If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em: that was clearly the instruction when the designers penned the Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz A-Class of 2012-18, which we’re looking at here. So, compared with its predecessors, the new model followed a more conventional path, incorporating design cues and engineering from other Mercedes models and slotting easily into the range as an affordable base camp for newbies aspiring to plusher models or for loyalists wishing to downsize without losing face.
But be warned: there are thousands of these Mk3 A-Classes on the used car market, so if you think you’re buying into a special club, forget it. Still, that means there’s plenty of choice. Prices for the first Mk3 cars, as distinct from the facelifted versions of 2015 onwards, start at around £6000, a sum that will get you a 2013-reg A180 CDI SE – along with the later A180d, the bedrock of the range – with 110,000 miles.
Diesel and petrol engines range from 1.5 to 2.1 litres, not that you’d know from the badging. (For example, the A180 is powered by a 1.6 and the A180 CDI by a 1.5.) The diesels are noisy but efficient, the petrols smoother and quieter. This matters because sound deadening on the early models is poor.
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A manual gearbox is standard on most versions but the efficient and quick-changing dual-clutch auto (DCT) is worth a go. On some engines, in particular the A180 CDI Blue Efficiency, emissions dip as low as 98g/km CO2. It means that among cars registered before 1 April 2017 are some that attract no road tax and many no more than £30. If a sporty drive is your preference, there’s the A250 AMG and, above that, the extreme A45 4Matic (2013-2018).
Build quality on pre-facelift cars hasn’t lived up to Merc’s reputation, with interior rattles a recurring theme – and note that versions below SE ride on steel wheels. For its alloy wheels, comfort suspension, sports seats and artificial leather, SE is our pick but we also like AMG Sport, with features such as sports suspension, retuned steering and larger alloys.
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The power of a badge.
An ordinary hatchback, but with a prestigious badge on the front. But you know you want it. Go on, admit it. Focus, or a Mercedes on the driveway outside? Crashy ride and rattling cabin? Pah.
Go on, you know you want it...
We have a GLA which is pretty
We have a GLA which is pretty much identical to the A Class. It's a nice car but not a great one. The golf is a better drive although the interior of the Merc is probably better. What I noticed when my wife went looking for a new car is that there is a big step up when you compare the A to the C or the 1 to the 3. She ended up with a 3 series because it's just much better value and a better drive compared to a highly specified 1 with a decent engine. The same held true for the A Class.