Mercedes A-Class 2015 --2017 hatchback in-depth review - Mat Watson
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Date: 2022-04-11
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Comments and reviews: 10
Victor
As someone who drives a W176 on a daily basis in city traffic, I can tell you that the steering isn-t bad at all. It-s comfortable to steer with one hand, but also precise enough for me to make some pretty quick and tight maneuvers in rush hour traffic. Highway performance is also pleasing. The other negative aspects you-ve pointed out can also be easily overlooked, and won-t bother you in the long run.
What might end up bothering you is the 7G-DCT transmission, which isn-t in any way, shape, or form proper for city traffic, or ideal when combined with a small engine. It can be jerky at times. It is somewhat difficult to play with when climbing up a curb to park on the sidewalk. In the end, you learn how to use it properly by fine-tuning your right foot and the amount of pressure it exercits on the throttle.
The fact that it rides so low also makes it not quite ideal for roads that have potholes. I-ve done, in the past 6 months, more swerving than I-ve ever hoped I would have to. Mine has the R16 wheels of the Style line, but shocks can still be felt due to the stiff suspension.
It-s a great car, but it-s certainly not for beginners, or for those that just buy a Merc because it-s a Merc.
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As someone who drives a W176 on a daily basis in city traffic, I can tell you that the steering isn-t bad at all. It-s comfortable to steer with one hand, but also precise enough for me to make some pretty quick and tight maneuvers in rush hour traffic. Highway performance is also pleasing. The other negative aspects you-ve pointed out can also be easily overlooked, and won-t bother you in the long run.
What might end up bothering you is the 7G-DCT transmission, which isn-t in any way, shape, or form proper for city traffic, or ideal when combined with a small engine. It can be jerky at times. It is somewhat difficult to play with when climbing up a curb to park on the sidewalk. In the end, you learn how to use it properly by fine-tuning your right foot and the amount of pressure it exercits on the throttle.
The fact that it rides so low also makes it not quite ideal for roads that have potholes. I-ve done, in the past 6 months, more swerving than I-ve ever hoped I would have to. Mine has the R16 wheels of the Style line, but shocks can still be felt due to the stiff suspension.
It-s a great car, but it-s certainly not for beginners, or for those that just buy a Merc because it-s a Merc.
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areyouundoingthat
Beware of the 1. 5 diesel six speed box I recently repaired a CLA that had a broken first gear selector fork, one side had sheered at its root, at 40, 000 miles I put it down to either lack of mechanical sympathy or a dodgy part. Then yesterday I had a 2017 A 180 cdi that if you selected first and released the clutch the transmission was obviously locking up and causing stalling. After a quick look it was clear that the box had been out and apart already at some time, the car has of now only covered 37, 000 miles, dismantling revealed an already replaced first gear selector that had also snapped at its root and buried it's self between the gear clusters, I'm not columbo but I'd bet my house on the original snapping also, my tester mentioned the poorly designed slippers on the forks but it seems the fork snaps long before they even remotely start wearing, the replacement selector is like for like, good old MB! so I would guess it won't be the last time that that box is coming out! I'm guessing it's MB's own unit as it is mounted to an adapter plate to fit renaults 1. 5 engine.
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Beware of the 1. 5 diesel six speed box I recently repaired a CLA that had a broken first gear selector fork, one side had sheered at its root, at 40, 000 miles I put it down to either lack of mechanical sympathy or a dodgy part. Then yesterday I had a 2017 A 180 cdi that if you selected first and released the clutch the transmission was obviously locking up and causing stalling. After a quick look it was clear that the box had been out and apart already at some time, the car has of now only covered 37, 000 miles, dismantling revealed an already replaced first gear selector that had also snapped at its root and buried it's self between the gear clusters, I'm not columbo but I'd bet my house on the original snapping also, my tester mentioned the poorly designed slippers on the forks but it seems the fork snaps long before they even remotely start wearing, the replacement selector is like for like, good old MB! so I would guess it won't be the last time that that box is coming out! I'm guessing it's MB's own unit as it is mounted to an adapter plate to fit renaults 1. 5 engine.
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swiftlydoesit
Been eyeing this car for a while and finally got to drive it recently and boy was Matt accurate with this review. He complains about the exact same things I noticed about it, including its unimpressive petrol engine, boring handling, horrible steering and manual gearbox, the off set pedals and sloping pillar which takes quite a bit away from visibility. And I don-t know what Mercedes are trying to prove by putting the handbrake on the right-side of the steering wheel either - just could not get used to that, so only used it if I absolutely had to.
I will say it-s good looking and obviously well screwed together, the equipment is decent but there aren-t any wow moments with its drive that you get with the Focus, BMW 1 Series or even the Audio A3. As Matt said it doesn-t beat any of it-s main rivals. Just a horrible disappointment to be frank, and would never consider buying one.
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Been eyeing this car for a while and finally got to drive it recently and boy was Matt accurate with this review. He complains about the exact same things I noticed about it, including its unimpressive petrol engine, boring handling, horrible steering and manual gearbox, the off set pedals and sloping pillar which takes quite a bit away from visibility. And I don-t know what Mercedes are trying to prove by putting the handbrake on the right-side of the steering wheel either - just could not get used to that, so only used it if I absolutely had to.
I will say it-s good looking and obviously well screwed together, the equipment is decent but there aren-t any wow moments with its drive that you get with the Focus, BMW 1 Series or even the Audio A3. As Matt said it doesn-t beat any of it-s main rivals. Just a horrible disappointment to be frank, and would never consider buying one.
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Max
The best thing about this car is that it-s affordable for a lot of people. Also it-s a very stylish, modern, comfortable, sporty car all in one. Couldn-t ask for much more. The only thing I would say is after a few years be prepared to experience some technical issues. Also, the infotainment system isn-t the greatest. The ride comfort is perfect in my opinion but some may find it to firm.
Really not a bad car in my opinion as long as you-ve got money left over in your pocket once you-ve bought the car. I was extremely happy with mine it never failed to put a smile on my face. Especially when in sports mode. Great car -
Better than it-s rivals in my opinion. The Audi A1 is very dull, the BMW 1 series is ugly. The Golf, once again is boring. I would certainly choose the A class over any other. It just has that cutting edge and exciting element to it that it-s rivals lack.
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The best thing about this car is that it-s affordable for a lot of people. Also it-s a very stylish, modern, comfortable, sporty car all in one. Couldn-t ask for much more. The only thing I would say is after a few years be prepared to experience some technical issues. Also, the infotainment system isn-t the greatest. The ride comfort is perfect in my opinion but some may find it to firm.
Really not a bad car in my opinion as long as you-ve got money left over in your pocket once you-ve bought the car. I was extremely happy with mine it never failed to put a smile on my face. Especially when in sports mode. Great car -
Better than it-s rivals in my opinion. The Audi A1 is very dull, the BMW 1 series is ugly. The Golf, once again is boring. I would certainly choose the A class over any other. It just has that cutting edge and exciting element to it that it-s rivals lack.
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Wok
My sis got this car, actually 2012 year. Its just bad car. And by the review, I assume it hasn't changed much in a newer one. (maybe 2020 is okay, haven't driven it nor seen the review yet)
Engine broke down! I was driving, and on the highway, engine broke down. It had less then 100 000 km on it. Seriously, mercedes had replaced the whole engine for us!
Also, lots of blind spots like Mat said. In 2012 version, you literally can't see from inside. I always thought this car would at least fit a woman, but it is so difficult to drive this little car that I don't recommend any woman to get it. I drive full size flagship volvo but the parking is still much easier then this. You can't see anything throught Mercedes A's little windows.
It doesn't feel like mercedes at all, You are better off with some Corolla, Mazda 3 or anything like that.
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My sis got this car, actually 2012 year. Its just bad car. And by the review, I assume it hasn't changed much in a newer one. (maybe 2020 is okay, haven't driven it nor seen the review yet)
Engine broke down! I was driving, and on the highway, engine broke down. It had less then 100 000 km on it. Seriously, mercedes had replaced the whole engine for us!
Also, lots of blind spots like Mat said. In 2012 version, you literally can't see from inside. I always thought this car would at least fit a woman, but it is so difficult to drive this little car that I don't recommend any woman to get it. I drive full size flagship volvo but the parking is still much easier then this. You can't see anything throught Mercedes A's little windows.
It doesn't feel like mercedes at all, You are better off with some Corolla, Mazda 3 or anything like that.
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DJ_PaulTUK
This review is not entirely accurate. Yes the Sport and SE trims do not handle that well. However the AMG Line drives like a very different car. Some people think the AMG Line is just a body kit, but its not. You also get. What you get apart from -The looks-.
Mercedes branded brakes with Drilled disks.
AMG springs and shocks (AMG Sport comfort springs.
AMG Dynamic Suspension system. If optioned.
AMG Line Specific gearbox & engine programming.
AMG Direct Steer sports steering.
AMG Line DCT's also have Launch Control. (100ms shift times.
Inside you also get AMG sports seats and a very nice Flat Bottomed steering wheel.
I do 1000 miles a week in mine and absolutely love it. Mine is the A200d DCT, and does 65 to 68mpg average.
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This review is not entirely accurate. Yes the Sport and SE trims do not handle that well. However the AMG Line drives like a very different car. Some people think the AMG Line is just a body kit, but its not. You also get. What you get apart from -The looks-.
Mercedes branded brakes with Drilled disks.
AMG springs and shocks (AMG Sport comfort springs.
AMG Dynamic Suspension system. If optioned.
AMG Line Specific gearbox & engine programming.
AMG Direct Steer sports steering.
AMG Line DCT's also have Launch Control. (100ms shift times.
Inside you also get AMG sports seats and a very nice Flat Bottomed steering wheel.
I do 1000 miles a week in mine and absolutely love it. Mine is the A200d DCT, and does 65 to 68mpg average.
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Der
My driving school had a similar A-Class and I didn't really like it.
It's alright, but nothing I'd personally buy.
It's already a rather small car and the interior does indeed feel quite claustrophobic, the rear window is basically useless when reversing and looking over your left shoulder is also pointless because the B-pillar will block your view. It also felt quite cheap.
What's also really annoying is the fact that the gas pedal was so far to the right that the plastic covers down in the foot region were sometimes blocking me from using the gas pedal, depending on which shoes I was wearing. Over all not too great.
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My driving school had a similar A-Class and I didn't really like it.
It's alright, but nothing I'd personally buy.
It's already a rather small car and the interior does indeed feel quite claustrophobic, the rear window is basically useless when reversing and looking over your left shoulder is also pointless because the B-pillar will block your view. It also felt quite cheap.
What's also really annoying is the fact that the gas pedal was so far to the right that the plastic covers down in the foot region were sometimes blocking me from using the gas pedal, depending on which shoes I was wearing. Over all not too great.
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Matthieu
That's incredible how people are influenced. I mean here, in the comment section, everybody is saying -shitty car- in a review where the car faces criticism. On the other hand, on drive. com. au, everybody says -yay! Super brilliant car! - because it arrives first when compared to 1 serie and A3.
I am not particularly keen on this car neither a merc fanboy, but Matt is not really objective as he used to. The car is more brilliant in aspects others aren't, and the car is badly equipped compared to others German luxury brand. You can't have an opinion thanks to one web reviewer. go in a merc garage
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That's incredible how people are influenced. I mean here, in the comment section, everybody is saying -shitty car- in a review where the car faces criticism. On the other hand, on drive. com. au, everybody says -yay! Super brilliant car! - because it arrives first when compared to 1 serie and A3.
I am not particularly keen on this car neither a merc fanboy, but Matt is not really objective as he used to. The car is more brilliant in aspects others aren't, and the car is badly equipped compared to others German luxury brand. You can't have an opinion thanks to one web reviewer. go in a merc garage
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Apple
-Alejandro Quessada fair enough if u think that but reality speaking a an a class even the newer one would not even come close to performance, practicality and much more not to mention the sounds like yh don-t get me wrong both new hatchbacks that have come out look absolutely awful but it don-t change the fact about these specs of each car and if you have that exact model A class but I-m sorry that has to be one of the ugliest models of a car merc has ever made imo btw I-m not hating at all I-m just expressing my thoughts-
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-Alejandro Quessada fair enough if u think that but reality speaking a an a class even the newer one would not even come close to performance, practicality and much more not to mention the sounds like yh don-t get me wrong both new hatchbacks that have come out look absolutely awful but it don-t change the fact about these specs of each car and if you have that exact model A class but I-m sorry that has to be one of the ugliest models of a car merc has ever made imo btw I-m not hating at all I-m just expressing my thoughts-
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Doctor
I drove a pre-facelift example in driving school and got my licence, which is great knowing what a piece of rubbish that car was. It was cramped, full of cheap plastic, had a terrible clutch, its gear shifter was often getting stuck and the steering wheel was giving me no information about what front wheels were doing. I really expected more from a Mercedes.
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I drove a pre-facelift example in driving school and got my licence, which is great knowing what a piece of rubbish that car was. It was cramped, full of cheap plastic, had a terrible clutch, its gear shifter was often getting stuck and the steering wheel was giving me no information about what front wheels were doing. I really expected more from a Mercedes.
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