The updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class exuded the pinnacle of luxury, style, and sophistication as it gracefully made its way onto our driveway, promising a week filled with indulgent pampering. Sporting a captivating shade of black, this stunning beauty effortlessly captured our attention and looked absolutely mesmerizing.Â
Let’s begin with the visual appeal our test unit. The Mercedes Benz A200 we tested was equipped with an AMG Line exterior, which seamlessly combines athleticism and luxury. The car stands out with its chrome Mercedes-Benz pattern radiator grille, AMG front apron with front splitter, sleek high-sheen aluminum beltline and windowline trim strip, AMG side sill panels, AMG rear apron with prominent tailpipes and chrome accents, and eye-catching 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. These features elevate the updated A-Class, giving it an air of elegance and sophistication that strongly agitates its direct competitors, namely the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1 and 2 Series.
The latest version of the A-Class in AMG Line specification is undoubtedly designed for discerning individuals who appreciate elegance, sophistication, and the finer things in life. It is fair to say that this updated model lives up to its expectations, flawlessly embodying all the exterior design qualities.
Entering the A200 truly amplifies its top-notch allure, emitting a noticeable essence reminiscent of the prestigious “baby S-Class.” In its AMG iteration, our evaluation model showcased alluring sport seats that catch the eye, complemented by a generously-sized infotainment display that seamlessly harmonizes with the instrument cluster to ignite an elegant ambiance. Furthermore, the multifunctional sport steering wheel upholstered in nappa leather establishes a sense of sporting luxury, serving as just a taste of the numerous noteworthy features that set the tone in the cabin.
During our test, we found that the vehicle had a downside in terms of limited interior space, especially in the rear legroom department. The design of the driveshaft tunnel compromises the middle space, resulting in comfortable accommodation only for four people. Additionally, taller passengers might face difficulties due to the sloping roofline. However, despite these inconveniences, the A-Class excels in various areas. Our test unit was equipped with a range of safety and convenience features, which made driving the A-200 fun, safe, and pleasant. These features include lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, active brake assist, and a parking package with a 360-degree view camera. The 2nd generation MBUX operating system merits attention due to its improved ease of navigation with fewer sub-menus, thereby offering enhanced user-friendliness. Additionally, the inclusion of ambient lighting provides a sophisticated and elegant touch, especially during night driving. The sport seats, finished with suede and leather, offer good comfort, although incorporating more vibrant colors would undoubtedly elevate their overall allure.
Beneath the hood of the Mercedes-Benz A200 lies a 1.3-liter powertrain with a mild hybrid system, boasting 120kw/270nm of power. This setup enables the A200 to achieve a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 225km/h. The power is transferred to the front wheels through a standard 7-speed automatic transmission. During our tarmac driving, we found the driving experience of the A200 to be thoroughly enjoyable. It competes well with its rivals, if not surpassing them. The A200 offers various driving modes, including comfort, eco, sport, and individual, each providing a unique driving experience. Among them, we found eco mode to be the most pleasing, delivering exceptional driving feedback and outstanding fuel efficiency.
However, when switched to sports mode, the throttle response becomes sharper, allowing for higher revs. Though this may add an exciting touch to the driving experience, we couldn’t help but notice that the engine sounded quite strained at high revs, raising concerns about its endurance under such conditions. The suspension system offers an impressive ride quality in both comfort and eco modes, ensuring a comfortable experience for long distance drives. However, when sport mode is engaged, the suspension system transforms into a sharp and exceptionally playful setup, providing an exceptionally sporty driving experience… The choice is yours.
The revised Mercedes-Benz A200 AMG Line is an exceptionally well-rounded automotive offering which provides commendable value for money. The vehicle stands out for its highly intuitive features and functionality. If you are currently seeking a compact hatchback within the price range of around R750k, the A-Class unquestionably deserves your attention.
Price:
The Mercedes Benz A200 starts from R729 554. Our test unit came equipped with all the avaibale bells and whistles that bring the price closer to the R900 000 mark, if not more.