Although the original A-Class was infamous for rolling during the ‘Elk Test’ before it was significantly re-engineered, expect high standards of safety in the new model. It achieved the maximum possible five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. A notable safety feature is the double layer floor which pushes the engine under the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision and there’s plenty of safety equipment (although only four airbags as standard).

Mercedes doesn’t provide dead-locks on its cars claiming these hamper rescue attempts in an accident scenario.

The interior has been thoughtfully developed to give decent load carrying ability. There’s an adjustable height floor, giving the option of a deeper boot, or a lipless, flat-floor. The rear seats split and fold and can be totally flipped forward. Also there is the potential to store the rear seat-cushions under the floor in the boot. An optional system also allows the rear seatbacks to be removed and the front passenger seat to be folded flat or removed as well.

With 435 litres (in both the three and five-door) the boot area is considerably larger than the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1-Series.