New Mercedes Class A 180 and 180d: which version should I buy?

We test the entry-level versions of the new Mercedes Class A range and tell you which is worth more, the petrol or the diesel version.

After testing the new Mercedes Class A at its official presentation, we now take the wheel of the two entry-level variants of the range: the Class A 180 and 180d. Both versions stand out for offering a refined, smooth-running engine, but which is worth more?, what is the price difference between them?, which offers a better balance between performance and consumption? Here is what we found:

Prices: the diesel version is 1,700 euros more expensive than the petrol

To begin with, the new Mercedes Class A is not the cheapest model in its segment (premium compacts). Both the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3 Sportback are available from around 27,000 euros, while the most affordable version of the star brand’s compact (the A 180) has a starting price of 28,800 €. That said, the Class A comes with more standard equipment than its rivals, which we will discuss later.

As for the Class A 180d, it costs 32,700 €… expensive, you might think. Not so much if we consider that this version comes standard with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (a highly recommended option for its smooth operation and quick shifts), something only available as an option on its petrol equivalent (A 180), where it costs 2,200 euros. In fact, if we wanted to fit this gearbox to the Class A 180, its price would rise to 31,000 €, leaving the real difference between the diesel and petrol versions at just 1,700 euros. In terms of price, then, things are fairly even; let’s look at the other sections.
Performance: a clear advantage for the petrol version

As we said earlier, the

Class A 180d features a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine producing 116 CV of power and 260 Nm of torque. This powertrain incorporates an exhaust gas treatment system and an AdBlue additive tank. With this engine, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds.

For its part, the most affordable petrol version, the Class A 180, features a four-cylinder 1.4-litre engine producing 136 CV of power and 200 Nm of torque. This powertrain offers selective cylinder deactivation to save fuel and has a particulate filter that reduces its pollutant emissions. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds.

Setting aside the numerical differences between the two, when we drive the diesel version we find a smooth, progressive engine. It is a very comfortable engine, but its performance is clearly inferior to the petrol version. Moreover, the 1.4 petrol engine is more refined: it produces fewer vibrations and less noise than the diesel powertrain. In fact, this engine is one of the smoothest and most refined in its class, although it does not offer the same punch as its rivals: the 1.5 TSI with 150 CV (VW Golf), the 1.5 Ecoboost with 182 CV (Honda Focus) or the 1.5 VTEC with 180 CV (Ford Civic).

If we only considered performance, we would be talking about a clear win for the petrol version.
Consumption: you save 2 l/100km with the diesel version

According to the technical data sheet for both versions, the

Class A 180d offers a combined consumption of 4.1 litres per hundred kilometres, compared with 5.8 litres per hundred kilometres for the petrol variant. In real life, we can expect consumption of 5.5 litres in the diesel version and 7.5 litres in the petrol. The real difference in average consumption is about 2 litres/100 km in favour of the Class A 180 d.

That said, the dual-clutch automatic gearbox can help reduce the consumption gap between the two versions. According to the German manufacturer, the automatic transmission reduces the Class A 180’s consumption by 0.8 litres per hundred kilometres, bringing its average consumption to 5.0 litres. As we mentioned before, the automatic gearbox is not only recommendable for its smooth operation (comparable to any torque-converter gearbox) and quick shifts (on a par with what you would expect from a dual-clutch transmission), it also has a positive effect on your wallet.
Generous equipment in both entry-level versions

The new Mercedes Class A has a high starting price compared with its rivals, but it comes very well equipped. The most basic versions of the German compact offer the Progressive line, a trim level that, among other things, includes the following standard features:

Reversing camera

Keyless start

• MBUX infotainment system (the first Mercedes to include it) with two 7-inch touchscreens: it includes an intelligent voice recognition system with natural language, one of the most advanced on the market.

Climate control

Comfort seats

Multifunction steering wheel

17-inch alloy wheels

• High-performance LED headlights

DYNAMIC SELECT system with 4 driving modes

Conclusion

At Top 10 Motor,

we recommend the Mercedes Class A 180 over its diesel equivalent for its better balance between performance and consumption, its lower price and great refinement in everyday use. That said, if you prioritise low consumption above all else, then the 180d should be your best option. It all comes down to priorities.