Grille test: Mercedes-Benz A180 BlueEFFICIENCY
We first tested the new Class A at the end of last year, and at least according to the label, it was a very similar version, with the only addition being CDI. The turbo diesel, of course, had a larger displacement, but less power. Both are the base engines in the offer of this Swabian manufacturer. The real petrol version, in addition to the engine, is also practically the basic version of the car's equipment.
This is where probably the biggest problem comes in when a potential buyer takes an interest in buying a brand as respected as Mercedes-Benz. If you go to the store that way, without going anywhere before, it probably won't be a problem, at least until you start adding up prices for whatever you think you need in your car. Since then, however, you probably really need to be a little patient for what you really want.
A wide variety of accessories are available., only it will have to be subtracted quite a bit. In our test model, it would be necessary to add at least 455 euros for a better radio, which also gives the driver a Bluetooth interface with connectivity for hands-free calling in the car – which is basic safety, at least judging by the fact that most people drive with one hand presses the mobile phone to the ear! And if you don't care about security, this add-on also allows you to stream your favorite music wirelessly.
I recently wrote in a report about driving another car that I feel like I'm being punished because the car didn't have a phone interface and cruise control. It was the same with the Mercedes A180, since it had no phone service or cruise control. Mercedes-Benz does not offer this accessory for the base model at all, not even as an accessory. So driving class A is definitely a compromise. If you decide to buy it, it should be clear to you that everything here costs a little more.
If all these conditions are accepted, the business is quite acceptable, the A180 behaves well in the hands of the driver. The first feeling that the engine is not powerful enough quickly disappears when you realize that this is just the impression that the driver gives, because the four-cylinder with an additional supercharger for filling the cylinders behaves quite sovereign and certainly does not even draw attention to itself. with noise. The gear lever is also convincingly smooth, and its movements are precise and fast. No noise or noise is heard from the road to the salon. What worries me more is that the basic suspension is also quite sporty, and the comfortable ride on Slovenian roads ends after a few meters, as the chassis leaves most of the shock from the wheels (with low profile tires) to the driver. and passengers without careful damping.
It is also inconvenient to ride with four or even five passengers or to install a child seat in the back seat, mainly due to the small space for knees or legs. The rear seat can also be flipped and enlarged, but the small opening in the back is surprising. If someone doesn't give a damn about the prestigious name and even wants to load the refrigerator into class A, the back door will definitely get in the way! Of course, much more can be said about this method in A, including the rather noble exterior of the trunk and the car as a whole. Still, at least the look of the dashboard disappointed almost everyone. It seems too plastic for a car of this brand, but this was already the case with its predecessor, and the larger C-Class cannot boast of greater persuasiveness.
Thus, the appearance of the new Mercedes A-Class seems to be the most important argument in favor of buying a car. Which, of course, is not bad, although more for those who just follow the car and do not use it. The A-Class is quite dynamic and convincing, as evidenced by the sales figures (especially in Germany). There is nothing wrong with the basic gasoline engine, moreover, it is quite convincing. Everything else depends on whether you are willing to pay more for prestige.
Text: Tomaž Porekar
Mercedes-Benz A180 Blue EFFICIENCY
Basic data
| Sales: | AC Interchange doo |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 22.320 € |
| Test model cost: | 26.968 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,5 with |
| Maximum speed: | 202 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 8,6l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 1.595 cm3 - maximum power 90 kW (122 hp) at 5.000 rpm - maximum torque 200 Nm at 1.250–4.000 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 205/55 R 16 W (Continental ContiWinterContact). |
| Capacity: | 202 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9,2 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 7,7/4,7/5,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 135 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.370 kg - permissible gross weight 1.935 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.292 mm – width 1.780 mm – height 1.433 mm – wheelbase 2.699 mm – trunk 341–1.157 50 l – fuel tank XNUMX l. |
Our measurements
| T = 12 ° C / p = 1.090 mbar / rel. vl. = 39% / odometer status: 12.117 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,5s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,7 years ( 129 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 8,1 / 11,5s (IV/V) |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 10,2 / 12,1s (Sun./Fri.) |
| Maximum speed: | 202km / h (WE.) |
| test consumption: | 8,6 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 42,1m |
| AM table: | 40m |
evaluation
Class A is the ticket for those who want a car with a three-pointed star. Compromises at this step are required.
We praise and reproach
form
driving performance and position on the road
well-being in the salon
beautifully crafted trunk
end products
insufficient basic equipment
accessories price
spaciousness on the back bench
transparency back
small trunk opening
