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Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback (1998-2004) review

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Parkers overall rating: 3 out of 53.0

At a glance

Price new £12,570 - £21,825
Used prices £328 - £1,525
Road tax cost £35 - £385
Insurance group 11 - 24
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 404 - 736 miles
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Available fuel types

Petrol

Diesel

Pros & cons

PROS

Interior space, compact body, badge.

CONS

Firm ride, high price.

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

A-Class scores on several counts. It’s an intelligent compromise between city car and people-carrier, it’s undoubtedly practical, reliable and stylish and it’s got the Stuttgart star on the grille. Pumped-up small hatches might not be to everyone’s taste, but they’re certainly the flavour of the moment. Daewoo’s Matiz does a similar sort of job at half the price, but A-Class is the small family car of choice from Chelsea to Cornwall, combining prestige with practicality and reliability.

The stretch models from mid-2001 are roomier but still usefully compact.