New Mercedes model cements brand’s attraction to youthful base
Back in May, Mercedes-Benz launched the new A-Class, a car with a whole new personality and aimed squarely at a more youthful customer base. This week’s test car is the A200 AMG-Line Automatic, which clearly indicates that the premium car maker is very serious in pursuit of that goal.
When we think back to the first A-Class of the 1990s, which would be the company’s first venture in this sector of the market; it was never too successful with its dodgy handling, horrible looks, and its infamous failure to complete the ‘Elk’ test at the time.
This new version is a mammoth leap into the 21st century, packed with technology and an ambition to lead the way in terms of connectivity and future driving characteristics while retaining a grown-up persona.
It looks noticeably larger than before and the appearance with a more sloping bonnet, angular headlights and lower profile ensures an air of sleekness that we come to expect from the brand at all levels.
Under the bonnet of the test car is a 1.4-litre, 163bhp petrol engine that is both low on CO2 emissions and, like all new Mercedes-Benz models extremely low on fuel consumption. The latter is one of the main reasons why this car is a contender.
They claim in their brochure that it is capable of between 5.2 and 5.6L/100km. Over more than 1,300 kilometres across a wide range of journeys, I achieved exactly 5.6L/100km. You almost never get that precise return in real life and it is to Mercedes’ credit that this car and most other Mercs that I have driven in the last few years match the catalogue figure. CO2 emissions come in at 123g/km ad that equates to an annual road tax charge of €270.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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