Mercedes Clase A 220 CDI 7G-DCT, road test (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

We continue with the new Mercedes Clase A. We keep the test of this new compact that we drove with the 170 CV diesel engine and 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In the first part of the test we analysed everything related to the diesel engine’s performance and the car’s sporty handling, as well as its consumption.

In this second part we look at one of the car’s strong points: its design. If there is one thing beyond dispute about the Clase A, it is the radical change it has undergone; looking at the new generation, it is hard to find any point in common with the previous one. But it also has a great deal to offer on the inside, and these two aspects are precisely what we will analyse in this part of the test.

Exterior design

Lower, wider and sportier, these are the premises of the new Mercedes Clase A. The previous generation looked like an MPV, whereas now it has a compact design with sporty touches. Its front end is aggressive, with the large Mercedes star and headlights with LED daytime running lights and Bi-xenon technology as standard from the base trim.

The pointed front gives way to a fluid and above all sporty side profile, highlighted by the rising line that ends at the rear doors. The rear stands out for the car’s low height, a small rear window and the two lights that outline the rear, which feature LED technology. Adding the sporty finishing touch are the two exhaust outlets.

Our unit was fitted with the NIGHT PACK, which adds black alloy wheels, in this case 18 inches and signed by AMG, along with black exterior mirrors. Optionally, the AMG PACK can also be added, giving the exterior a sportier look, with oversized bumpers and AMG wheels.

Interior design

Inside, the first thing that surprises is the sports-style seats, with integrated headrests. In our country these seats are standard and, once again, they underline the car’s sporty character, being very comfortable and offering good body support. They also have several adjustments, including height adjustment of the seat cushion in two positions.

The dashboard is divided into two areas, a voluminous upper part with a quality finish, and a lower part with a more sporty look, together with the new air vents already present in several models of the brand that follow the design set by the SLS.

Finally, we have the centre console area, the only point for improvement in terms of finishes, since it is the only area of the whole dashboard where hard plastics are used, which are not pleasant to the touch, especially around the climate control. This finish is a pity, since in general the dashboard is made of quality materials.

The radio screen is standard in our country, together with the Audio 20 radio, with Bluetooth and a USB port, also standard. The most notable thing is the image quality, since it looks very good even in sunlight. Another element that stands out inside is the instrumentation, the grey finish of the dials is sporty and the on-board computer provides complete information.

Rear seat space is not generous; it is not a Clase C, but it is sufficient and in line with the segment. That said, if three adults want to travel, they will be a tight fit, because the centre tunnel is raised and the middle seat is not very comfortable, and if you are taller than 1.75 metres you will not be comfortable in the rear seats either, because there is not much headroom.

Interior quality is high in general terms, but apart from the hard plastic of the centre tunnel, the door insulation has little in common with what we have seen in a Clase C or Clase B, these are small details, but it is a pity that they break away from an otherwise correct overall finish.

Storage and boot

In the storage section, the main glovebox stands out for being large, as well as the number of storage spaces in the centre tunnel, taking advantage of the absence of a gear lever since it is automatic. However, the door pockets are small, especially the rear ones, where only a bottle or similar item fits, since they are narrow.

As for the boot, it has a capacity of 341 litres, a figure that is within the norm for the segment. For example, the Audi A3 has a capacity of 365 litres and the BMW 1 Series has a capacity of 330 litres.

In the third part of the test we will discuss equipment, the safety features it incorporates and the prices of the new Mercedes Clase A. We will conclude the test with our assessment of the model.

Photos | Test team, Diego G. Moreira