Mercedes blows A-Class

Newswheel staff :: 12 October 2005 :: Filed under Hatchback, Mini MPV / People carrier, Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz A-Class, Europe & UK

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Entry-level Merc gets turbo treatment

The Mercedes A-Class has a new flagship, the A200 turbo. Powered by a blown 2-litre four, the new model kicks out 193bhp and 207 lb/ft. Mercedes is claiming 7.5 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint and a Vmax of 141mph.

With front drive transmission and a four cylinder turbo petrol engine, it’s hardly a classic Mercedes. But in three-door form and riding on lowered sports suspension and 18-inch AMG alloys, it’s certainly the sexiest of the recently introduced new A-Class range. Whether it’s £20,695-worth of sexy, is another matter. And that’s just for the base three door model. Add a few essential accoutrements from the encyclopaedic MB options list and you’ll be forking out £30,000 before you can say BMW 330i.

The new A-Class is a substantial step forward, inside and out, over the cheap and plasticky feeling first generation model. But we still feel the car would benefit from a classier range of engines. Surely a compact six cylinder engine would set the car apart from the opposition and help justify the premium pricing.