WHAT IS IT

The third-gen A-Class is about to make way for an all-new model, so Mercedes-Benz has launched this special edition A180 hatchback with added visual spice and a tempting driveaway price to help clear the decks. It’s called the City Edition, and while it’s ostensibly a prettier version of the same old car, there’s some merit to its value proposition if you’re ready to buy a small, premium hatch right now.

WHY WE’RE DRIVING IT

Merc’s compelling driveaway pricing for the City Edition only runs to the end of February, so now is the time to drive it. For the next little while the A180 City Edition should be the best value way into the segment.

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THE WHEELS VERDICT

Merc’s honest A180 hatchback is still an endearing little runabout even after all these years, and though the City Edition’s upgrades make no material difference to the A180’s core attributes, the added kerbside allure at its sharpened driveaway price succeed in lifting the A180’s appeal.

THE WHEELS REVIEW

GRABBING on to the low rungs of a prestige manufacturer’s model ladder sometimes means buying a disproportionately expensive badge with little substance attached to it.

Mercedes-Benz sought to undo that stereotype with the third-gen A-Class at its launch back in 2013, and subsequent updates have kept even the base A180’s feature set plump when compared to its rivals.

Now, there’s an all-new fourth-generation A-Class due later this year that promises to push the segment status quo further, but shoppers in the market canvassing showrooms for the best buy before then need not stress. The three-pointed star’s outgoing hatch is still worth a look-in, particularly in limited A-Class City Edition guise.

Elevating the City Edition above normal A180s are 18-inch AMG alloy wheels in black (up from standard 17s), LED headlights with daytime running lights and blue welcome light, LED taillights and reversing light, a gloss black front grille and beltline trim strip, tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar back, and black side-mirror caps. Inside, the standard sports seats are trimmed in black/red or black/green fabric and leatherette.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 90kW and 200Nm, with peak torque available across a thick wedge of its rev-range starting from a low 1250rpm. The engine is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which isn’t the snappiest off the mark or the swiftest between gears, but does smoothly deliver torque once up and running. Together the powertrain achieves claimed economy of 5.8L/100km.

The A-Class range received a relatively comprehensive Series II update in 2016, which added adaptive dampers to the rest of the line-up. Sadly that upgrade skipped over the A180, and dynamic suspension is still unavailable in the City Edition. Thus, the A180 on its bigger 18s does have a somewhat agitated ride even with its sophisticated independent rear suspension. Its cabin is also on the noisy side and boot space is relatively limited at 341 litres.

Mercedes-Benz expects to sell out of all A180 City Editions before the driveaway deal ends on Feb 28. Should any remain after that time the City Edition option pack will cost $1925 above the regular A180’s retail price of $38,700, with on-road costs on top of that.

SPECS

Model: Mercedes-Benz A180 City Edition Engine: 1595cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Max power: 90kW @ 5000rpm Max torque: 200Nm @ 1250-4000rpm Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch Weight: 1395kg 0-100km/h: 8.6s Fuel economy: 5.8L/100km Price: $39,990 driveaway On sale: Now