Auto-biographies Mercedes A Class
NEW feature by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at
www.carwriteups.co.uk
Quality cars are identifi able straight away. Even if a premium vehicle had its badges taped over, all you’d need to do is sit in it. Instantly you’d sense the diff erence between an ‘average’ and a top class motor. Take the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Inside, it’s positively palatial.
The German brand is famous for its refi nement, but the A-Class is almost the runt of the litter – and therefore you might expect a more undeveloped set up inside and out. But that’s not the case at all. It may well have been the argument when the old model fi rst appeared on our roads. It was upright, careful and dull. It certainly wasn’t a car you’d list as captivating. Nonetheless, it did sell – and that’s because it was aff ordable – for a Merc – and practical for parents on the school run desperate to roll up outside the school gates in a Benz.
Then the A-Class was completely re-thought for 2013. It rolled off the production line a totally diff erent car – not just one that had undergone plastic surgery – it was poles apart from the old version.
The entry-level Mercedes is now truly enthralling and a machine you want because of its alluring aesthetics. In some ways it’s lost its no-nonsense practicality because the boot, although conveniently rectangular, is nothing to shout about space-wise. But brush that aside and take a test drive, because the new model will seduce you – especially if you go for the A 200 CDI AMG Sport.
This is a real driver’s car and includes a dynamic handling package with sports suspension,
60
perforated disc brakes and cruise control. As well as this, the Merc has athletic body- styling, 18 inch alloy wheels and a silver grille. Additionally, in A 200 CDI guise, it comes with a gutsy turbo diesel powerhouse. It also has a fl at-bottomed leather steering wheel, red stitching, sports seats, rain sensors, ambient lighting and a stereo system boy-racers would be jealous of.
On the move, the A 200’s oil burner gets you to a respectable speed quickly, if not sensationally.
Road holding, however, is
phenomenal. Steering is well-weighted and precise, and the six speed gearbox is slick, quick, and easy on your left hand.
The A-Class has the vim and vigour that’s required to punch its weight in a highly competitive market. It’s an all-round performer and just the car that Mercedes- Benz dealers need to tempt new customers into their showrooms.
FAST FACTS
· Max speed: 130mph, 0-62 mph: 9.3 secs · Combined mpg: 62.8
· Engine: 1796cc 4 cylinder 16 valve diesel · Max. power (bhp): 136 at 3600-4400 rpm · Max. torque (Ib/ft): 221 at 1600-3000 rpm · CO2: 121 g/km · Price: £25,110
PROS ‘N’ CONS Athletic √
Attractive √ Great Grip √ Safe √
Small boot X To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100