Four-door models in the C-segment usually do not do really well in our country. Where the sedan is very popular in other countries, we prefer a practical hatchback. Yet there are (German) brands that see the opportunity to sell quite a few compact sedans, and so Mercedes-Benz has put this Limousine next to the coupé-like CLA in the price list for the latest generation of the A-class.
Even though the trunk is less practical than a hatchback, it is, purely measured in liters, larger, especially if you throw the back seat flat. There is also a lot to enjoy up front. The MBUX infotainment system looks incredibly beautiful, the digital world is as beautiful as it is overwhelming, so it’s nice that essential controls still have a regular button. The seating position cannot be adjusted very far, and an adult can get stuck in the back seat. Although there is the same amount of headroom, the legs get a little less. As with other brands, this sedan can hold more liters than the hatchback. In addition, the space is neatly finished with guides for the valve brackets.
Butter-soft first layer
The A-class appears in a sporty AMG livery. This is about external finery; nothing changes on the chassis. There is therefore no real sportsmanship in the A-class. The steering is too light and indirect for that and the springs and dampers yield far too much. Which does not mean that the A200 immediately swings off the asphalt at the first enthusiastically taken corner. As is often the case with modern Mercedes cars, there is a very capable chassis underneath the buttery soft first layer. After the weight has shifted to the outside in the curve, the A-class holds on for quite a while before sliding controlled to the outside. The A only gives no encouragement to try it more often than necessary and prefers to sell the comfortable ride on less flat road surface, which it filters out very well. The soft chassis only takes revenge over thresholds. The nose is not lifted in time at anything but walking pace to avoid contact with the street. For the rest, the A-class makes a very positive impression and the relative lack of grip is more due to the type of tire than to shortcomings of the chassis.
Business Solution
This A-Class is an A200, with essentially the same 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine as in the A180 that we previously tested as a hatchback, but with a different badge and with more power. 163 hp to be precise and 250 Nm. Any lack of enthusiasm at low revs solves the automatic transmission in this car by downshifting in time. The performance may be there. At most, the automatic transmission can be expected to require some encouragement when putting in the reverse, and sometimes some little confidence-inspiring clatter from the engine compartment is audible during slow maneuvers. That is not very premium.
And that while Mercedes really does use a premium pricing for the A-class. A cheap Mercedes does not exist. As a plaster on the wound, there are the Business Solutions. Only a handful of options can be chosen, including the color, which makes the pricing relatively favorable. As a Business Solution AMG, the A200 costs € 43,095 and including metallic paint, the total price comes to € 43,808. For that money, for example, the comprehensive MBUX system, navigation, seat heating, cruise control, LED headlights, reversing camera and 18-inch wheels are included. It is anything but opulent by Mercedes standards, but it covers the luxury that a motorist can expect in 2021.