2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review
Price
from: RM183,888
to: RM198,888
Installment
from: RM1,754/mth
to: RM1,897/mth
2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class at a glance
Mercedes-Benz has to be credited for the class-leading space and practicality wrung out of the A-Class' compact dimensions. But the 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is expensive for what it offers, with ride-and-handling that are no more than mediocre.
2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class's compact proportions and neat styling are pleasing enough for a hatchback. It may not be the most distinctive or the most fanciful, but we think Mercedes-Benz has done enough, styling wise, for the smallest car in its range.
Handling
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is fine for city driving and highway cruising, but it is far from at home on twisty roads due to its mediocre dynamics. High-speed stability is commendable, but the combination of feather-light, feel-less steering and poor grip levels means the 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class provides little driving fun.
Comfort
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class now rides much more comfortably compared to its predecessor's harsh, bouncy ride, although the ride quality is still firm for a supposedly comfort-biased car. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class struggles over rougher surfaces and larger bumps. Refinement is decent with well-contained engine and wind noise, but road noise intrudes at highway speeds. The driver sits high and should have little problems getting comfortable. Visibility and cabin ergonomics are both good.
Quality + Reliability
Wearing the three-pointed star means having to live up to what is expected of a Mercedes. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class meets our expectations, marrying high-quality materials with solid construction. Some earlier Mercedes have been known to have electrical glitches, but Mercedes-Benz is winning back its reputation for reliability. According to recent JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, both the Mercedes-Benz brand and the A-Class fared well in terms of reliability.
Performance
Producing a maximum of 116 bhp at 5500 rpm and 155 Nm at 3500–4000 rpm, the 1.7-litre engine gives the 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class respectable urge, whether for overtaking or cruising purposes. The engine is smooth and largely quiet, even while on the highways. The new Autotronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) shifts smoothly and offers two transmission programs: Comfort and Sport; Comfort aims for fuel economy, while Sport shifts more aggressively.
Roominess
Given its compact dimensions, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers plenty of practicality and room. Front and rear occupants will have no problems with head- or leg-room. The almost flat rear floor allows three at the back comfortably. The well-shaped boot has class-leading capacity, and more space can be freed up using the 60:40 split-fold rear seats.
Running Costs
The A170's fuel economy stands at 14.1 km/litre. Maintenance and repairs will be costly as all Mercedes-Benz servicing tends to be. Cars wearing the Mercedes-Benz badge may be expensive to buy and maintain, but the A-Class retains its value fairly well in class-leading manner. Still, more mainstream Mercedes-Benz models such as the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class are likely to fetch better residual values compared to the A-Class.
Value for Money
Under comparison, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class handles less competently than the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3, but it does ride better than the 1-Series. Crucially, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class can carry five in comfort when its two main rivals struggle to do so. Space and practicality are its main strengths, but we suspect the 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class's real appeal lies in it being the least expensive way to join the Mercedes-Benz club.
Equipment
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is well equipped as standard, offering many creature comforts that are available in more expensive Mercedes-Benz models. The safety equipment list is class-leading with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), adaptive front airbags, head/thorax sidebags in the front, and rear sidebags.
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 169 grams/km and fuel economy of 14.1 km/litre mean the A-Class is Mercedes-Benz's “greenest” model by far. If you are “green” at heart and still crave the three-pointed star, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the car to get, especially when five can travel in comfort.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Space and practicality
High-quality cabin
Least expensive Mercedes model
Mediocre driving dynamics
Still firm ride
Expensive for what it offers
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