Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Passenger comfort - that's the main thing about the A-class. I came to the A170 from a variety of hatchbacks, vans, sports cars and 4x4s, so when my usual passengers got onboard the A170, it was clearly a world of difference for them. You have doors! You have seats! You have legroom! Headroom! It is actually smooth! I am not car sick! - these were some of the responses I got. What gets passengers is the ride quality (and it isn't even the smoothest MB on the road) and the level of finish of the interior (only avant garde trim for A class). The car handles in a nice, neutral way. It is very predictable. It turns very tight and the car's small size lets it get through tight spaces and turns easily. Power is no issue - there's enough in both comfort and sport mode to haul 4 adult passengers and a fully loaded luggage area. Carpark ramps, Sheares bridge - no problem. Overtaking is easy and there's the electronic shift that makes it feel a little more sporty, though I will say that the cush ride and car height do not encourage me to drive it in a 'sporty' way. In fact, the car makes me want to relax and just drive in a comfortable way. I actually feel rested when I get out of the car after a long drive. Beyond comfort, there is sheer versatility - you can fold down the rear seats in so many ways and can even put in two full size bicycles with the front wheels off. I have moved house in this and can attest to the A170's abilities as a cargo vehicle. So it is a great little car to drive - very comfy and convenient for both driver and passengers, very versatile load carrying, great fuel economy for a 1.7 l car, very high quality of finish and great feature set that comes standard. It has luxury, comfort and sheer practicality combined with good handling and power. Reliability after 20,000 km has not been an issue. Should you buy one? For what it offers, yes, it is a fair price. Continental and Japanese cars with this level of quality would cost the same, although their engine capacities might be larger. But if all you need is to get from point a to point b safely, there are better and more economical options. Still, if you can have only one car and have 100k to spare, an A170 is a very, very good buy. Luxury, comfort, safety, practicality - and if it is important to you - a three pointed star.... Read More