Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 160 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic SE 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £16,050
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 11
MPG: 47.1
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 12.6 secs
BHP: 94 BHP
Range: 559 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.25/5
The A-Class A160 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic SE is the most affordable Mercedes-Benz. It is every bit the classy family car and allows you to enjoy the delights of the premium brand without the high buying and running costs.

The A160 has a firm ride which robs it of the chance to compete with more comfortable medium family cars. Engine performance is great though and so is practicality – there is plenty of cabin and boot space.

The A160 will work for you if you are looking for a reliable way to ferry your family around or if you tend to carry medium sized loads a lot. Fuel economy is average and running costs are low.

PROS:  Stylish looks. Great performance. Roomy cabin. Good equipment levels.

CONS:  Unsettled ride. Firm suspension.

Behind the Wheel

The 4-cylinder, 1498cc petrol engine is designed for the motorway, producing 94bhp and a torque figure of 104 lb-ft at 4000rpm. A 0-62mph time of 12.6 seconds is average but a top speed of 109mph ensures that it can keep up with motorway traffic.

The ride quality is unsettled by Mercedes' standards. The steering is light and devoid of feel and this takes the fun out of driving however, on the plus side, parking is a breeze.

The engine is quiet until worked hard. Wind and road noise are subdued except at speed on rough surfaces, when road noise becomes irritating.

Narrow pillars, deep side windows and a high driving position make for good visibility all-round.

Looks & Equipment

The A 160 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic SE bears classic, Mercedes-Benz good looks. It is refined, stylish and well-designed, with sharp, distinct lines. It is just as polished on the inside. The fabrics and panels are of a high quality and are finished to perfection.

The A160 is well-equipped for an entry-level model. It comes with electronic power steering, remote central locking, stability control, immobilizer, alarm, air con, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, driver airbags, passenger airbags, front side airbags, hill-start assist, Bluetooth and CD player.

There is a range of tempting - if pricey - cost options to increase your comfort. Climate control costs £425, cruise control £220, rear parking sensors £575, metallic paint £370, alloy wheels £600, sat nav £2220 and MP3 connectivity £360.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The A 160 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic SE is built to Mercedes-Benz's high quality standards and should prove to be as reliable as all Merc models.

It scored 5 stars for occupant protection in the Euro NCAP crash test, 4 stars for child protection and 2 stars for pedestrian safety.

The driver will be comfortable, thanks to a supportive seat, high driving position and steering wheel height adjustments.

Five doors make getting in and out of the car easy. A large wheelbase means the cabin is spacious enough, with plenty of head and legroom. There are 5 seats which can comfortably accommodate 5 adults.

Boot space rivals that of many competitors in the class. The standard capacity is 435 litres and increases to 1995 litres with the seats down. The 60/40 split-fold rear seat folds completely and can also be fully removed for extra versatility.

Value for Money

The A160 is expensive compared to its rivals, but strong resale values make it a better choice over lesser brands. The manufacturer gives a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is a good deal for high mileage drivers.

Fuel economy is good considering the car’s dimensions and specifications - it returns a satisfactory 47.1mpg. It is placed under insurance group 11 and should attract low premiums. Carbon emissions are modest at 139g/km, attracting VED of £115 a year under band E.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 160 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic SE 5dr Car Review - by 
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Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Mercedes-Benz A Class. Here are some popular Mercedes-Benz A Class alternatives:

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