The new Mercedes A-Series Sedan has a distinctive Mercedes design that is recognisable from a distance. The front grille features the large Mercedes logo and the front lights look like those on the smaller A-series hatchback.

Viewed from the side, the front end of the car curves down quite sharply. Indeed, Mercedes claims that the car has the lowest drag coefficient of any production car in the world. At 0.22, the A-Series Sedan matches the CLA Coupé.

The side profile lines are harmonious. The length of the rear section has been slightly reduced, but this hasn’t reduced the boot space of the car much. The 420 litres of luggage space in the A-series sedan is at least a good size for this size segment.

This is a stylish interior

The interior of the A-series Sedan is a real treat. The design is very successful and the materials are mostly of high quality.

The modern cabin design also has retro touches. The air vents are generously sized and the push buttons for the air conditioning are elegantly arranged in a single row.

The cockpit uses quite a lot of glossy black plastic, which often makes the car look cheap. In the A-series Sedan, plastic is mainly used in areas that are not touched with the hands. This keeps the plastic parts scratch-resistant and clean of fingerprints.

The two separate 10.25-inch screens in the test car are combined into one large screen. This Mercedes “Widescreen-Cockpit” display is inspired by the E and S Series models of its big brothers.

The screens have a resolution of 1920×720 pixels, and are exceptionally sharp compared to many other carmakers’ displays. On the left-hand side are the normal gauges, and other driving-related information. The buttons on the steering wheel allow you to replace the tachometer with a consumption, eco or map display for navigation.

The right-hand display is controlled from the centre console touchpad. In addition to the standard navigation screens and radios, the menus offer a very large number of different settings that can be adjusted. Visually, the data is nicely presented, but getting used to the menu jungle takes time.

The touchpad sometimes seems awkward to use, so the touchscreen makes it easier to use. Over time, you get used to the touchpad’s sensitivity and occasional blurriness, but sometimes it’s quicker and easier to tap on the menus on the screen.

Stiffness is there, sophistication is needed

The A-series sedan is classified as a small sedan. However, the model name can be misleading, as the handling is surprisingly stiff. Behind the wheel, it feels like a bigger car than its looks suggest.

The steering and pedals are well-boosted and light to control. The car has a very precise steering feel, which can also be described as tactile.

The car is particularly surprising on the motorway. For a small car, the ride is very stable and on a good asphalt surface the noise level remains low. On a normal highway with studs, the noise level does rise, but not to a disturbing level.

In normal quiet driving, engine noise is well isolated outside the cab. At higher revs, however, the four-cylinder’s ‘growl’ comes clearly through the insulation.

There is nothing to complain about in terms of engine performance. The small 1.3-litre engine produces a respectable 163 horsepower and a comfortable 250 newton metres of torque. With these figures, the car’s agility is surprising, considering the fact that it is still a mere 1.3-litre engine. 0-100 km/h. is achieved in 8.1 seconds.

The consumption figures displayed by the trip computer also came as a positive surprise. In mixed, slightly brisker driving, consumption remained at just over six litres, and it was interesting to note that on the motorway consumption remained at around five litres at 100-120 km/h.

The weakest link in the driving experience is the seven-speed gearbox. The car often jerks when starting from a stop, no matter how steadily you try to apply the accelerator.

The problem is particularly pronounced when the engine is switched off at traffic lights and you need to get going quickly. The gearbox handles the gear changes nicely after starting up.

Automation to make driving easier

Active lane assist, windscreen wiper rain sensing and a reversing camera are standard on all models in the A-series sedan.

Active Lane Assist helps you stay in your lane inside the lines. When the car drives close to the lane line, the steering wheel vibrates to alert the driver. If there is no correction, the car automatically makes a small correction manoeuvre with the steering wheel while applying a slight pressure on the brake.

Lane assist has two levels, basic and sensitive. At the sensitive level, the car’s automatic corrective action is more active and clearly more pronounced.

Small premium sedans are coming

Small premium sedans will grow in popularity as the space and drivability of smaller cars continue to improve. The smaller package offers the features and space of a larger car, and the smaller exterior dimensions make it easier to get around town.

The A-series Sedan is a great value for money choice for city and highway driving. But don’t be fooled by the model name when it comes to this car. Although the A refers to the most compact model in the Mercedes range, the car has character and potential for many purposes.

Mercedes-Benz A-sedan 200 A Launch Edition Style

Engine: 1332 cm, 4-cylinder
Maximum power: 163 hp @ 5500 rpm.
Maximum torque: 250 Nm. @ 1620 rpm.
Deadweight: 1385 kg.
Transmission: 7-speed DCT dual clutch
Drive mode: front-wheel drive
Boot space: 420 l.
Combined fuel consumption: 6.1 l/100km.
Combined CO2 emissions: 139 g/km
Starting price: €35 381, test drive €43 758