Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars for sale

What is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

After toying with the idea of a smaller, less expensive range of cars since the mid-1980s, Mercedes-Benz finally took the plunge with the A-Class, which first reached UK shores in 1998.

• Read our expert 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class review

We’re now into the fourth-generation of models sold under the A-Class banner, with numerous offshoots sold under different names. Those core models are direct rivals to other posher compact family cars such as the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo V40 and higher-spec versions of more mainstream offerings such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

At-a-glance 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class specs

• Top speed: 126-155mph
• 0-62mph: 4.5-10.3 seconds
• Fuel economy: 32-68mpg
• Emissions: 108-67g/km of CO2
• Boot space: 370-1,210 litres

Which versions of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are available?

Appearing to be a svelte styling evolution of its predecessor, the Mk4 A-Class made its debut in 2018.

Sales of the five-door Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback (the W177 if you’re into your internal codenames) began in time for the summer, with a new bodystyle – the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon (V177) being available to order from the end of the year.

As before, there will be a number of other models released based on the A-Class including Mk2 iterations of the CLA Coupe and Shooting Brake, the third-generation B-Class, a replacement for the GLA and a further new line in the shape of the longer GLB crossover.

As the fourth-generation model is relatively new, the range is still to be expanded, but so far it comprises of the petrol-powered A 180 and A 200 (both 1.3-litre), plus the A 220 and A 250 (this pair have a 2.0-litre motor), while diesels are the A 180 d (1.5-litre), with the A 200 d and A 220 d (2.0-litre) topping the range.

Trim levels follow Mercedes’ usual SE, Sport and AMG Line hierarchy, and although most A-Classes are front-wheel drive, 4Matic all-wheel drive is available on certain versions.

What are the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and A 45?

There’ll be two tiers of high-performance Mercedes-AMG A-Classes in time, but so far we’ve in Mk4 guise we’ve only seen the less powerful A 35, although it still packs over 300hp of performance from its 2.0-litre engine.

Before the end of 2019 the replacement for the A 45 will also be available – while details are as yet unconfirmed, we expect a development of the A 35’s engine, but cranked-up to produce over 400hp and a sub-4.0-second 0-62mph time.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class styling and engineering

Underneath the A-Class’s bodywork is a platform known by Mercedes as MFA2 (Modular Front Architecture 2), with two types of rear suspension, with more expensive models using a costlier multi-link arrangement.

Smaller engines are sourced from Renault – and consequently also appear in various Dacia and Nissan models – but the larger 2.0-litre units are Mercedes’ own design.

While the exterior might look similar to the A-Class it replaced, the interior is a breath of fresh air, the dashboard dominated by two screens, of varying sizes depending upon how much the buyer spends on it.

Is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class good to drive?

It’s significantly better than the firm-riding Mk3 A-Class, but it still lacks the balance and finesse of BMW’s 1 Series, although the gap is nowhere near as pronounced as it was.

While its dynamic credentials aren’t up to BMW standards, it can be made to ride with greater compliance than its arch-rival, although Britain doesn’t get all of the adaptive suspension options offered to European markets.

Pricier A-Classes have multi-link rear suspension that benefits both comfort and roadholding, but specifying larger alloy wheels will counter this benefit.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class cost?

Whether you’re looking to buy an A-Class outright or finance one on a PCH or PCP scheme, you’ll find them to be expensive, despite strong resale values.

If you can afford to wait until they drop significantly, you’ll find better value-for-money with either its Audi or BMW rivals.

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