Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz A-class (2012-2018) review – design

A conventional hatch now, the A-class fights hard in the premium hatchback class

Evo rating
RRP
from £19,990
  • Neat interior, head-turning looks and comparatively cheap to own and run
  • Dynamically it doesn’t live up to its visual promise, space and comfort are issues

There's no doubting that the A-class is one of the most interestingly styled cars since Mercedes-Benz introduced its CLS and it has gone on to spawn a whole range of spin-offs from the GLA crossover to the four-door CLA coupe and CLA Shooting Brake.

A revised exterior in 2015 sees the rear end of the A-class tidied up. Exhausts are now incorporated into the rear bumper, while the front of the car features a new diamond grille and optional LED performance headlamps. Rear LED brakelights have also been redesigned.

From the large front grille and its prominent three-pointed star badge, to the neat tail it’s an athletic and distinctive looking car. It loses something on the smallest alloy wheels, in most basic SE and Sport levels, and in the darkest colours, but choose any of the AMG trim choices and the A-class will turn more heads than any A3 or 1-series.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota Land Cruiser review – is it worth £15k more than a Defender?
Toyota Land Cruiser – front
Reviews

Toyota Land Cruiser review – is it worth £15k more than a Defender?

The new Land Cruiser promises to be better than ever on and off the beaten track, and has Land Rover’s Defender firmly in its sights – we put it to th…
2 Oct 2025
Used Renault Mégane RS (Mk3, 2009 – 2016) review – the beloved French Golf GTI rival
Renault Mégane RS front
In-depth reviews

Used Renault Mégane RS (Mk3, 2009 – 2016) review – the beloved French Golf GTI rival

The Renault Megane RS gets the power and torque of the limited-edition Trophy plus a range of spec upgrades, plus an F1-inspired Red Bull special edit…
3 Oct 2025
Best cars of the 2000s – the best cars from the best of times
Best cars of the 2000s
Best cars

Best cars of the 2000s – the best cars from the best of times

The 2000s was a decade that went supernova for the performance car market. We count down just a few of the very best cars of the decade
6 Oct 2025