I would never buy a new Mercedes Benz A-Class. Even at £13,000 for the A140 Classic I reckon there are better cars you can buy for the same money, like a Citroen Picasso or Vauxhall Zafira. Go up-market with bigger engines and better trims and you can spend £20,000. If you’re prepared to shell out that much then you have a choice of some great alternatives. For real performance buy a Subaru WRX, for comfort a Jaguar X-Type and for real space look no further than the new Citroen C8.

 

So, on the face of it the Mercedes Benz A-class is a pretty point less car. Point less that is, as a new car, but as a used car it is a far more attractive proposition. Launched in 1998 you can now pick up early cars for as little as £6,000 and at that price it has a lot fewer competitors.

 

The A-class offers drivers a range of engines including an extremely economical 1.7 litre diesel. Petrol engines range from 1.4 to 2.1 litres the later joining the range in February 2002 and producing a lusty 140bhp, which translates into 0- 60mph in less than 8 seconds. But most popular petrol engines have been the 1.4litre (82bhp) and 1.6 litre (102bhp) derivatives. Go for the 1.6 , the extra 200cc adds power but barely effects fuel consumption or insurance and will only cost you an extra £300 to buy.

 

Drivers have a choice of three transmissions, 5 speed manual, 5 speed auto and most interesting a clutch less 5 speeds manual. It’s certainly strange to use at first but once mastered it gives the economy of a manual and the relaxation of an auto. It won’t suit every one but is well worth trying.

 

The A-class also comes in 3 levels of trim, the entry model Classic comes with electric windows and mirrors, front and side airbags, remote central locking and front fog lights. Drivers wanting a sportier feel are best going for the Avantgarde model, with 5 spoke alloy wheels, blue tinted glass and an electric sunroof the car sits lower and handling is more taught.  Arguably the most desirable model is the Elegance which comes with air conditioning as standard and the addition of wood trim on the dashboard and doors.

 

Despite its compact dimensions, incredibly it’s nearly 2 feet shorter than VW Golf or a Ford Focus, the A-class has generous interior space and rear passengers will enjoy plenty of leg room even in the standard wheel base cars. Long Wheel Base models gain a further 7 inches blessing the car with near limousine levels of space.

 

A high roof line and large areas of glass further add to the cabins feeling of light and space. Interior trim quality on the early cars may appear a little flimsy but time has proven it to be durable. The spring 2001 face lift resulted in the upgrade of many of the materials used and changes to the minor switch gear. In addition the car received changes to the front seats, bumpers and air intakes. Usefully all models also received the addition of an adjustable steering column.

 

The A-Class is probably best remembered for some rather worrying handling characteristics it demonstrated whilst being tested by some motoring journalists just before its launch. Happily the results of the ‘Elk test’ incident resulted in modifications to the cars suspension and traction control systems, so used car buyers can be assured that any car they buy second hand will exhibit good road manners.

 

Reliability has long been a Mercedes Benz virtue and despite feeling a little more flimsy than other cars in the range time has proven it to be durable. Servicing costs are more Mercedes than MPV but you shouldn’t be faced with many unscheduled repairs.   

 

Check the following

 

Air conditioning – big glass areas mean you’ll want it but it’s standard on the Elegance only

Remote control alarm – batteries prone to failure so carry spares

Anti Skid Traction system – standard on all models

Alloy wheels – standard on Elegance and Avantgarde models

Windows – blue tint on Avantgarde models

Rear door handles – revised in June 2001 facelift

Drivers seat – height adjustable on all models

Insurance – 5/6 on 1.4litre models, group 8 on the 125bhp 1.9litre

LWB – Introduced in April 2001 adds 7 inches to rear leg room

Brakes – ABS standard, discs front and rear

Transmission – manual, auto or clutch less manual (ACS) available on all but 2.1 litre models

Leather steering wheel and gear knob on Elegance and Avantgarde

Economy – diesel is capable of nearly 60mpg

Trim – quality improved in spring 2001 facelift

 

The one to buy 

 

Mercedes Benz A170CDi manual

1998 ‘S’ with 60,000 miles and full service history

Pay £7,425 at a dealer or £6,500 from a private seller