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| Road Test: Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2005-) |
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| Small Family |
by: Gavin Conway |
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Mercedes-Benz A-Class Gallery
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| COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: |
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Big improvements have been made here. With an extra 232mm of length and 45mm more width, the A-Class's generously proportioned cabin gains even more space, with 30mm more kneeroom and a whopping 95mm more width in the rear seats. Two taller-than-average males can sit comfortably one behind the other. The front seats are very supportive and good over long distances, and with a reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel, the driver won't have a problem finding a good position.
The A-Class interior has taken a significant step in the right direction in terms of perceived quality, with 'soft-touch' surfaces used throughout the cabin. The dash architecture is much more geometrically simple than the previous car's, and it looks robust and well assembled. More importantly, it looks worthy of the badge on the nose.
The three-door A-Class has an interior option that allows owners to remove the rear seat squabs and store them in a handy compartment under the rear boot floor. This then allows the rear seats to be folded to create a perfectly flat load floor. With the seats upright, that rear boot floor can be lowered to create more loadspace, thereby addressing a criticism levelled at the previous model. Rear seat space for two adults is terrific for head, shoulder and legroom, even with the plexiglass, multi-leaf sunroof option.
The 5-door A-Class offers the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system, which allows you to remove absolutely every bit of interior furniture except the driver's seat. It's so cleverly done that your averagely able man (it's a bit heavy duty for the ladies) can achieve the transformation in little more than a couple of minutes. Mercedes says this allows you to turn your Mercedes into a 'goods carrier'. It's a neat, but utterly pointless, trick. Would you really use your new Mercedes for a job more suited to a knackered daily-rental Transit? We didn't think so...
The other thing to remember about the A-Class is that it is strictly a five-person car. Those wanting the occasional versatility of a seven-seater will have to turn to candidates such as the excellent Toyota Corolla Verso.
Mercedes claims that the modest price increase represents even better value considering that more kit is now included as standard. Air conditioning, a CD player, speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, adaptive suspension damping and electric windows are included, even on the lowliest entry-level model.
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Introduction Seven years after its original launch, Mercedes-Benz has introduced ... |
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