Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Which spec is best

Mercedes-Benz has launched an all-new version of its A-Class hatch, which is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the latter part of 2018. That means the current model will be entering run-out phase, and there should be great opportunities to score a good deal on this well-equipped premium hatch. But which current-model A-Class variant represents the sweet spot in the range?

A-CLASS RANGE OVERVIEW

There are five A-Class spec levels; A180, A200, A200d, A250 Sport and the Mercedes-AMG A45, which have increasingly powerful turbocharged engines as you go up the range. There’s also a diesel and each engine is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The A180 kicks off the range at $38,700 and is powered by a 1.6-litre engine which produces 90kW and 200Nm.

Standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch entertainment screen with reversing camera, digital radio, satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

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Mercedes-Benz A-250

It also comes with four ‘Dynamic Select’ driving modes, climate-control air-conditioning, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, dusk sensing headlights, Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and active park assist, which automatically steers into a parking a space.

Standard active safety features include automatic emergency braking, a fatigue monitor and blind-spot alert.

Next up are the A200 and A200d, which differ by their engines. The A200 has a more powerful version of the A180’s 1.6-litre turbo petrol, which produces 115kW/250Nm. The A200d has a 100kW/300Nm turbo diesel engine, which is the only oil-burner in the range. The A200d has exceptional claimed combined fuel economy of 4.0L/100km.

The A200 and A200d are otherwise identical, with extra features over the A180 including power adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, power folding external mirrors, diamond pattern interior trim and bigger 18-inch alloys.

The A250 Sport pushes hot hatch territory, with its 160kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, firmer sports suspension, perforated brake discs and sportier themed interior trim including a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

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Mercedes-AMG A45

You also get keyless entry, sunroof, and long-lasting LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights.

The AMG A45 hot –hatch has powerful 280kW/475Nm turbo petrol engine which can propel it from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The A45 also has a host of extra features over the A250 Sport to justify the hefty $23,411 additional cost, including 19-inch alloys wheels, stronger brakes, leather-trimmed sports seats, heated and power adjusted front seats with memory, dual-zone air-conditioning and premium audio system. Lane keeping assist and active cruise control add to the standard active safety features.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class manufacturer’s list pricing

• Mercedes-Benz A180 - $38.700
• Mercedes-Benz A200 - $44,300
• Mercedes-Benz A200d - $44,800
• Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport - $55,200
• Mercedes-AMG A45 - $78,611

OUR PICK

The A200’s more powerful version of the 1.6-litre petrol engine makes it more enjoyable to drive than the A180, without significantly increasing fuel consumption – it drinks 6.1L/100km compared to the A180’s 5.8L/100km. And it comes with some appealing extra features.

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If you’re after extra kit, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a City Edition of the A180 and A200 which adds a host of cosmetic additions to toughen up their look, including 18-inch AMG alloy wheels in high-gloss black; high-gloss black grille, black exterior mirrors, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, LED front, rear and daytime running lights, lowered sports suspension, Artico synthetic leather sports seats, flat-bottomed steering wheel and AMG floor mats.

The A180 City Edition costs $39,990 drive-away, which makes it cheaper to buy than the standard A180, while the A200 City Edition costs $46,670 with no drive-away price deal.