NEW Mercedes A-Class Review: Best Premium Hatch? 4K
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- Rory hops into the new Mercedes A-Class to find out if the tweaks and changes of this 2023 facelift elevate it above the premium hatch competition.
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The "weird mouse touch pad" in the middle is what I use 99% of the time to control the infotainment in my A35. Just look how you have to lean forward to use the touch screen. This is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous while driving.
Agree. Removing it was just plain cost cutting. I had a GLB for long term test and I used that more of the time while driving.
Thats why Mazda removed touch functionality in the Mazda3, the rotary wheel feels great and will always work without you having to lean over half the car
I just use the capacitive scroll wheel thing on the steering wheel instead. That way I don't even have to take my hands off the wheel.
I only use it on long drives to occasionally zoom out and in. It has plenty functionality but I rarely bother using it, especially since most can be done via steering wheel touch controls
The IDrive on BMWs are simply unbeatable and I’ve no doubt they will be going down a similar route to Mercs
the exterior colour showing on the inside of the doors looks entry level imo
well.. its an entry level car? :D
It looks like a cheap A-segment VW Up!/Peugeot 108/Toyota Aygo...
@@RamjeProductions The golf, A3 and every hatch in the segment is the same apart from the BMW 1 series.
Well your opinion is worthless.
My a3 2017 does not show paint colour on the inside.
Unacceptable build quality from a premium manufacturer when you're going to be handing over at least 30k for a decent spec model.
Hey mate thinking the other way around is even more frustrating. Just imagine to buy a A45S for round about 70K Witze the same shitty build quality. Honestly I have driven an a45s and it is exactly the same very poor quality. Plus the upgraded sound system is absolutely unacceptable. When you turn off the „surround sound“ and just hear the real sound quality it makes you staggering how that was even possible. A RS3 8V with a bang and Olufsen sound system played in a whole another universe.
Especially so with a totally inadequate drivetrain
@@krower11 absolutely. The ‘premium’ Burmester in the pre facelift A class is unacceptable. I miss listening to the B&O in my Audi.
@@krower11 I had a CLA250e which is basically the same interior. I've now got a Tesla Model 3 which are renowned for being poor quality but hand on heart, both the material and build quality are a step up from the Mercedes. Can't believe I'm saying that but in my anecdotal experience it's true.
30k? Base model with weakest diesel engine (which is in fact built by Renault) starts at 40k here in France lol, 30k is for a used one base level trim
The body color on the inside window frames looks bit cheap
Same with the build quality issues.
Too bad to even see the exterior colour when you inside the car, bad bad bad
I’m surprised no one else mentioned this. It makes the car feel even cheaper than the civic
It’s not an E-class. Its supposed to look a bit cheap. Its the entry model Mercedes.
@Mert Yalcin: the smallest toyota model, the aygo has this also to save costs 😄
Interior feels like a downgrade from the older car? The touch pad made it so the entertainment screen was fingerprint smear free, the physical buttons on the steering wheel were just a lot easier to get along with as well as looked better and more expensive. To me the only thing that’s an upgrade is the new UI styles on the MBUX.
I've got a 2020 A45S and I think some things are a step back on this face-lift.
Doing away with the touch pad was a mistake, it's really handy to swipe between tracks and navigating the menus, as you have more control over the touch buttons on the steering wheel, and you don't have to get the screen covered in finger prints. But the option is still there to use the touch screen if you want. What do we get now on the face lift instead? A tiny coin tray 🙄, how is that a step forward?
The headlights, personally I prefer the old tick style ones, rather than just a line at the top. Couldn’t get anymore basic looking than just a line! At least the tick give it a bit of character.
The tail lights, again the old version looks much better to me with the ring of light, instead of just a simple line.
Just these 3 things alone make the old version feel and look more like the face lift.
It's like Mercedes got it the wrong way around.
Not that I'm complaining 😅
Yeah you're right, I also like the older model more, for some reason this new one looks cheap.
Totally agree! I’ts in every way a step back. And this will be the last A class they will make before they will stop producing in 2025.
Not mutch for a last bang.
move on from the old mate u dont need a old touch pad to scroll u speak 2 to the car 2 do things easy!!!
The trackpad on the old A Class is one of my favourite ways of using an infotainment system on a car ever! I use it everyday. This is coming from someone in their 20s too. This seems like a step backwards! I also love the old A class steering wheel - most luxurious steering wheel I have used and most intuitive. I won’t be moving from my current A class to the new one
I see a auto trader video i click
on the spot mate
@@AB-ff1cq same here first one I clicked in while, the last couple of notifications I received I noticed it wasn't Rory so I just dismissed it 😅
Wise words
Much better than some other channels with a forcibly goofy presenter that asks you to click links every three words 😅
I agree with the build quality issues, that’s not premium.
I can't find which country its' made in specifically, but it looks like Germany, Hungary, and Finland. The build quality is surprisingly bad for those countries.
@@legendofLINK445 my pre facelift a class has some movement at the buttons down at the middle, none at the screen tho and not as bad. Idk if they cut corners or he has a bad car
It isn't that bad, I think the test car has some problems, probably was abused by testers. I own a 2020 CLA with 204 000 km, it's perfectly fine.
B class prefacelift as a second daily here, its been literally abused by all members of family, no such issues
@@istenfasza7835 but that’s the problem right? Some models have poor build quality and some are fine, it’s not consistent. So poor QC.
Rory. Brilliant review as always. Don't think the 1 Series has much to worry about. Quality and Mercedes are increasingly " distant ". Not what you would expect in a German premium brand.
It is really sad that Mercedes has gone downhill in terms of quality. Tables seem to have turned in that BMW is now probably in the lead quality-wise followed by Audi.
Totally agreed. Modern Mercedes build and material quality is simply shocking. And it even applies to the S Class. I sat in a new S Class and it looks great but there is a distinct feeling that there is a thin veneer of aspects covering poor build and materials.
Maybe so. But the tech is much better in the A-class.
The BMW are the best in quality
The 1 series is a rarity on German streets, unlike the a class
I've moved on from my a200 w177 and I can't believe they've removed the trackpad from the facelift model. I always found the touchscreen to feel really far away. Nice to see CarPlay is no longer a £200+ option too. Subtle improvements on the exterior but really like the new look steering wheel.
I really love your style of commentary cause it’s genuine, and real. That’s what makes a big difference. when looking to buy a new car.🎉
Resetting the transmission control module will help it learn the way you like to drive the car, based on how much throttle you like to use, etc. Should make the drive a bit smoother with less delays.
How do you do that?
@@istenfasza7835 Has to be done in mercedes servicing sw
@@JohnyMcNeal You can look up Mercedes Adaptive Transmission Reset TUTORIAL, you can do it yourself and it's easy. (It also worked for me, A 180 2020)
I have a 2019 A250 and tbh they’ve made a few things worse with this refresh. Capacitive buttons only on the steering wheel is a massive mistake and no trackpad so you have to operate the left screen with your hand? Madness. It is so easy to navigate that screen whilst driving using the trackpad. You hardly have to look. Now you’re forced to stare at that screen when using it. Insanity
And to lean forward. Safety hazard.
I think insanity might be a slight exaggeration
Happy with my 2019 A Class AMG line premium 🔥💪🏽 for now
Had my 68 plate A class A200 AMG for 18 months now ,the best car I have ever owned. Every time I drive it feels so good
IMHO, I think the best *_premium C-segment_* hatchback is the *Mazda 3* (BP). Since BMW dropped the ball hard after the F20/F21...
Lol since when Mazda is a premium brand?
@@davidc.7838 Since they've been creating cars with far better material choices, fit and finish than the "premium" brands that you can think of. Things can change you know.
Agreed - Mazda3 is a terrific car. Would be my choice
Mazda Oh my days 😂
Mounting components on bushings does allow for a bit of movement, but the method is to eliminate any annoying creaking that often occurs when they are mounted without any bushings.
meaning that in 100k km it won't make any noise
Been a happy a200 AMG line Premium owner the last 3 years but ordered a new a200 launch edition yesterday
He is correct the rear diffuser is different
Previous generation w177 also had not only touchpad but touch control 10'' screen as well
My family has a 2019 A35 in Greece, what a great car. We bought it used with 17,500 km for around 24k. It’s a great car for the tight city streets and my parents love it. But, I absolutely love my 2017 Audi S1, we got it brand new and it now has 76,000km on it. Such a plucky little car. Good value, cheap to run and insure, haven’t had any major problems with it, and I drive it everywhere. I even put it on an 8 hr ferry to Italy and drove it to Switzerland to visit my friends.
I had a 21 plate A class AMG line and moved to a 21 plate Seat Leon. Wouldnt look back! I find the build quality to be much the same but the Seat is leagues ahead in terms of practicality, comfort and smoothness when driving.
Take away the glitzy air vents and ambient lighting and the A class is actually a very poor day to day car, just made to look good with some extra tech.
💯
Which trim level of the seat Leon did you go for ?
You should have taken a look at the Mazda 3!
Really ?
Does anyone know if the fancy grille on the facelift model would fit my 2019 car?
An excellent review Rory.
Personally I think it’s shame they don’t make a full self charging hybrid and the interior still looks very gloomy like our GLA 4Matic was.
Got my new Facelift A35 and when I got it i really really missed the touchpad because I could always use It while having one hand on the Steering wheel and on hand on the armrest 😢 but after 1 month I got used to it a really great Car
Love the yellow but I could see people in Manhattan hailing the driver down as a cab....and then flipping out when you drive right past them. Some might find that a feature, though.
8:06 - the last gen was the same. I had an A220 for years and loved it but there was always this like "half a second" delay on the throttle pedal pulling away, not usually an issue but you notice it at roundabouts and stuff (although weirdly you get used to it and forget it was even a thing). Strange, most people wouldn't understand unless they have driven or owned one but that jerkyness is part of that, it's never fully fully smooth pulling away and if you press the throttle a bit harder to try and counteract that "delay" you just end up almost wheel spinning. I'm making it sound worse tha it is so it's easy to understand what I mean but it's definitely there and it's definitely annoying, I'm sure others reading this will know what I mean!
Even my A180d does that. Just shitty gearbox tuning i guess
yep, ive got a 2016 220d and it has this. You can do a TCU adaption reset which resets the gearbox. The gearbox adapts to how you drive. Google it and its very easy to reset. Helps a bit with the lag
@@nosubtv4242 i just did that, thank you so much for your comment, its so much better now!
@@dertobi257 Glad to pass on this information and for you to have benefited like i did. I tend to do it monthly to keep the gearbox sharp. Unless you drive like a maniac 24/7 :)
I went for the Mazda 3 Skyactiv X, after seriously considering an A200 and taking one for an extended test drive. The Mazda's interior was just about on par with the Mercedes, but with a nicer exterior, better performance, and dynamics and vastly better economy, easily getting 50mpg all while being a lot cheaper. For me the Mazda is the natural competitor, and anyone considering one should go for a test drive before buying.
Lol. The mazda 3 interior is one of the most boring and drab interiors I've seen on a modern car. It's one of the main reasons I was turned off from it
@@imikez3815 in your opinion
You should try driving in Eco mode but configured as the custom setting, the regenarative process is shocking! It jerks violently when you slow the car down and bring it to a stop.
The MBUX is shockingly bad to use, they've buried menus under menus, under further menus and you're expected to use your fingers to operate them. The previous gen MBUX was far better to use in conjunction with the touchpad, but the new one, not so!
In my C-Class, I use the middle roller more than the touch pad, in fact, I turn off the touch pad and have never used the features.
I don't think I've ever seen Rory so bored reviewing a car 😅
Boring car
I have a 21 plate and I’m surprised no one talks about the poor really hard plasticy rest point for your elbows and uncomfortable sport seats and how poor the boot is tbh just for the most uncomfortable sport seats I would go for Audi or bmw next time
Agreed, my wife has the CLA which has the same seats and they are by far the least comfortable seats I’ve experienced! The seats in my Audi A5 are much more comfortable
Well said! I had the A35 and loved the interior Ambient lighting package and all the technology however; the seats were sooooo uncomfortable and a Peugeot 308/BMW 1 Series genuinely feels better built inside.
@@zainulaabideenmulla odd, guess it's a personal preference. I have the CLA 250e and I don't mind the seats, perfectly fine and build quality is great.
For a facelift how many changes are expected?
I counted 9 maybe 10 for the outside, 7 for the inside…
I do not know how many changes other manufacturers make for a mid-life facelift. Anyone know?
I'm on my 3rd AMG/35/45. I see(hear) It still has that trademark rumbling when driving down that perfect road.
Previous gen had the worst bucket seats ever. Terminated the lease early to get rid. Most uncomfortable car.
Omg it's the same seats! ☠️☠️☠️
I second this . Had backaches all the time!
They are terrible, luckily it’s only my wife’s car so I don’t drive it much, but when I do, I want to get out immediately!
As a former Mercedes Benz employee, and having experienced these cars on a daily basis, I can honestly say that this years generation of A Class have missed the mark by a long shot. Charging customers upwards of £40,000 for what is considered to be a ‘premium hatchback’ is anything but.
When your put in front of a car that’s in excess of £40,000 with a Renault engine under the bonnet. And with cheap, tacky materials inside… I’m not sure that’s going to cut it.
I’ll stand by Mercedes and say that they make some stunning cars in their current lineup. However, a lot more needs to be done to it’s lesser models in order to give them that premium touch.
Save yourself £5,000/£8,000 and get an A3 or a Golf👍🏼
@Luke Walker I agree 100%. But this is how they hook customers into the brand.
It’s about thinking you have bought something premium.
It’s nothing of the sort.
the Renault engine has the fewest problems while the 220 and 250 always has problems with the
head gasket. So you just trash talking and not Believe that your an employee.
The A Class has always been garbage inside.
Its the entry car....
Only a fool buys anything new anyway - myself included ;)
Bought a 2018 used one with 90000 kms with the "Renault engine" which lacks some power and it's the only complaint that I have. Best car either for city drive or long trips.
The most important bit that they should to update for this "new" version is to solve the issue of fuel sloshing.
I have a 2021 AMG A220d. I love it, it's like a rocket. Having the AMG body kit, AMG multilink lowered suspension and AMG wheels makes it look very sporty. The one problem I have is the lack of ground clearance, it is so easy to catch the body work on kerbs or potholes. Great little car though.
It might feel like a rocket, it isn't :(
@@sirianofmorley Almost 200bhp and 0 - 60 in a whisker over 6 seconds is enough of a rocket for an old chap like me!
My friend, that car is not an AMG.
@@Oscar-xb9vt I never claimed it was. It is just an oil burning A class with AMG suspension, wheels & a body kit. I don't know why you all get so excited, I wouldn't want a real AMG unless I could afford a V8. Which AMG do you drive?
@@thebrowns1017
He says that because you called it an Mercedes AMG A220d, but it‘s an Mercedes A220d with AMG package.
There is no such thing as an AMG 220d.
Also people might be confused when you call a over 6s 0-60 time quick, in a time where an over 2 ton SUV can make 0-60 in 3.1 seconds
The previous version also has a touchscreen. I use it often
Good review. Soon as you said haptic buttons on the steering wheel it's a no from me
Let’s be serious, they’ve put less ways to interact with the UI, clearly made the elements cheaper and despite the steering wheel looking better, it performs worse. Couple that with no other major improvements and a much higher cost (I got a premium 200 model in 2018, cost me £31000 - it costs £38000 and its worse).
My current A class is the same, wish they have tuned the starter motor, it’s very jerky at low speed- A200 that is, hard to pull of smoothly
Thanks for your reviews entertaining and honest!
I have the A250 and my two complaints are how uncomfortable the seats are and the jerky initial pull away.
Otherwise it’s a great car for city and long trips
The 2020 had multi beam headlights too. And the screen was full size too. Might ONLY be the uk who doesnt come with led as standard
The screens on the pre facelift weren’t full size by default and the lights aren’t led by default
@@MaticTheProto yes they are. In the configurator at the Norwegian site, u can either choose from standard led and multi beam led, even the previous gen came with xenon as standard. I have never seen an a class with halogen lights.
@@godlynt1359 in Germany halogen plus led day lights is standard
Year the window surrounds on the inside are bothering me big time
Great video! Could be even better if you would cut away to the old version when talking about it vs to new to highlight the differences even more! :)
Welcome back 🙏
Could you try also AMG A35 facelift?
Can’t wait for all the manufacturers to put buttons back on cars on the next version
Greg, I think, is wrong. There appears to be next to no change to the rear diffuser.
Does it still come with the Renault engine for the entry level models?
Yes and they are good, dont write them off
@@TheManWithNoName786 yup. Great fuel efficiency and power output
No more Renault engines after 2021.
Anything above 200 is a merc and below would be Renault.
I don’t know why you think the old A class having a Renault engine was bad it was a great little unit
Is that a power bulge on a non AMG A_class
that they removed the halogen as standard is more than needed. I could not believe it that when I ordered the A35, that they wanted 1k extra for the headlights. haha
overall, the old a35 was one of the best sedans I ever owned! Hence, this will remain a super car!
Wow, this new Mercedes A-Class is absolutely stunning!
The facelift is light but for me, this new class A is better than all premium hatch 👍
I love that yellow!
Didn't they also remove the rear independent suspension, and gave it a basic setup for the engines below 150bhp?
Does anyone know if any of the engines for this A-Class are from Renault?
you realise the renault engines are the most reliable and efficient mercs. my a class w177 diesel gets 65mpg and has zero issues. renault K9K engine is really great. doesn't break. non amg is also more comfortable over bumps on the road. whos winning now.
That colour is so sickly. Only seems bearable when it’s an A35/45.
I would get a Civic Type R for the price and it’s a better investment for the future.
New one is ridiculously overpriced
I refuse to drive a civic, happy with my merc
I would take a Civic over this A Class any day of the week. Better looking, more efficient and the real deal in terms of quality and reliability.
Best car in class by far.
Loaded with amazing technology and safety features.
Interior design blows its rivals out of the water. Driving is very good on any kind of road. It’s a great premium hatchback.
Ive had a 2018 A launch edition for almost 3 years now. First of all the build quality in the cabin is second to none compared to what i just saw on the video. The screens are sterdy and the climate control button box does not move at all. Is the A series build somewhere else? I live in Finland and this was build here. The engine and gearbox is another thing. I dont like it when it stays on the smaller gears for longer when driving in town which is something that I do for 90% of the time behind the wheel. Then when it finally changes gear the motor keeps the revs high up just as im coming to a standstill on lights or intersection. Really annoying. Ride is good on motorways but I would not mind some better seats when driving longer drives. Other than the car pretty much has everything that I need apart the cabin preheating for winter. Tech is superb and it works.
Don't get me wrong, I own a merc, but what's with the droopy lights these days? I feel like 2018 was the sweet spot for Mercedes. Don't think any of the new ranges will be for me unfortunately.
A second hand standard spec Aclass is selling for over €40k in Cyprus, and no wonder the 1seriea is outselling it
I prefer my 2019 A220 AMG to what they have done to the car.
Love that interior 😻
Fun fact the A180d and A200 use Renault engines 1.3 is the same engine in the Clio 1.3 TCE and the 1.5 diesel is again from Renault it's known as the 1.5 DCI 1.3 is a great engine if you have that engine in a Clio it will be like a hot hatch 0-60 time is good for the engine too
And actually most of the Merc models use Renault engines CLA has them GLA has it GLB has it B class has it A sedan has it the cheaper cars have them 180 and 200 code named engines are from Renault
Renault is claiming they have Mercedes engines. Tomaaato, Tomato.
Say what?!
He’s right Mercedes have Renault engines in them. If u do ur research Mercedes went into partnership with Renault, this is going back to about 6yrs now.
If u want a Mercedes engine u have to go for a 2.0L upwards.
For a while in 2016/2017 the C200d was also the Renault 1.5 DCi !.
@M Faj I have read somewhere that they (Daimler) have said goodbye to Renault engines in 2021. Don't know what is true.
Great review as usual Rory. Couldn't help but notice you've got 222 messages! Whats going on? 🤔😜
Nice one 👍
Great review, I really appreciate your conversational and knowledgeable style. Too bad we don’t have you reviewing more U.S. spec cars.
Rory, does a consistently good job with presentations. Kudos. This A Class looks nice and too bad no longer available in the USA ( correct?)
A class is garbage glad it’s not being sold here. It’s a scam
“They’ve gotten rid of the old basic halogen beams”
On the previous model, only the entry level model came with halogen headlights. All other trims were given LEDs, so this isn’t exactly a new feature on the facelift model.
I like this car in sedan ❤
Gotta love the rory
“Yeah, this feels premium” you can literally see the exposed metal painted door panels on all the doors behind him 😂
if i add plastic and rubber to mine and you won't see the metal, will that make you feel any different? no. stop complaining. i love my a class.
Looks similar inside to the 2021 CLA my wife has…not a bad thing though!
I don't have the car but I have the same jacket and it's really nice.
I wish they bring it to the United States,my favorite hatch back
yes looks lovely
Nice looking car
Definetily everyone's dream car
Be fair ! Thank you
I read somewhere that this is the last ‘A’ class and will be discontinued?
Yes, this along with the Golf R are the last of the Mercedes-Benz & Volkswagen hot hatches.
Old rear tail lights were so nice tho 😭😭
the piano black on the dash is a pain in the .. the keep clean
Hi Rory good review as usual my wife had a 2018 a 200 163bhp I drove it occasionally it was difficult to pull away smoothly without it jerking had the auto box seems same problem with new one so possibly not the mild hybrid?
Because he's dumping the speed pedal on a double clutcher.
That's not how you drive those smoothly
@@karstenpedersen7749 interesting comment. now have new bmw 1 series auto a lot smoother from standing start than merc ever was
Actually I have the same engine variant and smooth acceleration works easily on eco and also pretty good on comfort mode
Awesome video bro ✨👌🏻
I really thought they would have fixed that loose climate control thing since every car reviewer pointed it out in the old one. Mental😅
I think my 2022 Mercedes will be going up in value after watching this video lol. Why on earth would they get rid of the trackpad? So easy to use in my current model and safer too.
The car drives nice, but what I complain more is the build quality, noises everywhere in the cabin. Solution, put your music with high volume.
And what's that where the touchpad used to be?
The most pointless thing they could possibly think of
AMG this hatch and have it available in the US.. please
The exposed metal door frames really annoy me on a car this expensive. I know you won't see them driving it, but just look at that rear cabin shot as Rory is driving it. BMW would cover this in a 1 series with plastic capping. That's the sort of cost-cutting that makes you wonder what else have they scrimped on that you can't see?
Had the 2020 A200 AMG line premium plus, got rid after 2 years. It’s all tech and not much going on the car side. Ps mine also had CarPlay and touch screen on the left screen. Literally same car albeit a slightly bumper
its confortable like car ? please
Still the king in its class by far. Beautiful car.
Bought the 2020 a class premium plus as a second car. Don’t think the new one is currently worth the upgrade money for me personally and also i prefer the touch pad and the steering wheel.
I must say Mercedes did everyone dirty in the pre face lifted A class, CLA’s with the half sized Apple CarPlay, why on earth have they not pushed out an software update that make them full screen sized, make a premium brand look, a little less premium
Why did they get rid of the touchpad 😢