2015 Mercedes-Benz A200 CDI Review

With the launch of the A-and B-Class in 2013, Mercedes-Benz was the first car maker to enter the ‘affordable’ or the entry-level segment of luxury cars. And it served them well too. In fact, the two hatchbacks amount to over 20 per cent of the overall sales for the three pointed star. And to keep the sales figures rolling Mercedes-Benz brought in the 2015 B-Class (Read Review Here) last month with refreshed looks and a new diesel engine. But along with that, they sprung in a surprise by plunking in the same diesel unit in the A-Class as well. We got our hands on the youthful A to unravel what it holds in its new heart. 

Design and Styling: rating_4.5_rating

It’s been almost two years since the A-Class was first introduced in India, and even today each time I see one on the road, I can’t help but ogle at it. The diamond grille up front, long nose, swooping roofline, compact dimensions and that beautifully carved out rear with the LED taillights, all come together in perfect union to make the A-Class look absolutely hot. In this new 2015 edition Mercedes-Benz hasn’t touched upon the exterior styling much but we aren’t really complaining. And while it retains the same design, it has now been fitted with 16-inch alloys wheels as opposed to the 17-inch ones on the outgoing model. 

Interiors: rating_3.0_rating

Not much has changed on the inside either. The all-black dashboard with the aluminium finished air vents and centre console surrounds is pleasant to look at. Talking about the centre console, the 2015 A-Class continues to get the COMAND screen and neatly laid out buttons under it. Even in this 2015 version, the A-Class sadly doesn’t come with an electronic climate control. 

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If you plan to go for a spin in the A-Class, the front seats are the place to be in. Aside from the fact that the under thigh support isn’t great the cabin up front forms a cozy cocoon that makes you feel at home. The same cannot be said about the rear though. Thanks to a swooping roofline and a shoulder room of just 1,410mm the rear bench isn’t the most comfortable place to be in. The panoramic sunroof though plays its part in making the rather cramped rear bench a little roomier. 

Features: rating_4.0_rating

From projector Bi-Xenon headlamps, cruise control to a reversing camera, the 2015 A-Class comes equipped with all the bells and whistles. Launched only in the top-end A200 CDI Sport trim, it comes sports a 5-inch COMAND online infotainment system with Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity. Both the front seats are electronically adjustable with memory function. To make the A-Class more efficient, Mercedes-Benz has also fitted it with the ECO start/stop technology. With regards to safety, the new A-Class comes with Electronic Stability Program, Brake Assist, tyre pressure loss warning system, auto-locking doors and more. It also gets 6 airbags as standard fitment. 

Engine and Performance: rating_4.0_rating

This is the area where the 2015 A-Class is different from the outgoing model. The new Mercedes-Benz A200 sports a 2,143cc inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 136PS and 300Nm which is quite a hike over the previous 107PS and 250Nm. But that’s just on paper, how much of a difference has it made in the overall drive? Step on the gas and you instantly feel the difference in performance. The acceleration off the line is good and the car comfortably revs up to its 4,800rpm red line. It feels quicker to reach the 100kmph marker too. However, it is the mid-range that the A-Class feels the strongest thanks to which one can easily cruise at three-digit speeds all day long. The fact that there is barely any wind or tyre noise seeping in the cabin further ensures a comfortable drive. 

While the engine sure has changed, the A200 CDI continues to be mated to the 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Shifting between gears is precise even when using the paddle shifters but switch between cogs could have been quicker. 

Ride and Ease of Driving: rating_4.0_rating   

By virtue of it being an automatic, driving it around the city or on the highway is truly an extremely comfortable affair. The steering wheel is neither heavy nor is it too light, making it the ideal setup. In the A-Class Edition 1 last year, Mercedes-Benz had softened the suspension for a comfortable ride and in this new A200, it uses the same setup. The ground clearance too remains the same as the Edition 1 which ensures that the A-Class’ underbelly doesn’t scrape on large bumps or potholes. Talking about undulations on the road, the A-Class deals with them pretty well without sending any indications of it. Visibility all round is good. The swooping roofline and the small glass on the tail gate would have made it difficult to reverse in but the camera on the tail gate helps make the task easier. 

Handling and Braking: rating_4.0_rating

Since the overall suspension setup is the same, there isn’t a change in the handling dynamics either. The McPherson front suspension and the 4-link rear shocks give the A-Class great cornering capabilities. But aside from the suspension, the low centre of gravity also has a part to play. There is a little bit of body roll but it is something that we can live with. As far as braking is concerned, with 295 mm discs up front and 276 mm discs at the rear coupled with ESP, ASR, ABS and Brake Assist, the A-Class stops with reassuring confidence.

Price and Efficiency: rating_3.5_rating

With features like cruise control and the ECO start/stop technology, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz A-Class should be fairly efficient and you can expect a highway efficiency of about 20kmpl. Mercedes has priced the 2015 A200 at Rs 26.95lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) which is pretty competitive when compared to the cars in its class.  

Verdict: rating_4.0_rating

Right from the time it was first launched in India, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has managed to find its niche buyer and that even with the B-Class on sale. And a lot of it can be credited to the youthful design. But now, aside from the design, it comes with a larger list of features, better ride quality and a more powerful motor. So if you are in the look for a luxury hatch which looks stunning, rides well and don’t give two hoots about the space at the back, then the A-Class is still the machine for you.