Back in the year 1997, the first generation A-Class became infamous after flipping over during the traditional 'elk test' performed by Swedish automobile publication Teknikens Värld.
The evasive manoeuvre test, more commonly known as the 'moose test' or 'elk test', is performed to determine how well a certain vehicle evades a sudden obstacle.
Mercedes-Benz then took the step of recalling all units and suspending sales for three months until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control (ESC) and modifying the suspension.
Things are about to change now as the smallest Benz, with an unusually tall yet short body, is replaced by a low-slung, sporty hatch - directly competing with the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volkswagen Golf and the Volvo V40.
Taking a leap of faith, Mercedes-Benz is set to position the new generation A-Class to reach out to the younger generation, credits to its contemporary and sleek design that one wouldn't believe was a descendant of its boxy looking past.
The A-Class is available in three variants locally. Having already tested the base model as well as the top end A250 Sport, we decided to take their diesel sibling out on a date.
ExteriorWhichever angle you look at the new A-Class from, there is a lot to admire with plenty of magic in the heavily sculpted design and an athletic stance.
The evasive manoeuvre test, more commonly known as the 'moose test' or 'elk test', is performed to determine how well a certain vehicle evades a sudden obstacle.
Mercedes-Benz then took the step of recalling all units and suspending sales for three months until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control (ESC) and modifying the suspension.
Things are about to change now as the smallest Benz, with an unusually tall yet short body, is replaced by a low-slung, sporty hatch - directly competing with the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volkswagen Golf and the Volvo V40.
Taking a leap of faith, Mercedes-Benz is set to position the new generation A-Class to reach out to the younger generation, credits to its contemporary and sleek design that one wouldn't believe was a descendant of its boxy looking past.
The A-Class is available in three variants locally. Having already tested the base model as well as the top end A250 Sport, we decided to take their diesel sibling out on a date.
ExteriorWhichever angle you look at the new A-Class from, there is a lot to admire with plenty of magic in the heavily sculpted design and an athletic stance.
The little hint of the SLS AMG in the centre of the grille will get your attention first, but it's the menacing headlights that will ultimately seal the deal.
The square-set chin gives the nose plenty of definition and coupled with a long, attractive bonnet as well as the low-slung cabin, they evoke a real sporty feeling.
Also beautifully executed is the tautly drawn sheet metal. You can't help but admire the interplay between the convex and concave surfaces on the sides - lending structure and terseness to the car.
To round off the sporty look, a thoroughly reworked rear end features a ducted rear bumper and diffuser that house the dual oval-shaped exhaust pipes.
Interior
Beneath this exterior is a cabin that's radically different from its predecessor with the emphasis clearly on sportiness.
As soon as you get in, the big iPad-looking multimedia infotainment system in the middle is perhaps the most obvious thing you'll notice.
It sits on a well laid out dash that is covered with a carbon-fibre weave and it's pretty clear that Mercedes-Benz is targeting the younger buyers with this car.
The swivelling tri-spoke air vents - another design reminiscent of the SLS AMG again - also add a level of funkiness to the interior design.
Beneath this exterior is a cabin that's radically different from its predecessor with the emphasis clearly on sportiness.
As soon as you get in, the big iPad-looking multimedia infotainment system in the middle is perhaps the most obvious thing you'll notice.
It sits on a well laid out dash that is covered with a carbon-fibre weave and it's pretty clear that Mercedes-Benz is targeting the younger buyers with this car.
The swivelling tri-spoke air vents - another design reminiscent of the SLS AMG again - also add a level of funkiness to the interior design.
ARTICO leather seats with larochette fabric and contrasting topstitching decked out in black provide good lumbar support while exuding a sporty appeal at the same time.
Door bins at the sides, cubby holes around the centre console and the big bin under the centre armrest also provide adequate cabin storage.
Although the new A-Class sits 159mm shorter than its predecessor, resulting in a slight decrease in rear headroom, there is more legroom for passengers thanks to an increased wheelbase of 131mm, allowing them to be seated without any sign of claustrophobia.
Door bins at the sides, cubby holes around the centre console and the big bin under the centre armrest also provide adequate cabin storage.
Although the new A-Class sits 159mm shorter than its predecessor, resulting in a slight decrease in rear headroom, there is more legroom for passengers thanks to an increased wheelbase of 131mm, allowing them to be seated without any sign of claustrophobia.
The Drive
As much as it was hushed inside the cabin, the clatter (when the car was stationary) from the engine sounded a little familiar to the white E-Class 'limousines' ferrying people around our little island.
However, when on the go, the delightful engine is surprisingly vocal inside but it can do with some improvements on refinement.
Mated to a 7G-DCT transmission that allows you to glide effortlessly through the gears, both the engine and gearbox work hand in hand for the car to complete the century sprint in 8.2 seconds - a 0.1 second lead over the A200 but trails the A250 by 1.6 seconds.
But what really mattered was the torque on tap that ensured surging overtaking pace and flexibility.
As such, you'd find yourself having difficulty coming off the throttle. Perhaps, that is the reason we only managed 15.6km/L as compared to the paper figure of 22.7km/L.
As much as it was hushed inside the cabin, the clatter (when the car was stationary) from the engine sounded a little familiar to the white E-Class 'limousines' ferrying people around our little island.
However, when on the go, the delightful engine is surprisingly vocal inside but it can do with some improvements on refinement.
Mated to a 7G-DCT transmission that allows you to glide effortlessly through the gears, both the engine and gearbox work hand in hand for the car to complete the century sprint in 8.2 seconds - a 0.1 second lead over the A200 but trails the A250 by 1.6 seconds.
But what really mattered was the torque on tap that ensured surging overtaking pace and flexibility.
As such, you'd find yourself having difficulty coming off the throttle. Perhaps, that is the reason we only managed 15.6km/L as compared to the paper figure of 22.7km/L.
As with its other brethrens, ride quality on the A220 may have taken a hit with the Sport suspension so it's not particularly forgiving over bumps on the road.
It's a little bit tough on the body but escaping the rugged city streets for a smooth highway run can temporarily solve that.
In terms of the steering response, it was encouraging but it could do with a little more feedback.
Nonetheless, the dynamic capabilities of the car are accomplished, as is the cornering grip - confidence in throwing the car around some roundabouts and corners.
Conclusion
Overall, the diesel powered A-Class combines practicality, size, efficiency and driving compatibility in a solid package, making it a fantastic all round drive.
Albeit its little firm suspension, the A220 is enough to cater for a slightly performance oriented driver, a newly married couple or a family of four.
It's a little bit tough on the body but escaping the rugged city streets for a smooth highway run can temporarily solve that.
In terms of the steering response, it was encouraging but it could do with a little more feedback.
Nonetheless, the dynamic capabilities of the car are accomplished, as is the cornering grip - confidence in throwing the car around some roundabouts and corners.
Conclusion
Overall, the diesel powered A-Class combines practicality, size, efficiency and driving compatibility in a solid package, making it a fantastic all round drive.
Albeit its little firm suspension, the A220 is enough to cater for a slightly performance oriented driver, a newly married couple or a family of four.
