Mercedes A Class Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

In MK2 guise, the A-Class was rehabilitated. Get one before too many people realise.

Overall:

Models Covered: 3dr/5dr hatch A150, A200, A200T petrol, A160CDI, A180CDI, A200CDI diesel [Classic, Classic SE, Avantgarde SE, Elegance SE]

AWARD FOR BIGGEST IMPROVER

History has been extremely harsh on the Mercedes A-Class. Yes, the original model fell over on the infamous 'elk test' but less widely known is that Mercedes then implemented a belt and braces safety provision and the car went on to sell over a million units worldwide. Unfortunately, in making that innovative car ultra-safe, the German giant also made it rather dull to drive. The second generation A-Class aimed to add a little sparkle and a more upmarket look and feel. Used examples are some of the most overlooked of all premium vehicles and bargains are out there if you're prepared to do a little detective work.
Used Mercedes A Class for sale

History of the A Class

Few expected a great deal of the all-new Mercedes A-Class when it was introduced in Europe in September 2004 and early in 2005 in the UK. This version, dubbed by Mercedes anoraks the W169 as opposed to its predecessor, the W168, wasn't so much a evolution of the old car as a complete root and branch development. A wider range of diesel engines were offered and three-door models also gave the A-Class a more dynamic and aspirational image. UK cars started arriving in January 2005 and sales were steady with the unveiling of a turbocharged A200T model giving enthusiast drivers cause to examine the A-Class, probably for the first time.In mid-2008, the range was slightly facelifted – and slimmed down to the derivatives that buyers really wanted, mainly the smaller engines. There were now only two petrol options - the A150 with its 1.5-litre 95bhp unit and the A170 with its 1.7-litre lump producing 116bhp. The diesel options were more vocal than the refined petrol units but had extra strength at low revs for launching the A-Class about town. The A160 CDI was an 82bhp 2.0-litre affair while the A180 CDI had that same capacity and 109bhp. Mercedes introduced a package of eco-friendly 'BlueEfficiency' tweaks across the range to try and rival BMW's 'EfficientDynamics' package. This led to improved fuel consumption figures and lower emissions on all models.
Used Mercedes A Class for sale

Mercedes A Class Road Test

With the MK2 A-Class, the engines grew that little bit more powerful to grow into the car's increased capability. The petrol line up opens with the 95bhp A150, then there's a 115bhp A170 and a punchy 136bhp A200. Mercedes even offered a 193bhp turbocharged version of this engine, something that would have been unthinkable in the original A-Class. The diesel engine range shows even greater innovation. All units are Euro IV compliant and start with the 82bhp A160CDI, the mid range being marked out by the109bhp A180 CDI and the premier diesel powerplant is the 140bhp A200CDI, a car that you should find an absolute blast – by diesel standards anyway. You'll find a six speed manual transmission to be the default gearbox but a surprising number of original customers went for the optional Autotronic CVT gearbox. Its 'manual' mode features seven gears, although like a proper automatic, it has a torque converter. As well as more power, the MK2 A-Class has a better suspension system. Pry back the aerodynamic underfloor spoiler and a parabolic axle is evident. This curved tube joins the rear wheels and is mounted to a central pivot point with a linkage providing lateral guidance. It's not a new idea but Mercedes refined the system so that it was a good deal more tuneable than the MK1 car's trailing arm set-up. The second generation car also featured an adaptive damping system. Most such systems use electronics to alter the characteristics of the dampers but in this case, engineers at Daimler Chrysler developed a valve that allowed the oil inside them to move freely when the car negotiates small surface irregularities, thus giving a composed ride, When more is asked of the damper, the valve closes, firming up the ride during enthusiastic cornering. The power steering does rely on electronic trickery, a motor replacing the original A-Class's pump system. As you might well expect, this 'A' comes complete with a legion of electronic safety systems.
Used Mercedes A Class for sale

Buying a Mercedes A Class

A full Mercedes dealer service history is absolutely essential, especially for the most recent models whose lengthy warranty – effectively for the life of the car – is dependent on proper servicing by an authorised agent.Check that all the accessories work and watch out for cosmetic damage which can be expensive to correct. These are popular family cars, so check for wear and tear in the rear. Also look for the usual signs of wheel kerbing and poorly repaired accident damage.
Used Mercedes A Class for sale

Mercedes A Class Typical Pricing

Opening price for a Mercedes A150 Classic SE is £10,025 on a 2005 05 plate. Go newer and more upmarket in the shape of a 2006 55 plated A170 Classic SE three-door and you'll need to budget £10,450. Diesels start at around £10,875 for an 05 plated A 160 CDI Classic or £11,625 for the usefully quicker A180 CDI in equivalent trim. Insurance is reasonable, starting at Group 5E for the A150 going up to Group 9 for the A200 diesels. Only the A200 Turbo carries a hefty rating of Group 14.
Used Mercedes A Class for sale

Mercedes A Class Parts

(approx. Based on A150 model) Allow around £55 for a set of front brake pads and £35 for the rear and about £175 (excluding catalyst) for a factory exhaust system. A full clutch replacement would cost around £195, a radiator is about £145 whilst a starter motor can be up to £250. A new alternator would be in the region of £495.
Used Mercedes A Class for sale