The A 250 4Matic Part 2:
As mentioned, the A 180is the entry-level model in the Mercedes-benz A-class line-up, but what happens when you leapfrog your way up the range into the A 250 4Matic? The answer is in one word: magic!
There are few holds barred with the A 250 – although, if you’re looking for insane performance you can get up into the Executive sector and buy yourself an A 45 AMG – but sticking down here on Mother Earth, you do get a whole lot of performance, plus one of the most sure-footed chassis around, thanks to that on-demand all-wheel drive system. Although it’s definitely a hot hatch, the A 250 doesn’t come across as a Golf GTI or Focus ST competitor. Rather, it’s a beautifully finished quality car that just happens to go as quick as those other two cars – and in reality, will out-handle and out-grip them when the chips are down. As far as quality is concerned, well, it starts on the outside with the AMG style “silver bullets” grille, as well as an AMG body kit, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and a Panoramic sunroof. Inside it’s even better, with black Red Cut leather, trimmed on the seats, doors, centre armrest steering wheel rim, and even the dash top, with bright red stitching, and with bright red highlights on the air vents to match. It’s an awesome visual experience, offset by carbon fibre-look trim on the dash, alloy-look pedals, and the most beautiful flat-bottomed steering wheel with titanium-look spokes. Central to the whole experience is the big screen in the middle of the dash, looking to all intents and purposes like an ipad fastened onto the dash, while the aluminium buttons for the electric seat adjusters top off the whole thing. But it’s not just about trim, for there’s a couple of a really special feature in the latest A 250. First up, 4Matic is standard, so you really do get all the power to the ground, all the time. Second, power output on the direct injection turbo-charged 2-litre petrol engine has been raised to 160kw/350nm, and it’s linked to a quick-shifting seven-speed dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifters to help you get along even faster. On top of all that, and probably the most important mod, is the AMG Ride Control suspension. It incorporates the dynamic Select Drive features, but has the additional ability to adjust ride quality via the shock absorbers. In effect, it gives you three cars in one; you can opt for Comfort (and it really is comfortable) Sport, or Sport +, the latter for those who don’t mind a stiff suspension that really keeps the wheels in contact with the tarmac. And for me that’s what the A 250 is all about. You can have your fun on the backroads when you want to, or you can just tool along to town in the traffic and listen to your music. At the same time it’s got enough street cred to turn a few heads, and offers a level of interior trim that makes you happy you bought this one! Optional extras on our test car were the Seat Comfort Package, at $1,290, and the Exclusive Package, which adds Theromotronic dual zone aircon with rear outlets, ambient lighting, floor mats, the leather upholstery, trim and dash top. That one costs an extra $1,890.