Mercedes Benz taps in to compact car sector to reach a wider market

Conventional is not a word that we generally attach to cars in the Mercedes-Benz range, but that has all changed somewhat with the arrival of the A-Class Saloon.

It slots in at the smaller segment of the catalogue, and is aimed at compact car drivers with all the richness that you expect from a car from the German manufacturer for those who desire a saloon.

Visually, it is unmistakably a Mercedes. A glimpse in the rear-view mirror will leave you in no doubt that you are being followed by a Merc. Its distinctive front end and its squat stance make an immediate impression.

From the side, it has the balance of a much bigger model from the brand, with its subtle coupe lines and a balanced ratio of metal-to-glass with the right amount of chrome detailing to paint a perfect picture.

Internally, no other car maker has improved quite like the Mercedes range, and even though this is a smaller car, it has the finer qualities of its bigger siblings and is a cut above what you generally get in a car of it size.

Quality materials are a given, with everything in its proper place and fittings that embrace the occupants superbly. Add enough space for five adults and the all-important boot space of 420 litres for saloon fans.

I have been driving the A 200 petrol turbo model with a 163hp version of the 1.33-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That might seem light for a car like this, but that is far from the truth. It lacks nothing in power or flexibility and delivers Mercedes’ outstanding fuel consumption returns that you now get from all models in the Mercedes list of cars.

In a combination of journeys over 900 kilometres, I achieved 5.2L/100km, something that would be unheard of in earlier years. CO2 emissions of 121g/km equates to an annual road tax bill of €270.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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