written by bigadz7 on 10/09/2004
Good Points
Stylish, economical, lots of kit on Avantgarde models, surprisingly cavernous, especially the Long Wheel-base version. Loads of airbags and safety features as standard.
Bad Points
Questionable interior trim quality, handling can be disconcerting on bumpy roads as the ride is fairly hard, mainly due to Mercedes beefing up the suspension and building in "Understeer" to make it safer.
General Comments
I've driven quite a few of these Mercedes Benz A Class A160 family cars over the last few years for weeks at a time (as hirecars) and we bought one 3 months ago, so my wife and I obviously like them. What I can say though is definetely go for the highest specification you can afford, but stick with the A160 as it has a gutsy, economical engine and is easiest to re-sell. The Avantgarde model is the one to go for as it has leather, Aircon, cruise-control (on the later models) nice alloy wheels, and gives you a bit of luxury, it is a mercedes after all. These cars are very expensive new and I would only recommend a good second hand one with full service history. If your budget will stretch and you can find one (I couldn't) try and find an A160 Avantgarde "LWB" as the long wheelbase gives masses of room for people in the back, bigger than my Dads ML Mercedes. The A class has received some bad press over the years and to be honest other manufacturers make similar cars at lower prices but if you want a practical, safe, reliable, nippy family car you'll love the Honda Civic. Sorry, I mean Mercedes A160.
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