How to spec a Mercedes-Benz A-Class – News

• How to pick the best Mercedes A-Class model
• Engines, trim levels and options assessed
• How to get the best deal on an A-Class

Our full road test of the Mercedes A-Class reveals that it suffers in a few key areas, so it’s even more crucial that you get the spec and trim level just right.

Which engine should you go for?A-Class buyers will have a choice between three petrol and four diesel engines.

The petrol options are 121bhp and 154bhp 1.6s (badged A180 and A200, and a 208bhp 2.0-litre, called the A250.

There are two A180 CDI diesel models, which both develop 107bhp. One is a 1.5 with a manual gearbox that averages 74. 3mpg and emits just 98g/km of CO2. The other has a 1.8-litre engine and seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. It emits 109g/km of CO2.

The A200 CDI has a 134bhp version of the 1.8-litre diesel and its balance of performance and cost makes it our pick of the range. The 168bhp 2.1-litre diesel that’s used in the A220 CDI is stronger and more refined, but it pushes the A-Class’s price too high.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available with three petrol and four diesel engines

Which trim should you choose?The good news is that almost all Mercedes A-Class models are well equipped â€" you get alloy wheels, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB input sockets and some form of air-conditioning on every version. The only exception to this is the entry-level A180 model, which has steel, rather than alloy, wheels.

The other trims are SE, Sport, AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG.

Three different suspension set-ups are available, depending on which model you choose

The SE model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, extra chrome trim and sports seats with artificial leather inserts.

Sport adds cosmetic upgrades such as twin exhaust tailpipes and 17-inch alloy wheels, and also brings convenience kit like automatic headlights and wipers and cruise control. This is the best all-round package.

A-Class is available in SE, Sport, AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG trim levels

Lowered suspension with adaptive damping is available as an option for Sport models. It’s standard on AMG Sport trim, which also adds chunkier bumpers and side sills, 18-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tyres and carbonfibre-effect interior trim.

Engineered by AMG is the top trim level. It takes the visual enhancements further, with a bespoke grille and red trim inserts inside and out. It also gets bespoke suspension settings that sharpen the handling over AMG Sport models, but make the ride uncomfortably firm.

All models come with iPad-like display screen, Bluetooth and air-conditioning

Which options should you choose?Pick the Sport models and the A-Class stacks up well for equipment compared with the likes of the Audi A3.

Of the versions we’ve driven, our favourite is the A200 CDI Sport. We’d resist the temptation to go for the Sport suspension option.

In short, apart from metallic paint, we’d leave the A-Class options list alone, because it’s easy to turn this already expensive car into a very pricey one.

We recommend…Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 200 CDI Sport £23,270

OptionsMetallic paint £570

Total Price £23,840

How to haggle for a Mercedes-Benz A-ClassOur mystery shoppers have not yet managed to secure a discount on the new A-Class, but the Target Prices on the rest of the range implies that there are savings to be had.

The other new, small car in the Mercedes range â€" the B-Class â€" can be bought for around £900 under the list price, so stick to your guns.

While most online brokers are not yet offering savings, we found Carfile is offering around £1200 off the new A-Class.

By Tom Webster

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