Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review – Take the high-tech road with the sedan family

THERE'S a new Mercedes-Benz Class A and it's just full of technology.

Inspiring several models of the Mercedes lineup, the newcomer also marks the beginning of the new digital cockpit of German automakers. . Just say "Hey Mercedes" and all that comes to life on two screens that cross the dash behind a single piece of glass.

All of this is part of what Mercedes calls MBUX – the Mercedes-Benz user experience – and it is designed to distinguish the new A-Class. This certainly makes and, although the new model is bigger than ever. Before, his style is more evolution than the revolution.

Price from £ 25,800 for the current entry level A 180 d, the initial range of three models to £ 30,240 for the A 250 models powered by gasoline engines of 2, 0 liters

The A 180 d and mid-range A 200 gasoline models – sold from of £ 27,500 – use new 1.5 and 1.3 liter engines jointly developed with Renault and, at present, all are equipped with seven-speed automatic gearboxes. Six-speed manuals will be available soon.

All models are equipped with satellite navigation system, with basic SE versions with seven-inch display screens. The larger 10.25-inch displays come with Executive or Premium packages, which can add up to £ 3595 at the price.

In addition to using voice control, the screens can be controlled to the touch, from a centrally mounted touchpad. console or steering wheel. Everything is very contemporary and advances Class A in terms of advanced systems

Nevertheless, there is a bank of conventional controls for heated seats and air conditioning / ventilation controls under the vents in the middle of the dashboard.

is the new class A largest at l & Inside, it also comes with a larger boot offering a backpack plus luggage space at 370 liters. The maximum capacity is now 1210 liters and the opening of the boot has been increased by four inches to facilitate loading.

Where the new class A results are with his refined driving and his complete performance. It's perhaps the baby of the Merc fleet, but the A-Class has matured in its fourth generation and is as impressive as any other model in the luxury lineup.

We have just tried the A 180 d and A 200 in the AMG Line trim of high quality, with the diesel that costs £ 28,540 and gas only £ 160 more. The 1.5-liter diesel four-cylinder develops 116 hp and can handle 0-62 mph in 10.5 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph. It is rated at 68.9mpg with emissions of 111g / km.

The 1.3 engine of the A 200 is increased to 163hp and is faster through the eight-second speeds for 0-62mph. Although it is not as economical – there are four driving modes – it is still officially 51.4mpg with emissions of 123g / km

Both were smooth through the gears and beautifully silent inside while they were doing their steps. Good sound insulation is another positive point.

Smart features included a satellite navigation system that can overlay live images of the car's camera system, which is particularly impressive on large screens. With a quality finish and a wide variety of ambient light screens, the interior is upscale.

Class A really found its game in the UK with the latest-generation model and Britain last year it accounted for nearly a quarter of its 170,000 sales

. Most of this clientele came from drivers of other makes of cars, making Class A extremely important for Mercedes for conquest sales. The new model, with its high-tech appeal, should not have any difficulty maintaining this reputation alive.