Mercedes Benz A-Class (1998-2005) Review

On the road

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The generous glazing and high-mounted driving position make it easy to feel confident in the A-Class, even if your stance at the wheel is a little unusual. The sharpish clutch of manual transmission cars takes some getting used to - the ACS automatic clutch transmission, which retains a manual gearlever and deletes the clutch pedal, is a good choice. A full automatic is also an option. Parking is easy, despite the nose being completely hidden. The major controls, clutch apart, are light and easy to use, and the minor switches are obviously sited. The A-Class is hardly a sports car - even in 210 Evolution form - and while the performance of the biggest-engined models is fun, this car does not corner in an encouraging manner. Roll is resisted well, especially given its height, but it does not absorb bumps well or round fast-charged bends with much finesse. And moving off smartly from rest can have the front wheels scrabbling for grip. So it's better instead to enjoy the view out, which is better than you'll find in most cars for this money.

With such a wide choice of engines, this clearly depends on the model, but even the standard 1.4 petrol is reasonably brisk for a car of this type, if not for the price. It reaches 60mph in 12.9 seconds, while the 1.6 takes 10.8 and the expensive 190 a very brisk 8.8 seconds. There are two diesels, the 170 CDI diesel needing 12.2 seconds for the dash, and the 160 CDI 15.1 seconds. The 170 ought to be the best buy, but it's noisy and wearing, even at a cruise, so unless you must save fuel money, go for a petrol A-Class. Both 1.4 and 1.6 engines are smooth, peppy and more than adequate performers, though it's the 1.6 you should opt for if the motorway is a frequent haunt. The 190 provides very entertaining performance, but its power shows up the suspension badly, the front wheels often scrabbling when you depart junctions, a problem that can even afflict the lesser engines. The hottest performance comes from the 210 Evolution flagship, which has a top speed of 127mph and sprints to 60mph in 8.2 seconds.