When the third-generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class was launched back in 2013, the big news was that it was no longer an MPV-like, high-roofed small hatchback, in its place was a sleek, sporty, albeit less practical but more desirable hatch.
In a segment which contains the hugely popular Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, the A-Class is a popular premium alternative and stands up well against its rivals.
Most cars receive a number of revisions during a models life cycle and this third-generation A-Class is just about to release its first round of updates.
Here we take you through the key changes and important new features to watch out for, plus any deals which may be available on the outgoing version.
To the naked eye
If you were to put the revised model alongside the current A-Class you may struggle to notice any differences at first. Famed for its sporty looks and distinctive styling, Mercedes-Benz was keen not to mess with the A-Class’s design too much and instead has tweaked a few features to further enhance its sporty appeal.
A new front bumper and diamond grille (which used to be optional) with a new single bar design are among the big changes, plus there are now nine new alloy wheel designs for car buyers to choose from plus new front and rear lights.
Step inside the revised A-Class and new materials have been added including some chrome touches available on higher trims.
There are new sports seats available too with either green or red stripes and optional ambient lighting is now littered throughout the cabin in the doors, cupholders, passenger footwell and head restraints with 12 colours to choose from and brightness adjustments available.
You can also get optional comfort seats which offer more support and come with an adjustable cushion.
Changes on the road
Comfort has been a key focus for this revised A-Class and this latest model has undergone extensive testing using various simulators to try and improve the ride quality.
Sport and AMG Line models come with Dynamic Select as standard which allows you to select four driving modes; Comfort, Sport, Eco and Individual and the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and air conditioning is modified to reflect the mode selected. New for 2015 is the ability to select different configurations for the steering, throttle response, engine and suspension settings – for example you can have the suspension in comfort with the steering in Sport.
Improved engine economy
You have a choice of three diesel and three petrol engines with the revised A-Class, plus a high performance model (more on that later).
If you’re looking for the ultimate in fuel economy, the A180 diesel is the pick of the range which, following some engine enhancements, now offers CO2 emissions as low as 89g/km (if specified in SE trim) down 3g/km over the previous version and fuel economy as high as 88.3mpg on the combined cycle.
The mid-range A200d diesel engine offers the best of both worlds with 134bhp and 300Nm of torque which enables the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds yet still offers a combined fuel economy of 69mpg plus CO2 emissions as low as 106g/km (depending on the wheel size).
Moving to the top of the diesel range, the A220d is now 7bhp more powerful than before with 174bhp and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.
If you’re considering buying an A-Class with a petrol engine, the A180 and A200 both offer compelling performance and economy figures. Both 1.6-litre engines accelerate to 0-62mph in under nine seconds while the lower-powered A180 offers combined fuel economy above 50mpg.
The A250 AMG now develops 215bhp instead of the previous 208bhp and when in combination with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission offers a new Launch Assist system for even faster acceleration from standstill reaching 62mph in 6.3 seconds.
Staying connected
The trim line up in the new A-Class has remained unchanged with three versions to choose from; SE, Sport and AMG Line.
A larger eight-inch centre console screen is standard on Sport and AMG Line cars and revised cars are available with an optional Smartphone Integration Pack which includes Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink for the first time.
If fitted, all you would need to do to integrate your phone into the car would be to plug-in your smartphone via the USB port – no need to sync using Bluetooth.
Leading hot-hatch performance
Like most of the other cars in the German firm’s range, the A-Class also has a flagship performance car in the range called the A45 AMG. Crucially for driving enthusiasts is that the 2-litre petrol engine and transmission have been reworked. The result – 376bhp and a 0-62mph time of just 4.2 seconds.
That’s not only quicker than its rivals but it also beats cars like the Aston Martin Vanquish and standard Porsche 911 and offers the same pace as a Jaguar F-Type R and BMW M6.
As an new optional feature on the new model, the AMG Dynamic Plus package includes a mechanical front axle locking differential, the AMG Ride Control sport suspension with adaptive damping and a fifth driving mode called Race.
Pricing: New vs old
With a revised model arriving in dealerships in September, now could be the perfect time to pick up a bargain on the outgoing model. Dealers will be keen to sell the outgoing stock before the new model arrives so there should be some good offers and incentives available.
Like the look of the new 2015 model? You can order the car now with prices starting at £21,065.
To read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class click here.
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