What We Like
Turbocharged 1.4-litre paired to a new DCT is surprisingly punchy and silky
Spacious all around
Rides comfortably
Handsome to boot
What We Dislike
Powertrain runs a little out of juice at speeds above 140km/h
The Mercedes-Benz A250 may be the current go-fastest grommet in the company's new A-Class family but it is its littler sibling, the A200 that left a much stronger impression on me.
The slower car, really?
Ditching its predecessor's turbocharged 1.6-litre for a smaller 1.4-litre, the new A200 may initially seem like another unfortunate victim of the downsizing trend. But a mere 10 minutes behind the wheel reveals a truth that's entirely the opposite.
Although technically more of a 1.3-litre than a 1.4-litre (considering that it's 1,332cc but Mercedes prefers marketing it as the latter), the new engine produces 161bhp and 250Nm of torque, which is a couple more horses than what the old 1.6-litre was capable of.
The A200 may only be powered by a 1.4-litre engine but it's backed by a healthy 161bhp and 250Nm of torqueIt also helps the new A200 get from zero to 100km/h in eight seconds flat - slightly quicker than before.
However, its improved fleet-footedness is but half of the powertrain's magic. Unless you've got an ultra sensitive tushie, most won't really feel the increased power. Instead, what can easily be felt is how instantaneously and how smoothly the boosted power is delivered from down low.
A gentle prod of the accelerator will send the A200 happily along and a good shove will result in the front tyres struggling for traction before the car spurts ahead.
Its point and shoot performance belies the downsized engine beneath its beautifully sculpted bonnetWhile all that's happening, its new seven-speed dual-clutcher will keep up with the rising revs by swopping cogs quicker and smoother than a Japanese bullet train passing Mount Fuji.
Downsized capacity, upsized economy tech
At the same time, Mercedes has also equipped it with cylinder shut-off technology to improve fuel economy. Between 1,250rpm and 3,800rpm and under light load, it operates only on two cylinders.
The only very minor downside to the new configuration is that once you're pushing past 140km/h, the car can get a little breathless when you put your foot down for more. Still, it's a tiny trade-off for otherwise a gem of an engine.
The A200 has killed two birds with one stone with its heightened driving abilities and newfound pliancy
I'm sold. Does it ride as nicely as the more expensive A250, though?
Very much so, even with its less fancy twist beam rear suspension. Mercedes has picked the brains of its best engineers and tweaked the chassis, suspension and control arms of the new A-Class for not just improved pliancy but also sharper handling characteristics.
The slower car, really?
Ditching its predecessor's turbocharged 1.6-litre for a smaller 1.4-litre, the new A200 may initially seem like another unfortunate victim of the downsizing trend. But a mere 10 minutes behind the wheel reveals a truth that's entirely the opposite.
Although technically more of a 1.3-litre than a 1.4-litre (considering that it's 1,332cc but Mercedes prefers marketing it as the latter), the new engine produces 161bhp and 250Nm of torque, which is a couple more horses than what the old 1.6-litre was capable of.
However, its improved fleet-footedness is but half of the powertrain's magic. Unless you've got an ultra sensitive tushie, most won't really feel the increased power. Instead, what can easily be felt is how instantaneously and how smoothly the boosted power is delivered from down low.
A gentle prod of the accelerator will send the A200 happily along and a good shove will result in the front tyres struggling for traction before the car spurts ahead.
Downsized capacity, upsized economy tech
At the same time, Mercedes has also equipped it with cylinder shut-off technology to improve fuel economy. Between 1,250rpm and 3,800rpm and under light load, it operates only on two cylinders.
The only very minor downside to the new configuration is that once you're pushing past 140km/h, the car can get a little breathless when you put your foot down for more. Still, it's a tiny trade-off for otherwise a gem of an engine.
I'm sold. Does it ride as nicely as the more expensive A250, though?
Very much so, even with its less fancy twist beam rear suspension. Mercedes has picked the brains of its best engineers and tweaked the chassis, suspension and control arms of the new A-Class for not just improved pliancy but also sharper handling characteristics.
The car is such a tighter and more cohesive package than before. Not only does it turn in better and sit through corners flatter but it also rides as if Rolls-Royce helped sprinkle some magic as a finishing touch, making it easily the best-riding car in its class.
And it does get all the cool tech too, I assume?
Much of that will be optional, as the adaptive suspensions are. Our test car had the full-bodied 10.25-inch freestanding dual-screen system but the standard 7.0-inch one is every bit as crisp and fluid in operation.
The MBUX's clarity and design will seriously give Audi and BMW a good run for their moneyA plethora of electronic driver aids such as Active Brake Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist and Evasive Steering Assist are also available.
Varying from situation to situation, they can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether.
Thanks to its stretched proportions, you can get more comfortable at the back than previously allowed
That's super cool but how's space?
Put simply, the A200 has grown in size all around, while still keeping its weight below its predecessor's. So what you get now is more shoulder, elbow and headroom, as well as easier entry to the rear.
Trunk proportions have also been bumped up to 370 litres, the loading aperture is 200mm wider than before, and the luggage compartment floor is 1,150mm longer. Indeed, it's a car that's grown up in every sense of the term.
Its boot isn't just able to hold more gear thanks to a 29-litre increase but is now easier to access with a wider loading aperture
Sounds like an all-rounder deserving of the Benz badge, then?
For sure. It'll satisfy all sorts of small family needs with its increased spaciousness, improved quietness and near-sublime suppleness, while also enticing enthusiasts with its remarkably reformed driving characteristics and seductive design when it arrives in the fourth quarter of this year.
What's not to like?
And it does get all the cool tech too, I assume?
Much of that will be optional, as the adaptive suspensions are. Our test car had the full-bodied 10.25-inch freestanding dual-screen system but the standard 7.0-inch one is every bit as crisp and fluid in operation.
Varying from situation to situation, they can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether.
That's super cool but how's space?
Put simply, the A200 has grown in size all around, while still keeping its weight below its predecessor's. So what you get now is more shoulder, elbow and headroom, as well as easier entry to the rear.
Trunk proportions have also been bumped up to 370 litres, the loading aperture is 200mm wider than before, and the luggage compartment floor is 1,150mm longer. Indeed, it's a car that's grown up in every sense of the term.
Sounds like an all-rounder deserving of the Benz badge, then?
For sure. It'll satisfy all sorts of small family needs with its increased spaciousness, improved quietness and near-sublime suppleness, while also enticing enthusiasts with its remarkably reformed driving characteristics and seductive design when it arrives in the fourth quarter of this year.
What's not to like?
