Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2013 - 2018) A200 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5d (2013/13) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
With the AMG Sport styling it's a bit 1990's boy racer - nice car, but I'm a bit old for it.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
My 13 year old nephew loves it. Enough said.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Sadly not, as mentioned driving the new A Class is a physically painful experience for me, thus I shall avoid Mercedes products in future. Owning a new car should be a pleasure, and this car a joy to drive. Sadly not.
What are you likely to buy next?
I regret not taking the Alfa Romeo Julietta, a strong contender for my next car.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
November 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
Shortly after launch Mercedes released special lease hire pricing, though at point of ordering this deal had been revoked thus resulting in a higher contract hire.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
The new A Class appealed owing to being a new and unique model.
What was the dealer like?
Unfortunately, owing to high demand which led to shortage of parts, delivery was delayed on 2 occasions totalling 2 months. Communication could've been clearer.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Here's where it all goes wrong. of the 9 cars I've owned this is the most uncomfortable. painfully (physically) so. by a long margin. I highly recommend you take one on an extended test drive before buying. The pedal off-set is such that my leg is painfully cramped.
What's it like to park?
Unfortunately, owing to the physical pain caused by the pedal position, my seat is now adjusted such that my seat is as far back as it can be, sterring wheel pulled forward as far as possible (i'm 5"9) - now the A pillar creates a massive blind spot making it impossibe to place the front corners, thus parking requires much leaning forward and guess work.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
So far so good, though I have fallen foul of the several quirks including the need to depress the clutch fully before twisting the key (otherwise engine will not start).
What's most practical about your car?
The new A Class is surprisingly spacious inside despite the small-car looks on the outside. Mercedes have successfully managed to create a light and airy cabin.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Auto lights with follow-me-home feature, a minor feature on a modern car, though extremely handy when parking in unlit carparks at night.
