes-AMG A45 model, there's a Motorsport Edition package available on the pokier mainstream diesel and petrol variants, the A220d and the A250.

This adds a large rear wing along with splashes of green trim inside and out that reference the livery of the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

As before, prices for mainstream models sit in the £20,000 to £30,000 bracket.

The A220d and A250 variants can both be had with all-wheel drive for about £1,500 extra.

If you want the pinnacle of the range – the Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC – you'll need almost £40,000.