We recently got to drive the Mercedes-Benz A200 Sedan, the brands new entry level sedan.
Styling
The A-Class is longer, and fractionally taller than its hatchback sibling. It’s quite a looker with our test unit finished in Polar White and fitted with the optional Night Package which comprises of high gloss black elements like the black side view mirrors. With two trim levels, Progressive and AMG Line, ours was fitted with the latter. We love the AMG line’s sporty look which comprises of lowered comfort suspension, AMG body styling, sports seats, and AMG floor mats. Compared to its bigger sibling the CLA, we think the A-Class sedan looks better.
Inside
The interior is identical to its hatchback sibling, which quite frankly the best in its class. The two 10.25 inch wide screen displays is a thing if beauty. Their sharp, crisp, and easy to read. Note though that the bigger display for the driver is an optional extra. Fitted with the latest and greatest MBUX infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android auto, the system gets easier to use overtime, when compared to BMW’s iDrive, the BMW’s system is more user friendly. The optional ambient lighting with 64-colours is a must as it adds a sense of theater in the cabin, especially at night. We love the flatbottom steering wheel, its grippy and feels great in the hands. Just take a second to just look at it.
For the first time ever we got to experience the Burmester sound system, its a thing of beauty. Its sounds amazing and would probably give cars higher up the ladder such as the BMW’s that are fitted Bowers and Wilkins a run for its money. The sports seats upfront are comfy,and you can really get low to get that sporty driving position. Thanks to it being a bit longer and taller than its hatchback sibling, there’s enough knee and headroom for rear occupant. Not forgetting to mention an extra 60 litres of luggage capacity bringing it to 460 litres.
The Drive
The A200 which is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 120kW and 250Nm of torque which is sent through the front wheels via a 7-Speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The car is very balanced and composed. The steering is light and responsive. Whether weaving in and out of traffic, highway driving, and tacking a couple of twisties it does all the above with ease. It does not have the best of sound tracks, exhaust wise, but has a distinct raspy exhaust note when going higher up the rev range. In case you didn’t know, Mercedes-Benz claims that the A-Class sedan is the most aerodynamic production passenger vehicle. You get to really experience that when coasting, its really freaky how this car coasts as it can go on for a while without touching the accelerator. Mercedes claims the A200 sedan will do 5.2 l/100 km, but we managed to get in the region of 5.8 to 6.2 consistently.
Verdict
For its size, and whilst its only the entry level Sedan Mercedes-Benz now builds, its packed with technology that’s borrowed from its larger siblings. Lane-keep assist, Distronic Active Distance Assist, 10.25” display are just some of the options, continue adding to the basket and you start heading into C-Class territory. Starting at R544,000 the A-Class comes with some reasonable equipment such as: 17-inch wheels, auto lights and wipers, MBUX infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its a joy to live with, and a great way to enter the Mercedes-Benz sedan stable before you start climbing up the ladder of Mercedes sedans.
