Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2005 - 2012) A160 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic SE 5d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Couldn't afford a C class.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Mercedes-Benz badge draws attention but then they wonder why I didn't buy a Golf.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, No and No again. Blue efficiency doesn't prevent average mileage being worse than my 1.9 TDI Octavia. 86bhp means the car is just TOO SLOW at all times. It rolls disconcertingly at speed although I avoided Elks. Up spec'ing to the A180 CDI and Elegance would help driveability and comfort but a Golf or Golf Plus would then be a lot cheaper and better to drive. Overall this car is huge disapointment and a poor compromise between driving enjoyment and economy. And it isn't even very economical! Avoid!! On the plus side, very comfortable for passengers and solidly built, although little to say you aren't driving a van - all be it a very solid M-B van

What are you likely to buy next?

After a month I gave it back under the Approved Used Guarentee. I am going to look at the Skoda Yeti and the Honda Jazz but I suspect the answer will be a new Golf again.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,250

When did you buy the car?

May 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought direct from M-B with less than six months old and 1404 miles up! A discount of 4000 pounds off list price looked like a good deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Bought as a second car to replace a Mk iv Golf. Wanted something smaller but still practical, safe, and with a high quality interia. Something quite difficult to find in the supermini class.

What was the dealer like?

Small site but full services. Friendly and the salesman was very efficient. He talked too much for my liking and seemed to be working of a script. On picking up the car I was introduced to three Service managers who told me about the service they would give me but they didn't actually know the model of car I had just bought. A week later they were all busy when I called and didn't answer my calls.

What's it like to drive?

This car is slow, slow and even slower. Diesel noisy at slow speeds. Sowing machine clatter at speed. Seems happy to cruise at 80mph but is unsteady above that or on motorway off ramps. Once off the boil it struggles to keep up with traffic. 15 seconds to 60mph official figures seems even longer in real world. Going up any kind of hill just kills forward motion. Driving position is poor. The high seating position is a good thing but the seats sit low on the floor like a sports car. Combined with a steering wheel which doesn't adjust for reach, a tall driver has to adopt a legs splayed position which is uncomfortable over time. My knees rested against a very hard door. Comfort seats in front are are good but are a cost option well worth the 80 quid. Shame it didn't get reach adjustable st

What's it like to park?

Fine - Lots of glass, a high position and a flat boot lid means it is very easy to judge distances. Light steering and big mirrors help to make this car a doddle to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing wrong in 2500 miles and still feeling new.

What's most practical about your car?

Visability and manouverability. Realy quite good to park.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Absolutely nothing special about this car in this trim level. Except the Air conditioning - simply the coldest AC I have ever encountered.