BUYERS of premium C-segment hatchbacks typically are young professionals who are either single or recently married. Such well-salaried individuals are likely keen to announce their ascent through the ranks of the corporate world through their choice of personal transport and purchase something that shows they are trendy but have the means to afford a new model with an upmarket image.
Until a few years ago, choices in the premium-hatchback sub-segment were limited – an Audi A3 was about as high as buyers could aspire. How things have changed in recent years. Volvo launched its V40 to high acclaim, Volkswagen debuted its latest-generation Golf, which has taken the perennial bestseller to new heights, and we cannot forget BMW’s baby, the 1 Series, or Lexus’s well-equipped petrol-electric hybrid, the CT200h.
As if well-heeled downsizers and young go-getters’ purchasing decisions were not difficult enough, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the A-Class into the local fray. The German firm is obviously keen to capitalise on this lucrative segment, something it was unable to do with the MPV-like previous-generations of A-Class.
The all-new model is a total departure from that which it replaces. When Mercedes unveiled the A-Class Concept two years ago, many wondered how true the production version would remain to the concept. The answer is: very.
As you can see in these photos, the result marks a dramatic departure from the upright stance of the predecessor. In fact, the new model is 160 mm lower in overall height.
The front end has a bold appearance that seems to have been derived from the new SL. Oversized headlamps finely detailed with LED daytime running lights, a simple grille treatment with a large three-pointed star and the absence of foglamps give the frontal aspect a neat and uncluttered appearance.
In profile, there are crease lines in the Benz’s sheet metal that create interplay between light and shadow, giving the A-Class an unmistakable profile.
The A-Class’s rear aspect is unique because it doesn’t bear resemblance to any of its siblings except for the B-Class. Chunky, square taillamps not only emphasise the width of the hatch, but also make the newcomer appear squat and low. The exterior appearance certainly sat well with the CAR team and drew many favourable comments from the public. In a sea of cookie-cutter Audis and Golfs and, let’s face it, the aesthetically challenged 1 Series, the new A-Class is a breath of fresh air that won’t concern the fashion police in the slightest.
The interior, too, works well. There are, as expected, various ways to customise the cabin of a new A-Class. The cars tested here feature the Urban (A180) and Style (A180 CDI) trim packages. In the former, sporty looking single-piece front seats greet you. Seat upholstery is cloth with an asymmetrical line motif, and the facia is trimmed in a chequered finish. The slightly more expensive Style option employs leather for the single-piece seats and on the facia. Some of us preferred the comfort and fit of the cloth seats, while others leaned towards the tactile nature and two-tone look of the leather interior.
The general design is attractive, with some nice touches such as the stylish, SLS-inspired air vents, and that large colour screen for the audio system. The ventilation controls are sited quite low on the facia. This is a small gripe in the manual car, where its traditional gear lever can obscure those controls.
Thanks to an infinitely adjustable driver’s seat and steering column, even the taller (and larger) members of the test panel found driving positions to suit their tastes and frames with ease. Rear legroom is slightly compromised when compared with its main rivals, but that is unlikely to bother your typical C-segment buyer.
Luggage volume is on par with most others in the class but there is no spare wheel. Mercedes has opted for run-flat tyres and a mobility kit so, with the split-folding seats in place, there is 208 dm3 of loading space. Drop the seats and this inflates to 912 dm3, which means there is a decent level of practicality.
Mercedes-Benz A180 CDI BlueEfficiency
Similar to the petrol-fed counterpart being the entry-level version of the petrol range, so too does the A180 CDI represent the opening salvo of the diesel line-up. It’s driven by a 1,5-litre turbodiesel. Maximum power is 80 kW coupled with a handy 260 N.m of twist.
This model manages to dodge the emissions tax as it is claimed to consume only 3,8 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, which equates to 98 g of CO2 per 100 km.
From standstill, there is notable turbo lag, but the engine provides linear power delivery throughout the rest of the engine speed range.
This car is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox that surprised us with its smoothness. It may not be as good as that of the Golf 7 in terms of feel, but it’s a lot better than any Benz manual we have experienced before.
As it is a small oil burner, performance is not spritely. It managed to get to 100 km/h in just under 12,0 seconds and took over 33,0 seconds to cover the standing kilometre.
Test Summary
If the A180 CDI can deliver on its promised fuel consumption, it will be quite an achievement. However, considering the R25 000 premium over the A180 BE before extras, it doesn’t hold such wide appeal as its sibling. The eco-conscious may opt for the diesel, which still has all the inherent appeal of the A-Class, but we’d opt for the petrol version.
