The first generation A-Class was first introduced to the world in 1997 and it wasn't until 2004 when Mercedes decided to give the hatch an update. This said update brought along a three-door body and sat lower than the first gen A-Class.
But regardless of the changes, the A-Class remained to be a tall car with a short length, resulting in a lack of desirability and an overall styling that wouldn't tick the usual Benz boxes.
It wasn't like Mercedes wasn't capable of making good cars, but the A-Class missed its targets by a fair bit as it never really did manage to look or drive like a how a proper Mercedes-Benz should.
16 years later, the third and all new generation was first revealed in 2011 at both the Shanghai Auto Show and the New York Auto Show as a concept. And it was only last year when the production model was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
With fierce competitors such as the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3 gaining the attention of hatchback buyers, it seems that the German marque hopes to shake up the market and capture lost ground with the A-Class - the new baby of the Mercedes family.
Exterior
The designers must be proud with their work because the end result of their efforts is hugely impressive.
But regardless of the changes, the A-Class remained to be a tall car with a short length, resulting in a lack of desirability and an overall styling that wouldn't tick the usual Benz boxes.
It wasn't like Mercedes wasn't capable of making good cars, but the A-Class missed its targets by a fair bit as it never really did manage to look or drive like a how a proper Mercedes-Benz should.
16 years later, the third and all new generation was first revealed in 2011 at both the Shanghai Auto Show and the New York Auto Show as a concept. And it was only last year when the production model was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
With fierce competitors such as the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3 gaining the attention of hatchback buyers, it seems that the German marque hopes to shake up the market and capture lost ground with the A-Class - the new baby of the Mercedes family.
Exterior
The designers must be proud with their work because the end result of their efforts is hugely impressive.
While the outgoing A-Class had a snub nose and was more vertically shaped, the latest German hatchback has been 'flattened' and dramatically designed, giving it a more horizontal and familiar look. And considering people love familiarity when it comes to cars, it will not be a surprise that this new recipe will work well for Mercedes.
In a way, following the conventional proportions that are typical for its segment makes the A-Class an obvious Merc. The headlamps, sharp nose as well as the shape of the two-bar grille, which can also be opted as a striking diamond studded design, mimic the brand's design language.
The beautifully aggressive front is more than just your passing styling cues from the SLS supercar while bold lines curve up elegantly from the front arches to join the taillights.
At 4,292mm x 1,552mm x 1,433mm (L x W x H), the new A is now closer to the dimensions of fellow rival - the BMW 1 Series Hatchback. But in terms of styling, it will easily triumph the Bavarian hatch, even if the rear of the car looks a little pinched and flat.
In a way, following the conventional proportions that are typical for its segment makes the A-Class an obvious Merc. The headlamps, sharp nose as well as the shape of the two-bar grille, which can also be opted as a striking diamond studded design, mimic the brand's design language.
The beautifully aggressive front is more than just your passing styling cues from the SLS supercar while bold lines curve up elegantly from the front arches to join the taillights.
At 4,292mm x 1,552mm x 1,433mm (L x W x H), the new A is now closer to the dimensions of fellow rival - the BMW 1 Series Hatchback. But in terms of styling, it will easily triumph the Bavarian hatch, even if the rear of the car looks a little pinched and flat.
Interior
There's a sense of refinement and quality here. Mercedes-Benz integrates the austere elegance of bigger Benzes seamlessly with a neat dashboard and propeller-like metal air vents. There are masses of soft-touch plastics and leather, further enhancing what is already a very well groomed cabin.
In fact, despite sharing the same MFA platform as the B-Class, the cabin feels as much as a derivative of a higher-end carmaker than it does a creation of Mercedes' own hand.
More notably, with a wheelbase of 2,699mm, the A-Class extends beyond that of the BMW 1 Series as well as the Volkswagen Golf. As a result, there's sufficient head and leg space for five on board.
There's a sense of refinement and quality here. Mercedes-Benz integrates the austere elegance of bigger Benzes seamlessly with a neat dashboard and propeller-like metal air vents. There are masses of soft-touch plastics and leather, further enhancing what is already a very well groomed cabin.
In fact, despite sharing the same MFA platform as the B-Class, the cabin feels as much as a derivative of a higher-end carmaker than it does a creation of Mercedes' own hand.
More notably, with a wheelbase of 2,699mm, the A-Class extends beyond that of the BMW 1 Series as well as the Volkswagen Golf. As a result, there's sufficient head and leg space for five on board.
But this minor issue isn't going to stop the younger crowd (which is the A-Class' intended audience anyway) from getting the car, considering the German carmaker made advances with its technology.
Our test car came with the optional 17.8cm display that can allow you to surf the web or even share on Facebook. Although this isn't the first in its class, it'll easily place the brand at the top in terms of its multimedia innovation.
Perhaps an impression of superior class isn't a foreign concept to Mercedes-Benz, but we have to admit that the new A-Class manages to foster this superiority with more confidence than its predecessor and others in its class.
Our test car came with the optional 17.8cm display that can allow you to surf the web or even share on Facebook. Although this isn't the first in its class, it'll easily place the brand at the top in terms of its multimedia innovation.
Perhaps an impression of superior class isn't a foreign concept to Mercedes-Benz, but we have to admit that the new A-Class manages to foster this superiority with more confidence than its predecessor and others in its class.
The Drive
With the ability to produce 156 horses and 250Nm of torque from the 1.6-litre powerplant, coupled with an aerodynamically slimmer shape and the silky 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the A-Class will dash to the 100km/h mark in a respectable 8.3 seconds.
But it's around curves where the car really shines. It is well behaved and reassuring, giving you inspiring levels of confidence, thanks to its poise and good balance when making rapid changes of direction at high speeds. Credit also goes to the meaty and direct steering - responding swiftly to your every call without being overly aggressive.
Despite being equipped with the Sports suspension (part of the optional Dynamic Handling package and AMG Sport design), body roll is still noticeable and with the stiffer setup, the car picks up smaller bumps and ruts, sending vibrations to the cabin. Of course this also mean that the car closes the gap with the BMW 1 Series Hatchback for cornering composure.
With the ability to produce 156 horses and 250Nm of torque from the 1.6-litre powerplant, coupled with an aerodynamically slimmer shape and the silky 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the A-Class will dash to the 100km/h mark in a respectable 8.3 seconds.
But it's around curves where the car really shines. It is well behaved and reassuring, giving you inspiring levels of confidence, thanks to its poise and good balance when making rapid changes of direction at high speeds. Credit also goes to the meaty and direct steering - responding swiftly to your every call without being overly aggressive.
Despite being equipped with the Sports suspension (part of the optional Dynamic Handling package and AMG Sport design), body roll is still noticeable and with the stiffer setup, the car picks up smaller bumps and ruts, sending vibrations to the cabin. Of course this also mean that the car closes the gap with the BMW 1 Series Hatchback for cornering composure.
With a disposition as a young, trendy and sporty hatch, the only minor quibble we have with the car is the lack of aural boom from the exhaust. No doubt the four-pot engine is polished and it does its job without sounding too strained, a sportier exhaust note would have made this car an even better package against its peers.
Conclusion
It may not be the coolest car around town but it's a lovely hatch that's superbly built - inside and out. This A-Class will appeal well to the young and with the combination of style and image, it should have absolutely no qualms attracting the young at heart.
Unlike the A250 Sport, the A200 here is no madcap hot hatch but it'll get you from A to B in good comfort and has ample grip and sufficient speed when you need. And if you ask us, that's more than enough.
Conclusion
It may not be the coolest car around town but it's a lovely hatch that's superbly built - inside and out. This A-Class will appeal well to the young and with the combination of style and image, it should have absolutely no qualms attracting the young at heart.
Unlike the A250 Sport, the A200 here is no madcap hot hatch but it'll get you from A to B in good comfort and has ample grip and sufficient speed when you need. And if you ask us, that's more than enough.
