Exterior and Interior Styling

The interior is where this A-Class instantly impresses. Not only does it feel very solid and premium like the Audi A3's, it's also cool and contemporary. Everything you touch feels of high quality, while Mercedes-Benz hasn't shied away from being a bit different with the A-Class.

While it does feel simply like a baby Benz in some ways (in a good way), it also has its own clear, unique style.

It's the first Mercedes-Benz to get the clever MBUX multimedia system (S-Class buyers don't want it but A-Class buyers are 'digital natives' who do, one of its developers told us). Central to this is a touchscreen display in the centre of the dash, which morphs into a digital instrument cluster. Both of these are available as seven or 10.25-inch displays, depending on trim levels and how much you're willing to spend.

These provide easy access to a wide range of functions without complicated sub menus, and customisation is also as easy as tweaking a menu on your mobile phone. Want to create a shortcut or reorder menus? Simply press and drag.

Users can also create their own profiles, just like you might on a computer or games console. It learns what your favourite radio station is, what colour you'd like the ambient lighting (there are 64 different hues to choose from) and what position you'd like your seat (as long as electric seats are specced).

Over time it gets cleverer - prefer to listen to a different radio station on Fridays? It'll pick that up. Always call your mum on Wednesday afternoons? It'll flag up her phone number as a reminder.

There's a voice control system similar to Siri or Alexa - just say "hey Mercedes" followed by a request and it will follow your instructions. This works very well... even vague commands like "I'm cold" will turn the heating up.

One of our favourite features of the navigation system is the augmented reality display. It uses the car's front camera to display the road ahead, overlaying it with graphics to aid navigation. For example, on a roundabout, it shows arrows towards the correct exit.

Technology aside, there's also more space than before, with shoulder, elbow and headroom all increased over its predecessor. It's easy for adults to get comfortable in the front and rear, with the height of the front seats and angle/depth of the front seat cushions easily adjusted.

Specification (from June 2018):

SE features twin seven-inch displays including a central touchscreen with MBUX multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation; comfort suspension; 16-inch alloy wheels; DAB radio; Artico leather and Bertrix fabric upholstery; Active Lane Keeping Assist; Speed Limit Assist; Keyless-Go starting function; and air conditioning.

Sport trim adds LED high performance headlights; 17-inch alloy wheels; Artico and Fléron fabric upholstery; and automatic climate control.

AMG Line customers benefit from 18-inch AMG alloy wheels; AMG bodystyling; Artico and Dinamica microfibre upholstery; and three-spoke sports steering wheel.

What to look for

Buyers get a choice of one diesel and two petrol engines. The single diesel option is the A180d - a development of the old Renault-sourced engine, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 116PS and 260Nm of torque.

The A200 is a new 1.3-litre petrol producing 163PS and 250Nm of torque, while the A250 is a 224PS 2.0-litre petrol with 350Nm of torque.

Along with the entry-level A180 (from autumn 2018) the A200 will cater for most petrol buyers. Don't dismiss it because of its small capacity - like many downsized, turbocharged engines, it's much quicker than you'd expect from a 1.3-litre. Around town and on rural roads it's a fun engine that makes all the right noises, only running out of grunt at higher speeds.

Higher-spec models (the A250 and A200 AMG Line) come with multi-link rear suspension, while other derivatives feature a torsion beam setup. Although the multi-link suspension is less troubled by extremely bumpy roads, both setups provide an excellent ride - even when paired with larger alloys.

The A-Class is easy to drive, thanks in part to its excellent visibility, along with the light and predictable steering. We'd like a bit more weight in the steering at higher speeds but Mercedes seems to have electronic power steering sussed more than most manufacturers.

Many A-Class buyers will spend a lot of time on the motorway and the A-Class is very happy sitting at 70mph plus. Wind and road noise is well contained, while there's very little vibration through the pedals or steering. It's all very pleasant and has the feel of a much bigger car.

What we think

Although the new A-Class might not look much different to its predecessor, it's a huge improvement in terms of the interior and how well it drives. Most buyers will go for the A180d and that's a fine choice, although the petrol engines are equally good. What's ultra-impressive is the technology on offer - although in true premium German car style, you'll have to be prepared to spend money on extras.