Mercedes A-Class 2013 Review

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was introduced in 1997 as clever city car that was shorter than any other production car on the road.

Thus giving it an advantage in the ongoing parking battle that’s an unpleasant part of living in large European cities. It sold in huge numbers in Europe, over two million in total, but was only a moderate success in Australia.

That’s likely to change as soon as the new model hits our shores because Mercedes has completely changed direction. This Mercedes will sell on style alone. Just look at the bold front that carries more than passing styling cues to the high-performance SLS Gullwing and Roadster.

VALUE

Pricing is yet to be finalised for Australia but it’s known Mercedes is keen to compete in the top end of the affordable small-car market. We anticipate the local importer to sharpen its pencil and begin its price list in the mid thirty thousands.

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. The connectivity designers have opted to pair the car with Apple’s iPhone initially, but Android units will soon be able to join the game.

DESIGN

This Mercedes will sell on style alone. Just look at the bold front that carries more than passing styling cues to the high-performance SLS Gullwing and Roadster. Then admire the way the style lines on the doors swoop up boldly to create a look-at-me statement.

There’s nothing shy and retiring about this new Mercedes-Benz, it will appeal to the young and the young at heart in a big way. Indeed, may we suggest that if you’re interested in buying one a quick call to your local Mercedes dealer is in order. We can see a waiting list building rapidly.

TECHNOLOGY

Yet the new Mercedes 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.

Power for the standard models in the new A-Class comes from a variety of petrol and diesel engines. It will be sold in Mercedes’ usual Urban, Sport and Luxury versions. A number of further items can be added to customise the car to your taste.

SAFETY

Given that some silly drivers will allow themselves to become distracted by the in-car communications systems, some are disabled when the car is moving. It has also fitted with a suite of crash avoidance items as in the more expensive Mercs. Lane departure, blind-spot and tailgating warnings are all offered on the new A-Class. Should everything still go wrong the A-Class has occupant protection systems to minimise harm to those inside.

DRIVING

But enough about the all-new Mercedes A-Class as a platform for the latest in electronic communication, what’s it like as a car?

In a word, excellent. You are given the choice of multiple driving modes ranging from sedate to sporting. This isn’t really intended to be a sports hatch, but if a keen driver turns on all the correct settings it gives them plenty of driving pleasure.

We were able to experience A-Class in Slovenia as part of the international launch program. Driving it on some of the most scenic mountain roads we have every experienced.

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 through the electro-mechanical system is excellent. Yet, even with the sports setting turned on the car didn’t lose a lot in comfort.

Unusually, we were permitted to try an upcoming sporting version of the A-Class with AMG modifications during the latter stages of its development. The engineering staff were working on the final details of the engine and double-clutch DCT transmission tune for the A25 Sport and demonstrated their work to us as well as allowing us brief test drives.

This testing was done in interesting circumstances - in pouring rain on an airport runway closed for the occasion. It was heaven for keen revheads like us; slippery surfaces and nothing to hit if we did get things wrong...

Further down the road an extra-hot A45 AMG will be introduced. The ‘45’ doesn’t stand for the engine size (pity!) but rather to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the founding of AMG.