2013 Mercedes-Benz A250 Reviews

For years, tuning house AMG has been fitting large, loud V8s into Mercedes and turning swanky buyers into tyre-shredding louts.

The $50,000 question. Neither BMW nor Benz has played here. Neither has had a properly hot hatch that could be got on road under the ludicrous luxury car tax without undue deprivation of luxury.These turbo Teutons start at -- or not much above -- the norm for a European quick compact such as RenaultSport's Megane or Volkswagen's Scirocco. Indeed the entry Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series variants have never been cheaper. It's at $50,000, however, they warm up. Benz's A250 Sport is the range topper until September when the A45 AMG arrives to take on the BMW's 135i. The 250's true rival is the 125i.VALUEUnadorned, both cars start just shy of $50K. Optioned to the extent of our test cars they're just shy of 60. The 125i's $46,100 starting price is illusory. Manual sales are next to zero and BMW want all of $3077 for its eight-speed auto.That's $49,117 to the auto-standard Benz's $49,900. The latter includes bi-xenon headlamps, reverse camera, parking assist software and a panoramic sunroof. For these, the 125i buyer drops $4000.  Both gouge for metallic paint. It’s $1308 on the BMW, $1190 on the Benz.As driven, the Bimmer is $58,116 -- the balance of that sum reached with the sunroof ($2246); sat-nav system ($1385) and the M Sports kits which includes taut suspension, 18-inch wheels and negligible visual adornment ($5385).Our Benz is $59,060 before charges, the cool red-cut leather upholstery and lurid seatbelts being standard. The "COMAND" pack with eye level screen and multi media set up including voice control and digital radio is $2990.An AMG Exclusive pack which brings real visual lustre adds $2490 with the same sum again for the Driver Assist kit's array safety warnings. You're getting into a fully equipped, fast and fun prestige cars for well under the starting point of an interesting 3 Series or C-Class.TECHNOLOGYIndeed, in terms of sophistication these little luxury cars lose little except space to a full-size 5 Series or E-Class. Both engines are 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with direct fuel injection. BMW uses an eight-speed torque converter (i.e.: conventional) automatic to transmit 160kW and 310Nm to the rear wheels. With all of the latter turning up from about 1300 revs, the 125i returns 6.2L/100km and 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds.The Benz's auto is of the twin clutch type (strictly speaking an automated manual, much like Volkswagen's DSG) with seven ratios to pluck its 155kW/350Nm for the figure of 6.6-litres in juice use and 6.6 seconds in the sprint. Drive goes to the front wheels.DESIGNNext to the lustrous 'look-at-moi' Benz, the BMW is a sombre Mormon. The barely discernible sports kit does nothing to lift it. Even the five-spoke 18-inch alloys somehow look undersized in a construct that remains visually and functionally awkward in its second generation.Unremarkable without, underdone within. This interior is worth 30 grand, not the double charged. BMW's much-vaunted dynamic advantage of rear-wheel-drive is a design dead end in a small hatch, the transmission tunnel rendering useless the centre rear seat. The other back pews are intolerable for anyone over average height. Not for nothing is this to be the last rear-drive 1 Series.By polar, shining contrast the Benz's cockpit could be that of a $150K sports car. It's one of the interiors of the decade to date, an outstanding interface of function and cool; sophisticated yet simple. In exterior terms there's hasn't been a more striking five door hatch. Each time you approach it will gladden your heart.SAFETYStaggering levels of front end grip and neutral handling are the best means of ensuring you never trigger the Benz's nine airbags. So it is with the BMW's intuitive and progressive driving character. Naturally both cars have the maximum crash rating.Unfortunately both have run flat tyres without a spare. The Merc has a proper colour reversing camera to the 125's dated colour coded proximity graphic. Only the former leaves no doubt as to when a child strays into your path. The BMW also lacks the Benz's digital speedo and blind spot warning lights.DRIVINGHere the 125i regains ground. With the crown of the 3 Series slipping, this has become the brand's default driver's car.Yet the expensive sport suspension is crucial to its full enjoyment, disciplining the ride without making it impossible as have previous combinations of M Sport and runflats. It's a tasty engine, one from which this intuitive transmission gets the best whether urban grinding or dashing from apex to apex.In Comfort mode, but particularly Sport, delivery is hot, strong and smooth in a way the Merc's twin clutch auto is not. That not the fact power goes to the nose is the Benz's shortcoming. In Eco mode it climbs the gears as rapidly as revs allow. In Sport it holds gears interminably. Manual selections made through the shifting paddles are too readily refused. It can be irritating.The ideal setting would be somewhere between Eco and Sport. So it is with the forthcoming CLA. We bet someone in Stuttgart is tweaking the software even now.It's almost a matter of indifference that front wheels have to steer and drive. The Benz is supremely sorted. The DNA of the AMG tuning arm is felt everywhere, not least through the tiller. If the ever terse ride is too a high a price to pay for body control of this order, try the cheaper A200.That said, the BMW's unadulterated steering feel — light at low speed, firm when needed — is delicious. Such trueness of feel made BMW's rep and the hardcore will consider this worth the compromises the 125i otherwise entails. But they will be alone.Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport4.5/5 starsPrice: From $49,900Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol; 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed twin clutch auto; FWDThirst: 6.6L/100kmBMW 125i Auto3.5/5 starsPrice: From $49,177Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol; 160kW/310NmTransmission: 8-speed auto; RWDThirst: 6.2L/100km

After someone asks me what car I'm driving, the next thing they ask is invariably, “What's it like?'' When the answer to the first question is, “a Mercedes'', then the answer to the second one is invariable too: “The older I get, the more I like them.''There are two thoughts at work here. First, that the finely calibrated discrimination of maturity is required to appreciate their qualities; like stilton or single malt, perhaps. But also, and more ambiguously for the brand, that Mercedes are old people's cars.The image of Mercedes as a venerable maker of ponderous limousines is something it has been trying to shrug off for decades. It has no choice because the prestige car market has been changing. Luxury buyers increasingly demand smaller cars and non-luxury buyers increasingly demand, well, luxury.Then there's the issue of tighter and tighter emissions regulations, which are impossible to meet without small cars in your line-up.In some ways Mercedes was an early mover here. Its first crack at the small market was the A-Class from 15 years ago. However, it was not a happy birth. The tall tiddler famously failed a swerve-to-avoid manoeuvre known as the “elk test'', undertaken by a specialist magazine, and needed a PR rearguard action to avoid disaster.“The prospects for premium compact cars have never been better,'' Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche said when revealing the car last year. “We expect global demand to grow by more than four million units over the next 10 years.''Capturing some of those extra buyers is essential to Mercedes' goal of regaining No 1 spot in luxury sales by the end of the decade. “A stands for attack,'' Zetsche said, with 50 per cent of buyers expected to be new to the brand.At the Melbourne launch local chief Horst von Sanden was confident of selling 200 a month, many more than the previous A and B-Class put together. It will be a challenge for the dealer network, as Merc novitiates would demand the full three-pointed star treatment.“It's very important that we treat these newcomers to the brand like every loyal Mercedes customer would be treated,'' he said. “Although we have some aggressive and attractive pricing, they still accept a premium price, and for that they want something special.''VALUEThat price starts at $35,600, which is lower than the original 15 years ago. It sent a shiver through its rivals. Additional cost reassurance comes in the shape of a $1383 service contract to cover the first 50,000km or more than three years for an average driver. Who says Europeans are expensive to run?Equipment levels, however, would make a Merc buyer of only a decade ago recoil with envy. All cars are fitted with a seven-speed double-clutch automatic, so that's standard, so is useful stuff such as auto headlights and for the spatially challenged, a semi-automatic parking system. There are classy features such as ambient lighting and illuminated door sills.One feature much touted at last year's reveal was a high level of integration with Apple's iPhone. However, this requires a special kit that has yet to be confirmed for Australia. There's Bluetooth, but a $2990 option pack is needed for internet, digital radio and 10 gigabyte music storage.It's clear where costs have been cut. The leather is artificial unless you pay extra -- bundled with other bits it's $2490. Many levels have cheap racket seat adjustment and when the soft textures run out the plastics are any-level hatchback.DESIGNAn accessible price is just the start. Other A-Class lures are a combination of traditional Merc virtues and something new. The design is in-your-face, with large lights and grille the most conspicuous elements of a bulbous front end. There are pronounced style creases along the flanks, very much design du jour, while the rear is anonymous enough to be almost any small hatch. It's bold but not beautiful.The cabin is more successful. The surfaces are clean and uncluttered; there are soft textures at dash level and some below. The wands feel quality; so do the gearshift paddles and satin metallic highlights around door handles and vents. The button-gear and steering wheel are standard-issue Merc, a plus. A crisp control screen looks expensive. The boot looks big enough but the finish is not at mainstream Merc standards.TECHNOLOGYFor 2013, kit debuted only a few years ago on Merc's tech spearhead, the S-Class, has trickled down to the A. Of four engines on offer the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol is quickest by far but requires buying into the Sport trim and comes with some drawbacks. Its bass soundtrack has a thrumminess at constant revs and the quicker Sport steering is too quick, if anything.SAFETYFor many, Mercedes' reputation for safety will be a wallet winner and the A-Class has form here, having introduced electronic stability control to the segment in 1997. It also has a collision prevention system that alerts the driver and primes the brakes if it senses imminent impact with a car in front at speeds above 30km/h.DRIVINGIts Sport suspension struggles to control body movements on Australian country roads and the ride quality is brittle. The high-output version of the 1.6-litre in the A200 is quieter and slower but easier to live with. It has enough get up and go, and actually sounds terrific when you push it. I preferred the steering and suspension set-up.The 1.8-litre diesel in the A200 CDI won't kid you into mistaking it for a petrol engine, as some do, but it does pull strongly and for long hauls would be worth considering. One problem for all the cars was a bit more tyre noise than expected, a common problem among European imports. It was one reason the A-Class doesn't deliver the serenity you expect in a Merc.VERDICTThere's enough brand feel-good to make this a convincing junior Merc. And as the young brand adopters get older, they'll have acquired a taste for full-strength versions.NEED TO KNOWPrice: From $35,600 (A180) to $49,900 (A250) plus on-road costsEngines: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol (A180, A200); 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel (A200 CDI); 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol (A250)Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, front-wheel driveThirst: 4.6l/100km combined (A200 CDI); 5.8-6.6l/100km combined (petrol), CO2 135g/km

It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz Australia wants to compete in the affordable small-car market in this country. Well, in the top end of the affordable market - you wouldn't expect the iconic German luxury marque wanting to be down amongst the cut-throat entry-level Asian cars.This small Mercedes-Benz will appeal to the young and the young at heart. A combination of style and image means that something like 1000 Aussie buyers have already shown a serious interest in it, an interest likely to result in many names on dotted lines. If you’re halfway interested it might be an idea to get in touch with your local Mercedes dealer soon to avoid a waiting list.In September an extra-hot A45 AMG will be introduced. The ’45’ doesn’t stand for the engine size but to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the founding of AMG, the hot ‘tuning’ arm of the Mercedes-Benz group. Expect a price tag in the vicinity of $80,000.We attended the global launch of the A-Class in Europe midway through last year. Now the car has made it downunder - and has a price list starting at just $35,600 plus on-roads for the A 180.Despite that low price, for its upmarket class that is, the Mercedes A-Class is certainly not a stripped down special aimed at pulling customers into the showroom in the hope of selling them.Every model in the range has alloy wheels, cruise control, sports seats, a trip computer, a minimum of six speakers in the audio system, active park assist and a reversing camera, and an electric parking brake.The A-Class is almost an iPhone on wheels with the way it lets you communicate and/or entertain its occupants. Expect the features to become available on the bigger Benz models soon, but the A-Class has them first.All are automatics, using a seven-speed double-clutch transmission. Power comes from a choice of turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel engines. The petrol is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit in two stages of tune; producing 90 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque in the A 180, and 115 kW / 250 Nm in the A 200.The A 200 diesel’s peak figures are 100 kW and 300 Nm.We reported on the A 250 Sport two weeks ago on a separate launch. Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has 155 kW and 350 Nm.The third-generation A-Class has moved in a completely new direction – from being quirky at its 1997 launch to becoming a leading-edge contender for top marks in the automotive fashion scene.New Mercedes A-Class will sell on style alone. Just look at the bold front that carries more than passing styling cues to the high-performance AMG Gullwing SLS and Roadster. Then admire the way the style lines on the doors swoop up boldly to almost join the taillights.The all-new A-Class isn’t just about style; under that shapely skin it has the features you just don’t see in this class. Because in luxury, connectivity and safety it’s as well equipped as its big brothers.Mercedes has fitted the A-Class with multiple crash avoidance items of the type previously only found in much more expensive Mercs. Lane departure, blind-spot and tailgating warnings are all offered. Should everything still go wrong, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has occupant protection systems to minimise harm to occupants.You are given the choice of multiple driving modes ranging from sedate to sporting. This isn’t really intended to be a sports hatch – at least not until you get into the A 250 – but if a keen driver turns on all the correct settings in the lower cost models it gives them plenty of driving pleasure.New Mercedes A-Class has a nicely balanced feel and almost gives the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car. Throttle control is easy and the steering feedback is excellent. Yet, even with the sports setting turned on the car didn’t lose a lot in comfort, even on some of the interesting backroad Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific chose for our initial drive program out of Melbourne.

There's a war brewing in the hot hatch segment dominated for years by VW's Golf Gti. Already, Ford has chimed into the action with a hotrod Focus ST at a very sharp price, Opel has its Astra OPC waiting in the wings and as of early March, Mercedes-Benz will be targeting the Golf with its own version of a hot hatch called the A250 Sport.And what a car it is thanks in no small part to input from performance outfit AMG which had a big hand in A250 Sport development. Better than the current Golf?Probably though we would have to drive each back to back to really find out suffice to say the Benz is better equipped in “standard” trim and has a lot more torque rated at 350Nm from a low 1200rpm.The Benz also out powers Golf Gti by 10kW on overboost which achieves some 165kW over 4000rpm. A new generation Golf Gti is seven months away.EVIDENCEIf you need any more evidence Benz has Golf Gti firmly in its sights, look no further than A250 Sport pricing which starts at $49,900 - line ball with Golf Gti spec' adjusted.Benz offers four accessory packages with the A250 Sport that can add up to 10 grand to the price if you tick all the boxes. But you don't need to be given the level of kit provided from the ‘base’ car.KITIt includes 18-inch alloys. A seven speed dual clutch manumatic, reverse camera, auto head lights, active park assist, sports seats, high end audio with extensive media interfaces, nine air bags, an electric parking brake, Pre-safe crash preparation, attention assist among an extensive list. The Sport has requisite “sporty” kit inside including red rimmed vents, a carbon fibre-look dash, sport AMG wheel and sports pedals.THE LOOKIt's easy to pick on the outside because of the diamond-like grille that is a defining feature of the car and the face of the stunning concept on which the new A-Class was based. There's the usual front and rear air diffusers, body aero aids and a selection of attractive colours.ENGINEThat new generation engine is a 2.0-litre and will form the basis of the forthcoming AMG45 super hatches powertrain.In the Sport, it has a single turbo, direct injection and variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust side boosting output.The turbo is conventional not twin scroll nor variable geometry. Given this fact, the level of available performance and flexible delivery is quite surprising.PERFORMANCEIt pushes the Sport from 0-100kmh in 6.6 seconds and will consume as little as 6.6-litres/100km of premium. Drive is to the front wheels modulated by electronics to eliminate any torque steer effect under full throttle something that can cause problems with high performance front wheel drive cars.The underpinnings feature liberal use of aluminium and some clever technology designed to deliver a high level of sporty handling and responses coupled with a satisfying drive feel. AMG spent a lot of time at Germany's Nurburgring race track refining the A250 Sport's dynamics and it shows, right down to the throttle blip on down changes.They added stiffer roll bars to the car and dialled in more toe-in than usual to achieve what is quite stunning handling characteristics for a front drive five door hatchback. The rorty sounding exhaust is AMG tweaked, steering ratio is more direct, brake cooling is enhanced and sports stability control added to the package.ON THE ROADWe took the car on a searching drive near Melbourne and loved it. The firm suspension might not appeal to everyone but those who buy this car for drive feel will love it. The steering through corners is impressive, body control is flat and the engine has plenty of kick to pull the car hard out of tight corners. Big brakes make light work of repeated hard stops.The paddle shift is quick and the three mode drive select system offers Manual, Eco and Sport covering most applications.VERDICTBlink, love it.Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250 SportPrice: from $49,900Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 165kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clutch manumatic, FWDThirst: 6.6L/100Km, 152g/km CO2

It seems that the iconic German brand Mercedes-Benz can do no wrong when it comes to maintaining its excellent public image.Once seen only as a maker of large, expensive, very upmarket saloons, Mercedes first of all moved to midsize sedans with a vehicle now called the C-Class. Despite dire predictions the brand image remained as high as ever. The move into the 4WD and SUV field with the M-Class (made in the USA of all places) was less controversial, again the public was willing to accept the change in Mercedes’ thinking without blinking.Then came the biggest movement of all, Mercedes-Benz introduced a small city car called the A-Class. Not only did it have front-wheel drive, but also a price tag that wasn’t much higher than that of topline models from marques like VW, Mazda and Honda. Was this a scandal? Did traditional buyers of large, expensive, very upmarket Mercedes saloons desert the company? Nope, the brand continued on its profit-making, buyer-gathering course.As it moved its centre of gravity down into the relatively affordable field, Mercedes-Benz also moved from pure upmarket luxury to sporting performance, with the AMG division scoring big marks in sales. Indeed, Australia is number one in AMG global sales on a per capita basis.So when Mercedes-Benz Australia discovered that close to 50 per cent of pre-orders for its all-new A-Class were for the A250 Sport, which had design involvement from AMG, it decided to put on a special media event for A250 Sport a couple of weeks ahead of the launch of the rest of the A-Class models.DRIVINGWith a smile on our faces a small group of motoring journos has just stepped out of the little Merc hotshots. With up to 165kW of power and 350Nm of torque from the four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and the ability to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds was it any wonder?Throttle response is better than average for a turbo engine and once it is on song the engine not only sounds great but also provides virtually instant acceleration. Handling is superb for a front drive car and it’s possible to get a fair bit of throttle control in the A250 when you push it hard. There’s some torque steer and even axle tramp if you’re brutal in your driving, but that’s all part of the fun in a car like this.VALUEWith a recommended price of $49,990 the Mercedes A250 Sport doesn’t cost a lot more than the high-performance variants of cars from Ford, Renault, Subaru and Volkswagen. Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport is due to go on sale in early March at the same time as the rest of the all-new A-Class range.DESIGNObviously if you’re driving a performance car with Sport on its badges you will want to tell the world about it. So the A250 has a grille with a fascinating design that has an almost surreal look in the way it circles the Mercedes three-pointed star. There’s a body kit to set off the 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and lowered suspension.There are numerous touches of racing red, with details in the front splitter, rear diffuser and brake callipers, as well as inside the car in areas such as the surrounds of the ventilation outlets. The latter sit in a dash made sportier by pseudo carbon fibre. Dark privacy glass in the rear area give a luxury touch, the design of the sports seats and the leather trimmed steering wheel works nicely.Frankly, though we could do without the giant panoramic sunroof; not only does it add weight high up in the body, it also reduces rear seat headroom to the extent that some adults may not be comfortable back there. Which is a pity because the rear legroom is quite generous for a car of this size. Conversely, the high waistline makes it difficult for young kids to see out of the back seats.VERDICTIf the Mercedes A250 Sport sounds great, just wait till the A45 AMG arrives later in the year. With all-wheel drive and a predicted power output on the high side of 200 kW it should be really special. Expect a price tag of around $80,000.Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250Price: from $49,990Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService interval: 12 months/25,000kmCrash rating: 5-star (EuroNCAP)Safety: 9 airbags, ABS with hill hold, TC, ESP, Pre-Safe, Attention Assist, Collision Prevention AssistEngine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWDDimensions: 4.29m (L), 1.78m (W), 1.43m (H)Weight: 1445kgSpare: Inflation kitThirst: 6.6L/100km, 152g/km CO2

The A-Class isn’t as much a case of game on as it is game over. Mercedes is touting fashion-conscious new customers to the brand with all the guile and aggression of a carnie spruiker.The latest tech, the lithest looks and low pricing put rivals such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series on the back foot. The first local launch is for the A250 Sport; a hot hatch that has been fettled by the AMG performance crew for handling but doesn’t have the manic performance bent of the full-house A45 AMG A-Class.VALUEThis is where the A250 Sport really makes ground. A $49,900 price includes bi-xenon headlamps, a reversing camera, parking assist software and a panoramic sunroof. BMW’s 125i is $49,177 but misses out on all of the above. Optioning them starts to get scary - bi-xenons are $2040, a camera costs $900, park assist is $675 … It’s another $4000 to specify the eight-speed dual-clutch auto to compete with the Merc’s seven-speed self-shifter. The Audi A3 quattro costs $53,400 and comes with a six-speed dual-clutch auto. A sunroof adds $2650, the park assist is $850 and bi-xenons are $1950 for a package that includes satnav. Options for the A250 Sport include a $2990 Comand pack that adds a bigger screen with satnav, voice control and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system; a $2490 Exclusive pack with leather upholstery, electric and heated front seats and a dual-zone airconditioning with vents for the rear passengers..TECHNOLOGYMerc says it is chasing the “young at heart” with the A-Class and the technology reflects that. It earns the full suite of traditional safety software along with the latest iPhone integration to make the car an office on very potent wheels. The A250 Sport will reverse parallel-park and then drive the car out of the bay if driver competence isn’t capable of the task. Clever trick -- but if you need that level of assistance, hand in the licence. The mechanics are a front-driving turbo 2.0-litre engine good for 155kW/350Nm, running through one of the best-calibrated twin-clutch transmissions in the business.DESIGNThe court of public opinion voted in favour of keeping the concept A-Class’s diamond grille and it earns its first appearance on the A250 Sport. The multi-faceted design translates into a stand-out look against its more conservative competition. It’s the same with the interior lighting - open the door and the glowing Mercedes-Benz lettering in the sill is brand reinforcement and feelgood-factor in one.The dash is A3-esque in quality and attention to detail and the faux carbon weave and alloy-trimmed circular vents give it a more youthful feel. Ultimately it isn’t as slick as a top-range C-Class but at this price the car exudes more than a sniff of the premium features buyers covet in an entry-level prestige badge.The front seats are grippy, well-bolstered and easy to get comfy in, even if they’re not power adjustable. Rear space is restricted to two adults but Mercedes Australia deliberately took the higher-cost sports seats with a contoured-back to improved rear legroom and my 170cm frame has a reassuring gap to the roof.SAFETYANCAP hasn’t crash-tested an A-Class but sister outfit EuroNCAP gave it top marks, despite Euro models not having the pre-safe accident preparation software that’s standard here, along with nine airbags, an attention assist warning and Merc’s “Collision Prevention Assist” software that flashes and chimes a warning and primes the brakes according to the speed and distance if the driver is approaching a car ahead too quickly.The car is also built on the B-Class platform, which still holds the record for top marks with the Australian crash-test authority. Top-shelf gear, like adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane-keeping assist, is a $2490 “Driving Assistance” option across the range.DRIVINGThe A250 Sport looks, feels and smells like a Merc, will monster most hot hatches and is priced to offend its prestige - and many mainstream - rivals. Off-the-line acceleration is brisk - officially 6.6 seconds - but it’s the back roads-reality of tight corners and shorter straights where premium hatch excels. The seven-speed auto that was short-shifting every cog in the default economy mode to help come close to the claimed 6.6-litre fuel economy has an rapid response to accelerator pressure and hangs on to gears up to the redline.The hand of AMG can be felt through all five wheels, with both the suspension and steering tweaked by the go-fast gurus. Some will complain about the resultant jitteriness over small corrugations on the 18-inch low profile (40 series) rubber.  I’ll forgive the comfort against cornering trade-off - that’s why there’s a Sports tag appended to the A250 name - when the urban harshness progresses into an absorbing ride with braille-like handling feel as the pace picks up.Stability control intervention is barely perceptible unless the driver has lost the plot, at which point it will brake a wheel with enough force to be felt. Back seat passengers cop a bit more bounce and tyre noise on coarse surfaces but they’ll survive an interstate run unless they measure up well north of 180cm. If that’s the case, Mercedes has this new B-Class …VERDICTThere is no better premium performance vehicle for $50,000. Carsguide’s Paul Gover says the yet-to-arrive VW Golf VII is also a game-changer but the GTI will need to be wickedly quick, given the Merc’s inherent equipment edge and the indefinable mystique attached owning a three-pointed star. Bring on the AMG A45.Mercedes-Benz A250 SportPrice: from $49,490 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService interval: 12 months/25,000kmCrash rating: 5-star (EuroNCAP)Safety: 9 airbags, ABS with hill hold, TC, ESP, Pre-Safe, Attention Assist, Collision Prevention AssistEngine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWDDimensions: 4.29m (L), 1.78m (W), 1.43m (H)Weight: 1445kgSpare: Inflation kitThirst: 6.6L/100km, 152g/km CO2

Mercedes-Benz is about to take a club to Golf with the new, German made A-Class premium hatchback priced from around $36,000.It is one of five new buggies on the same new platform coming from Benz in the next two years. Some have front wheel drive, some drive all four wheels to get you out of the rough. A coupe and possibly two compact SUV variants are on the way.The baby Benz has a handicap advantage over Golf in standard equipment scoring a seven speed dual clutch ‘manumatic’ auto (DCT) across the range along with engine stop/start, self- park function  and nine air bags.Additionally, the crash preparation system Pre-safe is also included. A clever Apple- developed communications system that even chats to the driver is available as an option for about $2000.It makes A-Class into a virtual smart phone on wheels and includes 3D satnav with traffic information and allows seamless iPod or iPhone integration into the car. An Android version should be available when the A-Class arrives in Australia March 2013.THE RANGEWe’ll be getting turbo petrol models; the A180, A200 and A250 Sport and one turbo diesel; the A200CDi. Local cars will likely be available in two spec’ levels or alternatively, with locally developed feature-rich ‘packs.’ The 250 Sport will be highly specified as standard and is likely to come in at around $50,000 or about the same as an equivalently specified VW Golf GTi.THE ENGINESNew generation engines make their debut in the A-Class. The 180 and 200 petrol are 1.6-litres while the 250 is a 2.0-litre. Power outputs across the range go from 90-166kW while torque is rated between 200Nm-350Nm. A250 Sport has an overboost function to achieve and additional 11kW over the ‘normal’ output when in sport mode. The petrol engines are all direct injection with a new cam system called Camtronic that alters valve lift on the inlet side and also has cylinder cut-off for fuel savings.It’s the first time this system has been used in a production car. The A200 CDi is a 1.8 – again a new engine specifically developed for this new class of Benz and is good for 100kW/300Nm. All these engines pass the 2015 Euro 6 emissions regulations with extremely frugal fuel use (down into the mid 4.0 litre/100km range) and low carbon dioxide output.SAFETYDesigned from the outset to deliver a full five star level of crash protection, A-Class can be specified with a full suite of safety equipment from the Benz inventory including lane departure system, speed limit recognition and warning, Distronic radar cruise control and blind spot warning. All our local cars get the collision prevention system that takes control of braking in a potential crash situation if the driver doesn’t react and attention assist if you start to nod off behind the wheel.THE LOOKIn its metamorphosis from stunning concept to production car not that much changed with the A-Class. It has an aggressive frontal appearance, truncated rear and sculpted side panels that really command attention. Even the pointillist grille made it through to the Sport model while the others get a two bar diamond grille housing distinctive headlights and wild LED driving lights. It looks ‘the biz’ on the outside.INSIDEInterior styling marks a new trend for Benz with elements carried through from both the SLS and SL sports cars. It’s dominated by three metal ringed air vents atop the centre stack and a funky instrument console with metal face dials. The dash itself in Sport is something to behold with its carbon fibre finish.THE DRIVEWe got hold of the A200 petrol and diesel in Slovenia this week and also had a squirt in the A250 on a disused airfield marked out like a race track. You’d be happy with any of them especially their drive feel and the way they sit on the road. Benz has done a great job of engaging a driver’s senses in all dynamic aspects of the car especially the steering and ride. It feels almost predictive.A-Class will satisfy the enthusiast driver and then back up as a competent and easy to drive town hack. The DCT transmission is impressive with multiple modes available and quick changes up and down the range.  Noise levels are at a minimum partly because of the car’s Cd 0.27 aerodynamics. The Sport has strong power available at will and even sharper dynamics than the other cars as well as more purposeful looks and sound.But our pre-production test drive A250 Sports were a tad tardy off the line, something that will be addressed in the months before it goes on.Mercedes-Benz A-classPrice: from $36,000 (approx.)Safety: 5 starsEngine: 115kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol,155kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, 240kW turbocharged petrol 2.0-litre engine, 100kW 1.6-litre diesel engineTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 5.5l/100km, 6.4l/100km, 4.4l/100km 

Back in 1997 a moose that didn't exist gave Mercedes-Benz one heck of a publicity headache. The German carmaker's innovative new A-class compact model featured a 'sandwich floor' design that let engineers reduce overall length by tucking the engine under the front of the cabin.Problem was it also increased the A-class's height to the extent that the car could roll over when swerving in an emergency situation. A Swedish car magazine discovered this during its 'moose avoidance test'.Benz eventually rectified this dynamic flaw, but the damage was done. The A-class's undeniably innovative design was poleaxed by a moose that didn't exist. Fifteen years later, in a textbook example of 'if you can't beat 'em join 'em' Mercedes-Benz has completely redesigned the baby A-class along more conventional hatchback lines that it believes will have greater appeal with premium hatchback buyers in Australia and around the world.PRICES AND MODELSThe new A-class hatchback priced from $36,000 (approx.) is due in Australia in March 2013. Four/five-door front-drive models will be available initially.Top of the petrol range initially will be an A250 Sport, with a rorty 155kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and unique sports-tuned front suspension.Benz claims an impressive 6.6 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint, and an equally impressive fuel economy rating of 6.4l/100km. At just under $50k the A250 Sport won't be cheap though, especially when compared with the $42k VW Golf GTi.A high performance A45 AMG model will complete the five-door hatchback range in September 2013. Word is the first AMG version of an A-class will pack a 240kW, turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and employ an all-wheel drive system to get the power down. Expect to pay over $60,000 for this scorching sub-five-second hatchback. Just one diesel A-class will be offered, also badged an A200, and with an automatic transmission. Its 100kW 1.6-litre engine uses just 4.4-litres per 100km.SAFETYThe A-class's safety portfolio includes nine airbags and ESC in a safety-structure expected to deliver a five-star crash safety rating. All models will come with Benz's Pre-Safe collision avoidance system, Distronic radar cruise control, self-parking and Bluetooth connectivity. Benz would not confirm if a reversing camera would be standard across the range.DESIGNA-class development boss Rudiger Rutz says the move to a more conventional hatchback body was inevitable. "From the perspective of an engineer was interesting," he told CarsGuide, "but when you asked our customers what they liked of the old A-class, they don't mention the sandwich floor, or the underfloor engine placement.Yes, they mentioned the higher seating position, but the high body had some impact on driving dynamics."For those who want the high seating position we have the new B-class. For those who want a more conventional, sportier premium hatchback, this is the A-class for them." The new A-class is 16cm lower, yet there's no shortage of headroom front or rear for full-size adults. The new car is 39cm longer but most of this is because the engine is no longer tucked under the cabin floor. Even so, rear seat legroom is not a problem, and boot space of 341 litres is decent for this class of car.DRIVINGThe driving experience is chalk and cheese compared to the old model. CarsGuide sampled the A250 Sport, and A200 petrol and diesel models at the world launch in Slovenia earlier this week. All models pack a sporting dynamism the stodgy old A could never hope to match.The new A-class goes, steers and stops with a willingness and tactility that makes it lots of fun to drive both enthusiastically and sedately. The 155kW 2.0-litre petrol engine packs a vigorous punch, and has a rorty tone that's very un-Benz-like.Even the A200's 1.6-litre petrol engine, which most Australians are expected to buy, accelerates willingly from low speeds and shows plenty of pluck at pace. The 7-speed automatic can be a little slow to react to manual changes, but there's no criticising the smoothness of its gear changes.VERDICTQuestion marks remains over how the firm -- and it is very firm -- suspension tune of the European models we drove shod with 18inch tyres will translate to Australian surfaces. Despite that, this new A-class is a convincing premium sports hatch, and it should have little to fear from mooses, imaginary or otherwise.Mercedes-Benz A-classPrice: from $36,000 (approx.)Safety: 5 starsEngine: 115kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol,155kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, 240kW turbocharged petrol 2.0-litre engine, 100kW 1.6-litre diesel engineTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 5.5l/100km, 6.4l/100km, 4.4l/100km