As some of you might know, I test cars for the radio programme "The World on Wheels".
Lately we've had a few Benzes for trial and I thought you might like reading my son Albert's thought as relayed live on air in the 'Drive Of The Week' segment:
A compact hatchback, the A Class forms the entry point for Mercedes Benz’s model range and, as is typical with cars from the German manufacturer, it can be ordered in a number of different drivetrain and trim configurations.
But for my drive this week, my test car was the A180 CDI, the only diesel version of the A Class.
It’s powered by a 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine, producing 80 kilowatts of power and 250 Newton-metres of torque.
So why isn’t it called an A200 if it has a two litre engine? I think because the engine’s maximum power is equivalent to smaller petrol engines, thus A180 instead.
The engine mates to a six speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic, which Mercedes brands as ‘Autotronic’.
This is the first car I’ve encountered where a diesel engine is modulated by a CVT and I was impressed by the result.
Take-off speed is actually acceptable, even if you need to move straight away.
The CVT’s torque converter lets the engine rev high as you start moving, allowing the turbo to wind up for good performance off the mark.
The CVT is ultra smooth during driving, but quickly responds to kickdowns, bumping revs up almost immediately.
There’s also a virtual manual mode with seven set ratios for more control.
The A Class turns firmly around corners, although large bumps tend to unsettle the car.
The steering wheel is very light and easy to operate, making city parking a piece of cake.
The brakes are similarly easy to use, with a very sensitive pedal that bites firmly. Inside is a very roomy cabin, with enough leg room in the back to relax during long trips.
The cloth seat trim in my test car was very soft, while rear boot space is respectable, with the rear seats able to fold down to add more room.
There’s also plenty of storage pockets and drink holders throughout the car.
The A 180 CDI comes standard with climate control air conditioning, auto-on wipers and headlights, alloy wheels and front and rear foglamps.
There are plenty of option packages to add unique trim and other creature comforts, but the one I recommend is the Metro package, which adds the CVT gearbox, cruise control and front and rear parking assist.
The A Class comes with the full safety complement of six airbags, ABS and electronic stability control.
The A180 CDI retails from $39,900 dollars, while the Metro Package is an extra $3600.
Lately we've had a few Benzes for trial and I thought you might like reading my son Albert's thought as relayed live on air in the 'Drive Of The Week' segment:
A compact hatchback, the A Class forms the entry point for Mercedes Benz’s model range and, as is typical with cars from the German manufacturer, it can be ordered in a number of different drivetrain and trim configurations.
But for my drive this week, my test car was the A180 CDI, the only diesel version of the A Class.
It’s powered by a 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine, producing 80 kilowatts of power and 250 Newton-metres of torque.
So why isn’t it called an A200 if it has a two litre engine? I think because the engine’s maximum power is equivalent to smaller petrol engines, thus A180 instead.
The engine mates to a six speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic, which Mercedes brands as ‘Autotronic’.
This is the first car I’ve encountered where a diesel engine is modulated by a CVT and I was impressed by the result.
Take-off speed is actually acceptable, even if you need to move straight away.
The CVT’s torque converter lets the engine rev high as you start moving, allowing the turbo to wind up for good performance off the mark.
The CVT is ultra smooth during driving, but quickly responds to kickdowns, bumping revs up almost immediately.
There’s also a virtual manual mode with seven set ratios for more control.
The A Class turns firmly around corners, although large bumps tend to unsettle the car.
The steering wheel is very light and easy to operate, making city parking a piece of cake.
The brakes are similarly easy to use, with a very sensitive pedal that bites firmly. Inside is a very roomy cabin, with enough leg room in the back to relax during long trips.
The cloth seat trim in my test car was very soft, while rear boot space is respectable, with the rear seats able to fold down to add more room.
There’s also plenty of storage pockets and drink holders throughout the car.
The A 180 CDI comes standard with climate control air conditioning, auto-on wipers and headlights, alloy wheels and front and rear foglamps.
There are plenty of option packages to add unique trim and other creature comforts, but the one I recommend is the Metro package, which adds the CVT gearbox, cruise control and front and rear parking assist.
The A Class comes with the full safety complement of six airbags, ABS and electronic stability control.
The A180 CDI retails from $39,900 dollars, while the Metro Package is an extra $3600.
