Mercedes Benz A-Class A160 CDI Avantgarde SE

The second generation of A Class was introduced in 2005, and was face lifted in 2008. The exterior is similar in size to a Ford Focus, but taller, yet inside you get a really capacious interior trimmed in a conservative but classy manner.

The A Class is built on a 'Sandwich floor' design, originally for a Hydrogen fuel cell, but latterly adapted to ensure the A Class crash tested like a larger car, and offered more interior space, as the area between the upper and lower floors is used to house the fuel tank, electrics and many other items, while the space above is reserved for passengers and luggage!

My one is an A160 CDi Avantgarde Auto, so has the less powerful 2.0 Diesel, and a CVT transmission which offers either seamless automatic mode, or a virtual 7 speed tiptronic. It's quiet once warmed up, and very very smooth. Best of all, at 70-80mph on a motorway, it's extremely quiet, and feels like any other Mercedes model. The Avantgarde trim level is pretty generous, with all the usual electric items, Aircon, and Bluetooth Telephone, but unusually in this class offers full Traction control, ABS, ESP, Variable power steering and Automatic Lights/Wipers!

Uniquely, and like all Mercedes, the A160 comes with a 30 year breakdown assist/ recovery package and 30 year anti-perforation warranty too. The A Class is very reliable and excellent quality.

On the road, it starts with typical Mercedes Diesel clatter, which subdues after a few minutes, and then progress is brisk enough, but never 'fast' (Try the 109hp 180CDi for more punch!) while the chassis is taught and handles very neatly. Bear in mind this is a heavy car, it's still nimble and agile, and perhaps more fun than some of it's larger relations! The overwhelming feeling however, is one of refinement. No squeaks or rattles, a lovely interior with quality fittings, and most unflappable in nature. You won't need a faster car in reality these days, so the 160 makes sense, but it's not great to thrash, with a low revving Diesel and CVT transmission, but be a little patient and you'll be rewarded with good progress, 40-45mpg overall and refinement you won't find anywhere else in this class!

In a nutshell, the A160 CDi Avantgarde is the epitome of practicality, refinement and economy with enough driver appeal to keep things balanced. Financially it makes a lot of sense too, with the £27.50 a month service package, and vast warranties, coupled with decent residual values. This model is about to be phased out for the new 'Concept A' which is less radical but more exciting, and traditional A Class owners will miss this particular model as a result.

You may want to compare the A Class with run-of-the-mill hatchbacks such as the Fiesta/Focus or Polo/Golf ranges, but it's way ahead in terms of quality and design, despite it's resultant weight, which inevitably hampers performance and economy a bit. I have owned Mercedes for over thirty years, and can assure you it's every bit a Mercedes, but fits into a far smaller space!

Look carefully, and you'll see what a lovely little gem the A Class really is!

MPH: 109 Max...80-90 Cruise.

MPG: 40-45 Average...45-50 on a run.

Road Tax: £125p.a.

Servicing: £27.50 p.m (Mercedes Dealers only!!)

Standard equipment includes: Electric Windows, remote locking, Mirrors, Bluetooth Telephone/Radio/CD player with iPod jack. Artico leather/ Mechelin Cloth seats, Aluminium internal trimmings, 17\" alloy wheels, Vario-Power steering, Tinted Glass, ABS, ESP, Traction Control, Rain sensing Wipers, Auto headlights.