Mercedes Benz India is currently riding high on the success of its premium hatchback model, A-Class in the automobile market. This vehicle is available in two variants among which, the Mercedes Benz A Class A 180 CDI is the diesel variant. This trim is powered by an in-line 2.2-litre mill that has the ability to belt out a peak power of 107.3bhp and 250Nm of peak torque. This sophisticated hatch is equipped with advanced aspects like 'Attention Assist', which is a drowsiness-detection system. At the speed range between 80 Kmph to 180 Kmph, this system analyze the driving behavior and warns the driver if there is any sign of increasing inattention. On the other hand, this variant also has a reversing camera with dynamic guide lines, which provides additional support to the driver while parking. Its insides are blessed with seat comfort package that comprises of saloon class seats in the cockpit. They are height adjustable had has cushion inclination adjustment facility, which makes it extremely comfortable for front passengers. The company has also installed several advanced protective aspects like adaptive brake system, which improves the road safety by performing critical braking maneuvers. At present, this vehicle competes with the likes of BMW 1 series in the premium hatchback segment.
Exteriors:
This hatchback has a captivating exterior appearance, thanks to its uniquely designed features like radiator grille and flare-effect LED daytime running lights. It has a dynamic front facade as it is fitted with a large diamond radiator grille with two louvers, which are treated in chrome. It is surrounded by a radiant headlight cluster that is equipped with bi-xenon headlamps along with LED DRLs and turn indicators. Below this, it is fitted with an urbane looking bumper that is further equipped with perforated air intake section along with a protective cladding . The overall look of the front is complimented by the iconic company's insignia fitted to the grille. The side profile is quite expressive owing to the character lines all over. Its door handles along with the ORVM caps are painted in vehicle color, while the waistline molding gets a chrome treatment. Its wheel arches have been fitted with 5-twin spoke style alloy wheels, which are painted in Himalaya Grey. This hatch has a lustrous rear profile owing to its sleekly structured windscreen that is accompanied by a dual tone spoiler and a wiper. The taillight cluster is quite large and is powered by LED lamps, which further amplifies the rear profile.
Interiors:
This Mercedes Benz A Class A 180 CDI trim comes with a plush interior cabin, which is emphasized by an exclusive style package. This package comprises of ARTICO Messancy seat with contrasting top-stitching along with matrix trim, which gives a splendid look to the cabin. Its dashboard is made with high quality scratch resistance material, which is further accentuated by chrome inserts . It is equipped with aspects like an infotainment system, AC unit and a stylish instrument cluster with a multi-functional color display. The steering wheel has three spokes and it is mounted with 12 function keys. The gearshift lever along with the steering wheel has been covered with Nappa leather upholstery. The company has fitted an electrically adjustable seat for driver including memory setting and provided it with 4-way lumbar support. The space inside is ample and can provide lavish seating for at least five passengers. This hatchback comes with a decent boot volume of 341 litres. This storage capacity can be increased further by folding the rear seat in a 60:40 split ratio.
Engine and Performance:
The company has equipped this variant with a powerful 2.2-litre, in-line diesel engine that has a fourth generation common rail injection technology. It has four cylinders and 16-valves that makes 2143cc, which is further equipped with a turbocharger. This helps the motor to churn out a commanding power of 107.3bhp in the range of 3200 to 4400rpm that results in a maximum torque output of 250Nm between 1400 to 2800rpm. The company has paired this motor with a 7G-tronic seven speed automatic transmission gearbox that enables the front wheels to extract its torque output. This diesel version requires only 10.6 seconds to breach a 100 Kmph barrier and it can achieve a top speed of 190 Kmph, which is fairly decent.
Braking and Handling:
This vehicle's front axle is fitted with a McPherson strut, while the rear axle is equipped with a 4-link suspension. The company has installed a rack and pinion based power steering with integral steer control assistance that provides excellent support, especially in critical driving situation. As far as the braking is concerned, all its four wheels have been fitted with disc brakes, which are further loaded with robust brake calipers. This braking mechanism gets assistance from antilock braking system, brake assist (with automatic recognition of automatic braking situation) and electronic stability program.
Comfort Features:
This Mercedes Benz A Class A180 CDI trim is bestowed with numerous advanced comfort features as standard. It has a list of features including automatic AC unit with dust filter, steering column adjustment for height and reach, ECO start/stop function, folding rear seat back rest, direction indicator with one touch lane changing function and rear center armrest with two cup holders. It also has features like front center armrest with storage compartment, spare wheel, power windows with one touch operation, illuminated glove box compartment, TIREFIT with tyre-inflation compressor and other such aspects . Apart from all these, this vehicle is blessed with in-car entertainment system including Audio 20 CD with MP3/WMA/ACC compatibility, AUX-In socket, USB port and a radio. This system also comprises of of 14.5cm color screen and Bluetooth interface with hands-free along with audio streaming.
Safety Features:
The manufacturer is offering this luxury hatchback with sophisticated safety aspects, which safeguards the vehicle and its passengers. Its locking and security aspects comprises of electronic immobilizer, infrared remote control with visible locking-verification, automatic locking of doors with emergency opening and central locking facility with interior switch. This restraint system includes eight airbags, occupancy sensor for front passenger seat, manually adjustable head restraints along with child-proofing for doors and rear windows . At the same time, this hatch is bestowed with active safety aspects including acceleration skid control, attention assist, crash-responsive emergency lighting, driver side exterior mirror with automatic dimming function, hill start assist, adaptive brake with hold function, and automatic dimming of interior mirror.
Pros:
1. Innovative safety and comfort features are a big plus.
2. Captivating exteriors and interiors.
Cons:
1. Price range can be more competitive.
2. Cost of maintenance and spares is expensive.
