2013 Mercedes A 180 CDI review, test drive

Merc’s 7G-DCT double-clutch gearbox makes clever use of its seven speeds to respond well to those part-throttle inputs that are an integral part of driving in traffic. It shifts smoothly and the engine is quiet at city speeds as well. You can always put it in Sport or Manual mode for urgent overtaking or when you want to have fun behind the wheel. The 20-80kph is done with in 7.03sec, while 40-100kph goes by in 9.14sec.

You’ll love the A-class on a winding road. With the stiff suspension and wide 225-section tyres, the baby Benz changes direction willingly and there is loads of grip. This, combined with superb body control, means you can scythe through a series of bends with complete confidence. Straight-line stability at highway speeds is terrific too, and the A-class is very reassuring to drive. The steering, although not very consistent in the way it weighs up, is direct and helps you place the nose accurately where you want to. But the A-class’s biggest weakness is undoubtedly its hard low-speed ride; you can feel every little road disturbance. The standard low-profile 225/45 R17 tyres are the main culprits here. But the ride improves considerably as you go faster, and the Merc feels more pliant. Also, the low stance and long wheelbase mean you have to tackle large speedbreakers with utmost caution. Though we didn’t scrape the underbelly during our tests, it’s easy to do so.

A quick word on the styling – because the pictures really speak for themselves with this car. The CDI is available only in a lower ‘Style’ trim, as opposed to the petrol which is only available in ‘Sport’. As a result, it loses the big panoramic sunroof and the exotic diamond-effect grille is optional; but that’s about it.