Review: Mercedes A-Class—The Baby Benz

By Jobo

Customers are definitely Mercedes's greatest asset. I do not own a Mercedes; however, after 750 kilometers and counting, I soon realized I was behind the wheels of a funky and contemporary Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes I am driving is the baby of the Benz fleet. My first impression of this new baby is far from what I feel now.

I'm not sure how much longer I'll have the opportunity to test-drive cars in my life, but in my experience so far, small cars have evolved rather drastically over the last few years. I've even been told in no uncertain terms that small cars these days are more sophisticated, technically advanced and pretty much ride like the wind. And as I continue to spend a proportionate amount of time driving and chasing the sunset to determine what's next, here is my two cents.

Also Read: BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes Benz A-Class

"Small cars" - are the future. From the looks of it, Mercedes-Benz India did not wish to waste any time in unleashing the luxurious premium family friendly hatchback A-class in India. So is this baby benz a futuristic punk? Read on to find out.

The story continues in the next section. Click through the slides for more:

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

This premium family friendly hatchback was launched in India on May 30, 2013. Browse through the featured slides for my review.

Design ~

Design ~

Designer Mark Fetherston has surely given some serious thought to the A-Class's design. The design is distinctively brought to you by Mercedes. The styling cues make this Benz look aerodynamically efficient.

*** Fact - The A-Class is the most aerodynamically efficient car in its class with a drag coefficient of 0.26.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

The A-class will command considerable road-presence with its forward movement shaped front grille and headlamps that is a spitting image of its larger siblings. The A-class will compete with the upcoming Audi A3, BMW 1 series and recently launched Volvo V40 in India.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

The A-class's front fascia has similar design cues to that of the recently launched B-class. The front grille of the A-Class comprises of diamond shaped aluminium bits and the first 400 cars rolled out in India will be offered in this style. The headlamps also feature a series of LEDs.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

The detailing on the A-Class is impeccable. It has been given the trademark Mercedes-styled body creases. You will notice the high-silled rear windows which dip into the front.

The A-Class is definitely not a cramped hatchback. When measured, the wheelbase is longer than a Volkswagen Jetta (sedan).

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Wheelbase: 2699 mm

Volkswagen Jetta Wheelbase: 2633 mm

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

When it comes to the A-Class rear design, you will be captured by the LED tail-lamps and twin exhaust pipes. And if you are trailing the A-Class, rest assured you will know when the A-Class driver has hit the brakes!

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

The A-Class interiors give you a premium hatchback appeal. The cabin is well constructed and glossy, which gives you the distinctive Mercedes confidence while driving.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

Here is a close-up of the standalone screen which displays navigation and communication information.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

When you steer this baby benz, you will have no complaints. Mercedes has given the A-class a three-spoke steering wheel.

Experts at Mercedes have given serious attention to the centre dome and console. Various elements including the air conditioning operating unit and head unit are ergonomically positioned.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

The A-Class seats are sporty with integrated head restraints. The seat feels comfortable during your drive and is even reminiscent of being seated in a sports utility vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

The A-Class offered in India, comes in 1.5-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre Diesel engines.

The A-Class we drove was powered by a 1595cc inline-four, petrol engine. This engine is mated to a 7-speed, dual clutch automatic gearbox and churns out 122 bhp @ 3200 RPM and 200 Nm torque @ 1250 RPM.

On The Road ~

On The Road ~

Indian roads did test the A-Class to a whole new level. On highways, this baby Benz tucked into high-speed corners with ease and held its line quite firmly.

Talk about a weekend getaway over bad surfaces, and the A-Class will get hurt. Your best option is to stick to clean roads.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review by Jobo Kuruvilla

The fuel tank capacity on the A-Class is 50 litres with a 6 litre reserve tank. The A-Class returned 12.4 litres/100 kilometres (8.06 kilometres per litre). These figures were achieved under harsh driving conditions.

*** Claimed Mileage (ARAI) - 15.5 kpl.

Pros , Cons & X-Factor

Pros , Cons & X-Factor

Pros:

  • Tiptop interiors
  • Features-galore
  • Smooth 7-speed gearbox
  • Cons:

    • Laid-back power delivery from the engine
    • 5th occupant not in the picture
    • Limited headroom for taller occupants
    • X-Factor:

      • Styling and Design
      • Pricing

        Pricing

        The A-Class is priced between Rs. 20 - 25 lakh range. The closest competitors come in the form of BMW 1series, and Audi A3.

        About Mercedes-Benz India

        About Mercedes-Benz India

        Mercedes-Benz India is a subsidiary of Daimler AG, a German-owned automobile manufacturer. The company in India, manufacturers luxury and commercial vehicles and our based in Poona, Maharashtra.

        For further details visit: www.mercedes-benz.co.in

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Article Published On: Monday, September 2, 2013, 15:57 [IST]
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