Mercedes-Benz A-Class

While the changes on the outside of the Mercedes Benz A-Class feel evolutionary, the interior cabin is a huge and complete departure from the previous generation model.

It now falls in line with the current crop of Mercedes-Benz cars, thanks to the welcoming addition of the large and horizontally stretched rectangular LCD screen housing the fully digital instrument console as well as an infotainment system with the latest MBUX system. The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with silver-finished looks makes it look as if it belongs to a very high-end vehicle.

Along with the aforementioned aspects, the dashboard layout with minimalistic design as well as turbine-like AC vents has been shared with the bigger B-Class hatchback. However, what is not shared with the B-Class here is the great sense of space, as thanks to the low slung coupe-like stance and small dimensions, the A-Class feels a bit cramped at the rear.

In its latest avatar, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class looks even swankier and sportier, thanks to design bits inspired by the bigger CLS coupe, especially the front fascia.

The sweptback angular Led headlamps with wedge-shaped daytime running lamps look much sharper than before, and manage to give a sporty edge to the frontal design of the A-Class. The front grille has been tweaked with a hexagonal design with rounded edges, but it continues to come with the starry effect and large Mercedes-Benz logo at the centre.

The side profile too has seen a slight revamp in design in the form of tweaks to the C-pillar design, which now looks more rounded than before. Also, the A-Class gets a newer set of large alloy wheels, as well as door, mounted rearview mirrors.

It is at the rear, where the changes in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class feel more substantial to look at. The LED tail lamps are now slightly rounded and elongated, and so is the rear windscreen design, which also happens to be bigger than before.

Compared to the slightly sedate B-Class, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class feels more spirited and youthful in terms of driving dynamics, thanks to a sharper steering and suspension setup. The suspension feels slightly stiffer which inspires the driver much to drive it spiritedly. However, the ride quality feels a bit stiff due to this very reason, which along with the limited rear-seat space, doesn’t make up for a much plusher and comfortable experience by Mercedes- Benz standards.

Along with dimensions, the A-Class feels the smallest Mercedes-Benz offering in terms of engine options as well. The petrol engine here is a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit, which produces 136 PS, while the oil burner is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which makes 118 PS. Both these engines get a common 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox as the standard transmission.

Despite being the smallest and most affordable Mercedes Benz car, the A-Class shows no signs of compromise and is equipped with top-class safety features like front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, active lane keep assist, attention assist, blind spot assist, electric parking brake, electronic stability program with acceleration skid control, speed limit assist, traffic sign assist and tire pressure monitoring system.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class might not be the most practical option out there among hatchbacks, but for its great combination of premium styling and luxurious and feature-rich cabin with dynamic driving experience, it offers a great starting step for those who are new to luxury motoring and are young at heart.