Moving outside the box
While matters improved somewhat with the W169, the unveiling of the W176 in 2013 officially set the tone for Stuttgart’s smallest model to shake it off is boxy persona in favour of a properly styled premium hatch to rival the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series.
Five years down the line, the three-pointed star’s local division chose to Cape Town to unveil its newest model for the South Africa market, some six months after the internally designated W177 debuted internationally.
The son of CLS
Claimed to be more “youthful and dynamic” as well as “grown-up and comfortable”, the W177 appears to be more of a styling evolution over its predecessor, but look closer and you will notice a sleeker and more aggressive stance than any previous iteration.
Adopting a frontal appearance similar to the new CLS, the A-class introduces the brand's so-called "Sensual Purity" language to its most attainable model within the local market, which is highlighted by the slim wraparound headlights with integrated boomerang-styled daytime running LEDs, a long bonnet and short rear overhang with new LED taillights.
“Hey Mercedes”
The outside is however outshone by the interior, where Mercedes-Benz has seemingly gone all out to re-write the definition of what a modern layout should look like, as well as the amount of technology it contains.
Central to this is the much vaunted, function packed MBUX infotainment system, which combines the 10.25-inch digital instrument with a (optional) similarly sized infotainment display that not only looks futuristic and beautifully executed, but rates as world away from the old A-class’ woeful Comand system.
Controlled via the expansive haptic touchpad, the screen itself or by the toggle switch on the new steering wheel, the system is, however, more impressive by using the line “Hey Mercedes” followed by the command such “turn on the air-conditioning” or “open the sunroof”.
While some of the commands did take one or two tries to be carried out, it is rather slick otherwise and contributes to a cabin that looks classy and feels premium thanks to the turbine styled air vents, minimalist design, soft-touch plastic and the abundance of piano-key black inserts and real aluminium detailing.
New platform means a better ride
Despite the fitment of the optional leather AMG Line heated sport seats, rear legroom has not been compromised much in part to the A-class riding on the new MFA2 platform, which has resulted in a 127mm gain in wheelbase (2 729mm), 30mm in overall length (4 419mm), 16mm in width (1 796mm) and seven millimetres in height (1 440mm). In addition, boot space has been increased by 29-litres to 370-litres with the rear seats up.
The incorporation of the MFA2 has also had an effect on the biggest criticism of the old A-class, namely the choppy ride. On the entry-level A200, Mercedes-Benz has retained the torsion beam rear suspension while the sportier A250 gets the upgraded four-link setup at the rear.
Combined with a weight saving of some 20kg, the baby Benz rides smoother and generally felt more comfortable than the outgoing model, although it does become less compliant when you slot the Dynamic Select system to Sport mode - the other options being Eco, Comfort and Individual.
The Benz with a 1.3
On the power front, the initial A-class line-up will be a petrol affair with a turbodiesel and the fire-breathing AMG models, made up of the new A35 and A45, arriving next year.
Whereas the A250 comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbo producing 165kW/350Nm, the A200 swaps the previous 1.6-litre motor for a brand-new 1.3-litre co-developed with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which punches out 120kW/250Nm. Both models are solely offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.2-litres/100km for the A200, and 6.2-litres/100km for the A250.
The drive
Expected to account for the majority of A-class sales, the 165km launch route from the Mother City to the areas surrounding Wellington, Villiersdorp and Franschhoek was conducted in the A200 fitted with a host of AMG exterior paraphernalia, including the optional Dynamic Body Control suspension and 19-inch M-spoke light alloy wheels.
Taking the drenched Cape roads in its stride, the A200 felt composed and refined, although slightly hampered by initial turbo-lag and the gearbox being hesitant to swap cogs when you plant your right foot. This was most evident over the notorious Franschhoek Pass where a good helping of revs was needed to keep the little motor on the boil, in spite of using the steering wheel mounted shift paddles.
Conclusion
As big a departure as the W176 was from the W169, the W177 A-class has now firmly established itself as being a worthy wearer of the three-pointed star both in the looks department, the level of technology on offer and premium factor that consumers desire within this segment.
Counting in its favour is the price which at R499 000 for the A200 and R593 300 for the A250 sans options, appears steep on paper, but outmatches its rivals from Ingolstadt and Munich, which are both expected to be replaced next year.
