• A180d claims an 80.7mpg average
• Best petrols are rated at 54.3mpg
• AMG A45 officially manages 40.9mpg

Although it’s expensive to buy it needn’t cost lots to run a Mercedes-Benz A-Class, providing you do your homework and choose an efficient one. The least-costly to run is the A180d in SE specification, with a claimed average consumption of 80.7mpg and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.

If you don’t cover the annual mileage to warrant a diesel, then the picture’s not quite as rosy with petrol-sipping A-Classes. Opt for either the A160 or A180, again in SE trim but this time with the seven-speed twin-clutch automatic, and average unleaded consumption’s rated at 54.3mpg, with emissions of 121g/km of CO2.

Perhaps the most surprising is the range-topping Mercedes-AMG A45’s official claim of 40.9mpg when riding on the standard 18-inch alloy wheels, although a real world figure of 30mpg is more likely if you drive it hard. Officially CO2 is rated at 162g/km. Specify the optional 19-inch rims and those figures worsen to 38.7mpg and 171g/km.

Reliability

• Six recalls since this model’s launch
• Many components used elsewhere
• Most owners would buy another one

Mercedes-Benz has a solid reputation for reliability and dependability but the A-Class appears to not live up to the gold standard associated with wearers of the three-pointed star badge.

According to the vehicle inspectorate VOSA, this generation of A-Class has been subjected to six recalls over recent years, covering potential airbag, engine failure, drive shaft failure and cracking high-pressure fuel lines. All of this work should have been carried out to remedy the issues, but it’s always worth checking with a Mercedes dealer to confirm the modifications have been undertaken.

Parkers’ Owners’ Reviews section suggests most A-Class drivers are not particularly happy with their cars and would strongly consider buying elsewhere when the time comes to replace it.