A-Class Mercedes-Benz A-class (2013) First Drives/Reviews Thread

[martinbo]

Autocar review here: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/first-drives/first-drive-review-mercedes-class

First drive review: Mercedes A-class

The Mercedes A-class is a radically different proposition from previous models, with an upmarket and sporty feel

by Greg Kable
25 June 2012 8:02am




What is it?

The Mercedes A-class represents a revolution for its maker and its plans for premium small car leadership. Having largely misjudged the direction the market was heading with the previous A-class, it has been forced to follow its rivals’ lead in producing a conventional front-wheel drive hatchback. The new A-class, it says, brings the brand to an as yet untapped group of younger customers, the likes of which have up until now favoured cars like the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series.
Making the radical change in direction possible is the flexible front-wheel drive platform structure that goes under the name MFA (modular front architecture). It is already used underneath the B-class, and will form the basis of three new Mercedes-Benz models by the end of 2014. It’s easy to see why Mercedes is projecting confidence. The new A-class is, if nothing else, is highly contemporary. On first impressions, it seems exactly what younger car buyers now seek - a compact but high-quality car with plenty of badge recognition. To ensure it appeals to everyone, Mercedes is offering a wider range of engines. Buyers will have the choice of three diesel and three petrol engines, along with a standard six-speed manual and optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DTC).
What is it like?

The model designation of the A200 CDI driven here is representative of much of the range, in the fact that it uses a 1.8-litre common rail injection unit – the same engine already available in the B200 CDI. Likely to be among the UK’s best sellers, it produces a good, but far from class leading, 134bhp and 221lb ft of torque. By comparison, the new Audi A3 2.0 TDI offers 148bhp and 236lb ft while the BMW 118d has 143bhp and 235lb ft. But it is not the figures that come to mind on first acquaintance. It is the styling. The heavily structured design gives the new A-class an instantly recognisable appearance. It’s far more expressive than that of the 1-series and A3. However, glaring shut line unevenness, especially within the front end where the bonnet meets the fenders and around the top end of the grille, left us wondering if Mercedes had suddenly taken leave of its usual attention to quality. For a car described as being premium, the panel fit is very ordinary.

Inside, there’s a vastly different driving position to previous A-class models. It’s considerably lower, less upright and generally more comfortable. The high mounted dashboard shares its look with the current B-class; high on perceived quality, stylish and ergonomically sound. Close inspection reveals many carry over parts from other models, meaning it lacks the individuality of some rivals. It is still appealing, giving a classier feel than just about every rival. High spec models feature the very best in navigation and connectivity options, helping to raise appreciation of the advances Mercedes has made. Even the basic versions receive nice touches, such as a free standing colour monitor perched above the centre console. With a shallow glasshouse, raked rear hatch and substantial B-pillars, overall visibility is fairly poor as is in-cabin storage. The optional DCT transmission gives a column-mounted shift stalk, freeing up space between the front seats for an additional holder.

With the mechanically identical B-class catering to customers seeking generous rear seat accommodation, the A-class is considerably smaller. Entry up is restricted owing to small door apertures and a prominent sill that forms an integral part of the car’s structure. There is sufficient legroom to make longer journeys comfortable. At 341-litres its boot is smaller than the A3 and BMW 1-series. Loading is compromised by the design of the tail lamps which make for a narrow aperture.
The A200 CDI provides peppy performance and is refined. With 1370kg to haul, the engine is never challenged, proving punchy and smooth. It feels quicker than the 9.3sec 0-62mph time suggests owing to a good spread of low end torque, which gives it a strong turn of acceleration following an initial period of tardiness. It is even more impressive at motorway cruising speeds, where its flexible nature and long gearing combine for a relaxed feel. The DTC gearbox, offers eco, sport and manual modes and the car comes with stop-start as standard. Paddle shifters will appeal to the target market, but the ‘box isn’t perfect. A sudden application of throttle can catch it out as the electrics ponder which gear to choose, leaving you wondering if the manual ‘box might be a better choice.

The dynamics are far improved over from the old A-class. There’s a new-found fluency and eagerness to the driving experience, with light but accurate electro-mechanical steering. The chassis features a combination of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear and provides more agility than any entry-level Mercedes before. It’s not quite as engaging as the 1-series, but the A-class has a deep handling competency. Our test car featured optional sports suspension and 18-inch wheels with 225/40 R18 Continental ContiSport Contact SSR tyres. So configured, there is loads of grip and the front end resists understeer and the onset of the ESP extremely well. Body control is excellent, and the A-class feels planted during hard cornering. The price to be paid for this is the ride. It’s not harsh to the point of discomfort, but the sports suspension’s tauter spring and damper make the A-class feel unsettled. Mercedes is keen to project a sporting image but we can’t help feeling the tautness could quickly become tiresome. We’ll reserve full judgement until we drive it on standard 16-inch wheels with 205/55 rubber, but it seems the Mercedes’ engineers may have gone a little too far.
Should I buy one?

Although the new A-class offers a radically different driving experience from its predecessor, it doesn’t set new class standards. It is well rounded and highly competent in areas that matter most, and will appeal to a much broader - and younger – audience than ever. On first experience it doesn’t appear to offer the same heightened dynamic appeal of the BMW 1-series, nor does it ride with quite the same authority as the latest Audi A3 – at least on the optional sports suspension Mercedes-Benz fitted to our test cars.

Mercedes-Benz A200 CDI BlueEfficiency
Price: £tbc; 0-62mph: 9.3sec; Top speed: 131mph; Economy: 65.7mpg; CO2: 111g/km; Kerbweight: 1370kg; Engine: 4 cyls, 1796cc, turbodiesel; Installation: front, transverse; Power: 134bhp at 3600rpm; Torque: 221lb ft at 1600rpm; Gearbox: seven-speed dual clutch

 

[K-A]

"It’s far more expressive than that of the 1-series and A3. However, glaring shut line unevenness, especially within the front end where the bonnet meets the fenders and around the top end of the grille, left us wondering if Mercedes had suddenly taken leave of its usual attention to quality. For a car described as being premium, the panel fit is very ordinary."

Lovely. So it has shoddy fit and finish inside and out (if you combine both reviews), sub-par materials, and a heavy handed design. M-B obviously wanted to make a statement with the design, and will seemingly reserve their top notch fit and quality for the higher models. The exposed metal on the B-PIllars is a joke. As Human said, even Ford and Chevy are moving past that and covering them up with much more classy plastic pieces. As for the comments about the fitment around the front, that is one of the many things I hate about softnose front ends, the fit is always an eye sore. Even on BMW's, etc. the panel gap separating the hood to bumper is always crude. Looks like M-B managed to include the fenders in that story as well?

 

[Merc1]

1-Series is RWD so of course it won't handle/drive like that, but the Audi part is a somewhat of a letdown. I suspect the fit of the body panels will be address before cars are delivered. Lord help them if the baby CLS shows up in the U.S. to this kind of review.

M

 

[Ham8]

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[PHYBENZ]

Dissapointing to hear the interior has cheap materials.

 

[Monster]

Dissapointing to hear the interior has cheap materials.

At this price segment, it can't be avoided, as long as it is on par with its competitors then it is still acceptable. I have been inside the B-class, the perceived quality is high but once you start looking into the details and have a feel of the various materials then you will discover the use of hard plastics on the lower part of the dashboard and the tunnel between the front seat.

 

[stanch86]

From Top Gear:



First drive: the new Mercedes A-Class

The new A-Class may be better looking than its predecessor, but how does it drive?
Posted by: Sam Philip, 27 June 2012
Back to Car News

What's this, then?
It's the new Mercedes A-Class.

That's not an A-Class. The A-Class is a tall, boxy thing.
You're right. The last A-Class was an oddity - a mini-MPV big on practicality but short on desirability or driveability. Don't think of this car as a descendent of the old A: it's an entirely different concept, for Mercedes at least. Lower, wider and far sleeker than its predecessor, you're looking at a conventional five-door, front-wheel drive hatchback, an on-the-nose rival for the Audi A3 Sportback.

It looks a bit more exciting than an A3.
It does indeed. There's a LOT going on with this design: rising swage lines, bonnet creases, LED clusters, gun turrets...

Gun turrets?
OK, I lied about the gun turrets. But in the metal it looks good, especially with the optional big wheels, black gloss bits, pointy ‘Sport' grille and giganto-sunroof. Merc dealers will be rubbing their hands in glee as potential customers peruse the options list.

So what's it like to drive?
Mercedes-ish. In a good way. If you're after a lithe, snappy rival to the BMW 1-Series, look elsewhere: Mercedes has taken quite a different tack. The A-Class feels brilliantly solid and expensive: not bulky, just superbly built and cosseting.

In the cabin, you're isolated from the outside world to an astonishing degree. Road and wind noise are near non-existent, the A-Class hushing along like a far bigger, pricier machine. Bumps are absorbed expertly, miles are devoured like plankton by a big... metal whale. That metaphor sort of unravelled as it went along, didn't it?
It is very, very quiet though. We mainly drove the mid-range A200 CDI, a 1.8-litre diesel, and kept bashing it into the rev limiter. Not because the four-cylinder diesel is particularly low-revving, but because you're so insulated from its chunter that you've no idea it's reaching its redline.

But is the A-Class fun to drive?
Yes, in its own way. With multi-link rear suspension and quick, accurate steering, the A-Class is a nicely balanced thing to chuck down a country road, but the front tyres run out of grip quickly and the whole experience is a touch remote. Still - and we'd have to get them side-by-side to be sure - we'd venture it's more natural and involving than the new Audi A3.

Is there a flame-throwing AMG version, then?
Not yet, but there will be. A 330bhp ‘A45' AMG model is in the pipeline, but for now the most potent petrol you can get is the A250 BlueEfficiency, a 2.0-litre turbo making 211bhp.

Sounds tasty?
It isn't, really. Lovely and smooth, but in no way a hot hatch. We'd stick to the diesels: as well as the 136bhp A200 CDI (66bhp and 114g/km of CO2), there's the super-frugal A180 CDI, which emits just 98g/km of CO2 if you have it with the six-speed manual, and a more powerful A220 CDI. The mid-range A200 is powerful enough, in truth, and felt the sweetest.

Bet it's nice on the inside.
Yes it is. Very nice. The A-Class neatly melds the austere elegance of bigger Benzes with a gently schporty twist, with fat metal air vents inspired by the SLS, wavy surfaces and masses of soft-touch plastics and posh leather. We couldn't lay our hands on a truly base-spec A, but even the cheapest models will get nice seats, a big colour display and lots of electronic goodies.

So what's the catch?
Well, it isn't as practical as the blocky old A-Class. The rear seats are just about acceptable for six-footers - just about - and boot space is compromised by the big light clusters.

But there's a B-Class on the way for those who want a bit more space from their micro-Merc. Maybe the biggest criticism we can throw at the A-Class is that, for the smallest, lightest Mercedes, it doesn't offer real fingertip involvement. Put it this way: we actually preferred driving the A-Class with 16-inch wheels and ‘comfort' chassis than the version with stiffer springs and bigger alloys. This made us feel a bit odd.

But think of it as a mini C-Class saloon, a posh, easy-going Merc that'll fit in city parking spaces and give you change from £20,000 if you don't mind a dinky petrol and go easy on the options list, and you'll get on just fine. It's not a madcap hot hatch, the A-Class, but it's a lovely thing.

SCORE: 8/10

A200 CDI BlueEfficiency: from £23,270

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/first-drive-the-new-mercedes-a-class-2012-06-27

 

[Gianclaudio]

Top gear reports the opposite... You really have to take reviews with a pinch of salt. I'm looking forward to see and examine this car in person, specially to see if Audiexpreess, sorry, Autoexpress claims about korean car grade interior are true. (I don't think so)

Regards!

 

[K-A]

Top Gear reviews are the most selfish and bias, indeed. So many other reviewers on this same very car have given so much more in depth information. I feel as if T.G reviewers, especially in the Mags (as you can't gauge them from their personalities as you can on camera), like or dislike a car based on how their mood is in that day. Sometimes they'll pan a great car as if they're on the rag, or they'll simply like a car and not give much more reason other than "because I do".

They reported the A-Class materials are first class, while everybody else has been panning various cheap materials and design fitments (dashboard design not melting into the door, which is a crude aesthetic inside a car)? Now I'm wondering just who's right.

 

[fortuner]

I sat in a B class when i went to collect my M class now from my view the B and A should be similar or same standard...And all in all i can say eh B class had a lovely interior the Quality was perfect for its class almost on par to a C class just a bit behind...I didn't like the rear seat way it was fitted i don't think it would be a nice ride for long distance sitting in the back.I really like the interior very fresh and i am sure the young people will love it...The quality i really found no faults...Its way ahead of the previous generation in looks and quality all round i think MB have a hit on their hands.

 

[Human]

Mercedes-ish. In a good way. If you're after a lithe, snappy rival to the BMW 1-Series, look elsewhere: Mercedes has taken quite a different tack. The A-Class feels brilliantly solid and expensive: not bulky, just superbly built and cosseting.

In the cabin, you're isolated from the outside world to an astonishing degree. Road and wind noise are near non-existent, the A-Class hushing along like a far bigger, pricier machine. Bumps are absorbed expertly, miles are devoured like plankton by a big... metal whale. That metaphor sort of unravelled as it went along, didn't it?
It is very, very quiet though.

One thing that does stand out it DOES drive and feel like a Benz - period. Good then

 

[Bilal]

What the motoring press and indeed us afficionados may not have realised, (I suspect), is that Mercedes-Benz has committed a cardinal sin that it hoped would not be noticed...

The new A and B Class have been fitted with RunFlat tyres!

 

[Human]

Mercedes A-Class

The new Mercedes A-Class is now a proper rival to Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. Gone is the dumpy mini MPV, replaced by a stylish five-door hatchback
Rating:

• For: Great to look at, comfortable to drive, clever tech
• Against: Iffy quality, firm ride

With downsizing all the rage among posh hatch buyers, Mercedes old A-Class couldn’t cut the mustard. This new model, with Mercedes mentioning the word ‘youth’ at every opportunity, is more dynamic to look at and to drive, and clearly aimed at a younger audience. There’s a broad range of petrol and diesel engines, and a wide range of trim options, including two sport versions of each car. However, the A-Class isn’t as sporty as a 1 Series, it’s a typical Merc valuing comfort more highly, but still being decent fun to drive.

Styling

Mercedes ‘clean sheet’ approach to the new A-Class means the latest model bears no resemblance to the old car – it’s considerably lower, and longer and wider, too. Mercedes’ designers have produced a stunning looking small hatchback, a world away from the upright mini-MPV predecessor. It’s more striking than the same again A3, and more dashing than the ugly duckling 1 Series. Only Volvo’s V40 gets close to the A-Class’s catwalk looks. Inside it’s similarly stylish, with a great looking, easy to use dash. But the meeting of dash with doors looks slightly ungainly, as though two designers didn’t talk.

Driving and Performance

With SE, Sport and AMG Sport trim levels, plus the top-of-the-range A250 model being badged ‘engineered by AMG’ it’s clear that Mercedes is aiming at BMW’s 1 Series with the A-Class. However, the A-Class drives like a Merc, meaning it’s decently sporting, but without the dynamic edge that makes BMWs so special. It’s slightly more comfortable over bumps, while the steering isn’t as sharp, although grip levels are high. It’s a quiet car, though, and that’s immediately noticeable the moment you start the engine and drive off, while top model aside, performance isn’t exactly scintillating.

MPG and running costs

The A180 CDI is Mercedes’ first model to dip below the 100g/km barrier, while the other diesels are reasonably efficient, too. So running costs should be as low as downsizers stepping into this premium small hatch class would expect – even the petrol models are reasonably efficient. Every model gets stop/start, while the slick-shifting double-clutch gearbox also posts better economy figures than the manual models. Although the A-Class slightly undercuts its posh rivals, check specs because it’s not especially generously equipped.

Practicality

The penalty of Mercedes’ shift from Mini MPV to super-stylish hatchback is practicality – especially the boot. It’s over 90 litres smaller than in its predecessor’s and smaller than a BMW 1 Series’ or Audi A3’s boot, too. As you’d expect, because the car is lower, you’re now getting down into an A-Class, although rear legroom is still okay. Headroom is good, too, although the roof narrows at each side and the rising waistline means you can feel a bit hemmed in. Over the shoulder visibility is none too special, either.

Safety and reliability

Mercedes has long lead the world when it comes to safety, and the new A-Class continues that tradition. Every model comes with Collision Prevention Assistance, but it’s not a fill autonomous braking system – it won’t entirely prevent you from hitting the car in front. Pre-safe, which prepares you and the car for an impending accident, and plenty of other high-tech is available, much of it rolling down from the S-Class. But much of it is on the options list and not standard. Mercedes continual strong showing in our Driver Power survey suggests there shouldn’t be reliability issues with the A-Class.Read

more:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/newreviews/284974/mercedes_aclass.html#ixzz1zSTuzHng

 

[liam333]

• For: Great to look at, comfortable to drive, clever tech
• Against: Iffy quality, firm ride

hmm so its a comfortable car with firm ride

 

[Giannis]

hmm so its a comfortable car with firm ride

Sounds weird but it can be true.

Soft dampers usually keep a car comfortable, while stiff springs and anti-roll bars give it a firm ride, ie reduce leaning when taking a corner. It won't feel as if someone kicked you when you hit a pothole, though! Not to mention tyres.

 

[Wolfgang]

Looks like 3 different suspension setups are available?

The chassis and suspension: Agility and refined sportiness

Refined sportiness means maximum agility combined with the sense of safety, unspoilt driving stability and high levels of ride comfort which are all typical of the brand. The suspension of the new A-Class has a four-link rear axle, electromechanical power steering with assistance functions and ESP® with "Extended Traction Control" (XTC). During development, the suspension experts made intensive use of simulations and the driving simulators at the Mercedes development centre in Sindelfingen as part of the so-called digital ride and handling test.

The preconditions for achieving dynamic handling are excellent in the A-Class. This is because compared with its predecessor the centre of gravity (24 mm lower) and seating position (174 mm lower) has been reduced significantly. A new feature is the four-link rear axle: forces are absorbed by three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are virtually independent of one another. Wheel carriers and spring links are made of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. The goal was to achieve high lateral agility with high driving stability thanks to small sideslip angle on the rear axle.

Three chassis and suspension set-ups are available: the comfort suspension and optional sports suspension for sporty yet comfortable handling (in conjunction with the Dynamic Handling package or the AMG Sport equipment line). In addition, the A 250 Sport has a sporty, "engineered by AMG" high-performance suspension. Altogether this results in low dynamic rolling behaviour and low start-off pitch angle. Furthermore, the vehicle also has a reduced tendency to understeer in the higher lateral acceleration range: the driver is therefore able to control changes in direction with low steering input but high steering precision. When accelerating out of bends taken at speed, the tendency to understeer is reduced even further by "Extended Traction Control" (XTC): with this function, ESP® provides support in the form of directional stability by generating a yaw moment on the front and rear wheels located on the inside of the bend.


Source: Daimler.

 

[Giannis]

I guess they are talking about three different combinations of springs, dampers and anti-roll bars configuration.

 

[Wolfgang]

What the motoring press and indeed us afficionados may not have realised, (I suspect), is that Mercedes-Benz has committed a cardinal sin that it hoped would not be noticed...

The new A and B Class have been fitted with RunFlat tyres!

Good point.

TIREFIT is standard, RunFlats are only optional as many MB owners dont like RunFlats.

The thing about runflats is that they can be OK if you live (and stay) in urban areas.

Where I live I can easily find myself 200 miles from a dealer that stocks, let alone has the technology to change runflats.

Remember, all "runflat" means is that the tire won't come off the wheel if you drive on it. It does NOT mean the tire is not ruined by doing this--it is. If you drive on it the fix is NOT a patch, it's a new tire.

"Driving" on one is limited to 50 miles at 50 mph, something of no use to me if my required distance is 200 miles. And, if at my 200-miles-away location there is a dealer that can work with runflats, it's still a motel room until FedEx brings a new tire. These ultra-expensive tires are NOT stocked in small towns and Mercedes doesn't fit same sizes as Ford pickups. I can likely go 200 miles on my donut spare.
__________________
Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI

TIREFIT and electric pump as standard: Getting home safely with a flat tyre

The A-Class does without a spare wheel well. This saves space and weight – the latter contributing to efficiency. In western and central Europe, all versions come as standard with the TIREFIT system comprising tyre sealant and an electric pump as well as a tyre pressure loss warning system which displays a warning in the instrument cluster in the event of a marked pressure loss.

Input variables for the system are the speeds of the four wheels, which are recorded by the ABS sensors. A relative comparison of all measured wheel speeds reveals the divergent speed of a wheel in the event of a pressure loss in the tyre. As wheel speeds are also influenced by other dynamic variables, such as tyre slip, slip angle or cornering, the sensor signals from driving assistance systems such as ESP® and ADAPTIVE BRAKE (including ABS and ASR) also receive due consideration in assessing the wheel speeds.

Tyres with run-flat capability are optionally available. These so-called MOE tyres ("Mercedes Original Extended") feature the latest generation of run-flat technology, offering the same ride comfort as conventional tyres, despite reinforced sidewalls. In the event of a flat tyre, the journey can be continued at 80 km/h. The possible range is then around 30 kilometres when there is no air pressure whatsoever in the tyre concerned, or otherwise up to 300 km – sufficient to return safely home or to reach a Mercedes-Benz partner. The MOE can be combined with all light-alloy wheels which are available for the A-Class.

Source: Daimler

 

[Bilal]

Tremendously informed as usual Wolfgang!

 

[Human]

Mercedes A250 Sport

Can the sporty Golf GTI-rivalling version of the all-new Mercedes A-Class deliver on the road?
Rating:

When the flagship A45 AMG arrives next year, it will have “the most performance in its sector”, according to Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche. Until then, the most powerful version of the new A-Class you can buy is the A250. Only available with a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic gearbox, it uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 208bhp, which is almost identical to the output of a VW Golf GTI.

In AMG Sport spec, the Mercedes actually undercuts the VW on price by £735 – yet at first glance it seems like the more desirable hot hatch, not only because of its badge, but also the dramatic styling.

Even the normal A-Class is striking. Factor in the Sport’s AMG bodykit, lowered suspension and a grille with silver and chrome highlights, and this A-Class really looks the business. It’s the same inside. A flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, body-hugging seats and suede trim with red stitching add to an interior which already feels pretty sporty thanks to a relatively low seating position and high flat-faced dashboard.

AMG Sport cars also get thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, firmer dampers, variable rate steering and uprated brake discs. The result is a fine handling car. Chuck it into a corner quickly and the car remains almost flat, and you have to try very hard to get the front end to run out of grip.

All this means you can fling the A250 AMG Sport around a twisty road with great confidence, although there is a trade-off over the standard car in terms of comfort, as the ride can get quite bumpy on broken surfaces.

If you can cope with an even firmer ride still, for an extra £1,920 you can opt for the ‘Engineered by AMG’ version of the A250, which takes the handling up another notch with an even more aggressive chassis set-up. This car is identified by its unique pin-style grille and red brake calipers, as shown in these pictures.

If there is one area for improvement for the A250, it’s the powertrain. For starters the 7G-DCT paddleshift automatic isn’t as good as VW’s DSG system either in auto or manual mode, while the engine just doesn’t feel as fast as its 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds suggests.

Still, you can’t complain about the impressive economy and emissions figures, which are better than the slightly slower Golf GTI. However, if it’s real firepower you’re after, the A45 AMG will soon be here with an expected 350bhp.

Read more:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/285538/mercedes_a250_sport.html#ixzz20CkD2OLC

By Mat Watson