MERCEDES-BENZ A200 SEDAN

Tech treats give voice to a challenger determined to put the boot in

Model Mercedes-benz A200 Sedan Engine 1332cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Max power 120kw @ 5500rpm Max torque 250Nm @ 1620rpm Transmission 7-speed dual-clutch Weight 1375kg 0-100km/h 8.0sec (estimated) Economy 5.7L/100km Price $49,400 On sale Now

PPEALING to both new and established customers can be a tricky balancing act for any company to get right. Hence with its new A-class Sedan, Benz has blended the old-school appeal of a traditional three-box design with a suite of up-to-the-minute technologies.

Mercedes’ new four-door rival to Audi’s established A3 sedan kicks off with a single A200 model priced at $49,400. In the pipeline are an entrylevel A180, a warmer A250 and what promises to be a sizzling A35 AMG.

Versus the A-class hatch, the booted four-door is 130mm longer and 6mm higher, with 60 litres more cargo capacity at 430 litres.

While it might be the smallest Mercedes four-door, the A200 doesn’t miss out on any wow factor, mixing opulence with new-age glamour. Twin 10.25-inch screens dominate the dash, featuring striking clarity and impressive functionality. They’re flanked by stylish turbine-style vents which together make the interior feel impressively fresh and high-tech.

You’re never totally alone inside its inviting cabin, either, thanks to Mercedes’ own version of a Siri or Alexa personal assistant. Simply say, “Hey, Mercedes” and the MercedesBenz User Experience (MBUX) system is at your beck and call, attending to various controls on command.

Turning to more traditional matters, beneath the bonnet is the familiar Merc-built but Renault co-developed 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol from the A-class hatch. It’s a sufficient rather than superlative engine, mustering 120kw and 250Nm.

The engine mates nicely with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, exhibiting an accessible mid-range but running out of puff in the upper rev reaches, where it also loses any semblance of aural appeal.

The engine does, however, feature cylinder deactivation, which helps drop combined-cycle fuel consumption to a respectable 5.7L/100km.

Our test car featured the $3190 AMG Exclusive Package, which includes independent rear suspension (IRS) and adaptive dampers. We rate it a musthave option. In Comfort mode the ride proved decently compliant but harsh imperfections are felt. Selecting larger 19-inch alloys ($1390) doesn’t notably degrade ride as the AMG wheels don’t use the run-flats of the standard 18s.

The handling isn’t overtly engaging but there’s a reassuring level of body control, the steering is well-weighted and the brakes perform strongly. NVH could be better, though, with excess tyre roar at highway speeds.

Getting the best out of the A200 requires options. Ticking wisely is crucial to delivering the right product – it just comes at a premium price.