Mercedes Class A, presentation and test drive in Burgos (I)

A week ago, sales of the new Mercedes Class A began, a model that embodies the changes the brand is undergoing in terms of design. The redesigned Class A represents a radical change in design, seeking to attract a younger audience and, above all, to take on the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3.

There is no doubt that the newcomer is making a strong impression, and to get to know it a little better we got behind the wheel for two days at the national presentation near Burgos. First impressions have been very positive, this baby-Mercedes surprises.

The bet on the Premium compact segment

Historically, Mercedes has bet on its small models with determination and considerable success in the past. One of its first bets was the Mercedes 190, a sales hit for the German firm. And the Class A itself has enjoyed a lot of success on the market since its launch.

That said, the age and the audience its models were aimed at were very different from those they seek now. The brand has given an illustrative figure about its buyers, saying that the average age of the owner of a first-generation Class A is 51 years old.

With the arrival of this new model, this changes radically, combining several ingredients. On the one hand, its design stands out, both exterior and interior; the interior quality, moreover, is maintained at high levels, and all of this is complemented by a mechanical range of up to 211 hp in the A250 petrol (and more powerful engines will follow). In addition, the financing and maintenance campaign for the Class A is aggressive, which we will discuss in detail in the second part of this first contact.

Exterior design: radical change and sportiness as the premise

Much of the Class A seen in the photos wears the AMG Pack, which gives it that striking exterior sportiness. Even so, without this optional equipment, the Class A’s look is imposing.

The front is headed by the large star and by angular, pronounced shapes, denoting personality and sportiness. Meanwhile, we now see a car of the saloon type, and not as tall as the previous generation. The bi-xenon headlights (standard) with LED daytime running lights also stand out.

On the side, the lines again outline a model with a sporty cut, ending at a rear where the LED rear lights or the chrome dual exhaust outlet stand out (AMG Pack or Urban). As standard it comes with 16-inch alloy wheels (from the Style Pack).

The red model in the photos has the Night Pack, which adds black contrast to the mirrors and AMG wheels, while the white model wears the AMG Pack, clearly recognisable by the larger bumpers and the side intakes in the rear bumper. The only things not included as standard in the exterior design are the fog lights and the rear dual exhaust outlet.

Interior design: sporty and high quality

When we move to the interior, we find a low driving position, a very well-executed design with some elements inherited from the Class B. The air vents, which are becoming a hallmark of the brand, stand out, as does the sound system display (standard, along with Bluetooth and USB port).

Practically all the dashboard elements are soft-touch or pleasant to the touch, denoting great quality. Even the door panels have a good finish. That said, the centre console can be improved, and we also don’t understand how this element has been neglected: it is made of hard plastic with a feel that is really improvable, a detail that tarnishes an otherwise high-level finish.

The seats will surely also catch your attention, and they too are standard; they are another element of the Style Pack (in Spain this pack comes as standard), seats that complete the sporty image of the Class A’s interior, as well as being comfortable and holding the body well.

In the rear seats we again find sporty seats and a high-level finish overall; in terms of space, travel is comfortable. It is neither a saloon nor a Class C, but it offers quite a lot of legroom; however, if you are tall, headroom is somewhat tighter due to the design.

In the next part of this first contact, we will talk about equipment and prices, as well as the A180 CDI, A200 CDI and A250 that we were able to try at the presentation. We can already say that dynamically, it knows how to behave!

Photos | Diego G. Moreira