ONE of the big problems with some car ranges is a bewildering array of models. Nowhere is that more true than with Mercedes.
Take the not so little A-Class for example. Since 2005 there have been six different petrol engines available and five different power outputs for the same 2.0-litre turbo diesel.
Then there are at least eight different trims to add to the different engines giving a possible total of 80 different models.
The A-Class is a compact, slightly larger than average supermini with room for five and since the launch of the MkII in 2005, it is a much more rounded car with a comfortable ride, safe handling and road holding and decent to good performance in all but the lowest powered petrol and diesel models.
Petrol engines range up from a 1.5 with 93bhp to a 2.0-litre turbo with 193. This model gave the A-Class the Mercedes quality feel that was so lacking in the earlier cars, and it is a worthy bearer of the name.
Interior
Reliability is reckoned to be brilliant in the trade and both three and five door models are available.
All have electric windows, multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, tinted glass and height adjustable driver’s seat. Classic SE gets air conditioning and a CD player and Elegance adds alloys and a body colour exterior.
FAST FACTS
Mercedes A-Class
Price: Pay about £5,300 for an ’05 05-reg A150 Classic 3dr, or £9,600 for an ’07 07-reg A200 Avantgarde SE 5dr
Mechanical: 95bhp, 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 13 seconds
Combined mpg: 45
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: BMW 1-Series