Published: April 28, 2018, 9:30 PM
Updated: May 3, 2018, 4:03 AM
Redefines entry-level
By David Miller
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class enters its fourth-generation globally, but its first in Canada. Its arrival in Canada has been long-awaited and it’s expected to make a significant impact in the luxury compact car segment.
▲
Canada gets both hatch and sedan
The United States will also be receiving the A-Class for the first time, but only in sedan form. Canada on the other hand will receive both the sedan and hatchback and both will go on sale in November 2018.
▲
Slick small package
The hatchback was the only version on-hand for our first-drive in Croatia and it got plenty of stares throughout the drive. Perhaps, it was its matte grey exterior finish, but the hatch shows off a slick silhouette, a stretched-out side line for a wider look, sitting on standard 17-inch wheels.
▲
Slots in as the entry-level option
As the Mercedes-Benz B-Class takes a downward spiral in sales (-32.20% through March 2018 in year-over-year sales), the A-Class will slot in as the new entry-level luxury passenger car for the German brand. It will initially slot below the B-Class, but after MY19, the B-Class will no longer be offered in Canada.
▲
A250 is the only version coming
There will be three engine choices globally (two gas and one diesel), but Canada will only receive the more powerful gas engine in the A250. It comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque matched to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
▲
Choice in drivetrain
Many Mercedes-Benz vehicles come to Canada solely with its 4Matic all-wheel drive system, but the A250 comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Matic. The 4Matic system will naturally be the more expensive choice and it arrives with a bonus of fully variable torque distribution for improved handling and grip.
▲
Highway passing not a concern
The A250 can move to the tune of a 0-100 km/h sprint in close to 6.2 seconds. On this first drive in Croatia, the “Baby Benz” displayed quick and gradual acceleration, easily rocketing past many vehicles on the highway with seamless gear changes. (As an aside - speed limits in certain areas were 130 km/h).
▲
Sportier suspension setup
The new A250 has a McPherson front suspension and a sophisticated 4-link rear suspension. This aids in an overall sporty ride with fewer vibrations. A lot of this can be attributed to the rear axle being attached to a subframe that’s been isolated from the bodyshell by rubber bushings.
▲
Surprisingly smooth and quiet ride
The A-Class provides a smooth ride that approaches that level of refinement found in the upper-tier Mercedes-Benz models, as opposed to the entry-level feel of the B-Class. The German brand paid a lot of attention to reducing wind and road noise from its outgoing model, and it definitely shows in creating a calm and relaxing ride.
▲
Handling is up to snuff
The A 250 won’t win any awards for exquisite precision, but it stayed relatively composed and balanced on various winding roads throughout the coastline of Croatia. Steering is pretty much on point with only minimal body roll. Four driving modes under Mercedes’ Dynamic Select (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual) can customize your ride even further.
▲
Class-leading drag coefficient
should lead to improved fuel economy
Canadian fuel economy numbers have not been released but are expected to be near the top of its segment, thanks to a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.25. The A250’s front and rear wheel spoilers have been optimized to provide limited airflow losses around the wheel and a smooth airflow through its underbody.
▲
Grille is striking
Hands-down, its best exterior feature is its grille. Canada receives diamond-look pins in the A250 grille as standard treatments along with flat LED headlamps with chrome elements. Both are striking and complement its long and low hood, as well as its glistening silver three-pointed star logo.
▲
Visibility is also a plus
Throughout the drive, visibility was a big bonus when changing lanes and avoiding the many motorcycles and mopeds. An optional panoramic sliding sunroof also provides extra light inside the cabin to help with vision and simultaneously accentuate its interior space.
▲
Interior creates the “wow” factor
When entering the A-Class, two giant and spectacular twin media displays help to create a modern and refined sanctuary. Twin 7-inch screens are standard, but one can opt for the 10.25-inchers that scream E- and S-Class. Regardless of the choice, the screen-display is crisp and filled with HD graphics for all to enjoy.
▲
Stunning circular air vents
If the large display screens didn’t tickle your fancy, a set of three circular air vents (five in total on the instrument panel) directly below the infotainment screen will. The air vents have a chrome surround that set a refined and sophisticated tone for the cabin.
▲
New multimedia system comes to A-Class first
The A-Class will be the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature its new and standard multimedia system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) that’s run through those large twin screens. It’s a fully customizable system that adapts to the user (up to eight individual profiles can be configured) via a touchpad, touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, or voice commands.
▲
Hey Mercedes, what’s up?
The new voice command system can be activated by the phrase “Hey Mercedes” in English or in 23 other languages including Canadian French. A woman’s voice will reply to your requests, which can range from lowering the temperature in the car, to turning on the heated seats, to changing the radio station, to finding an address, to opening up the sunroof, or to even provide an opinion on Tesla.
▲
System has its quirks
Consumers will find frustration with simple commands with MBUX whether its due to the way you’re asking the question or whether it’s been set up for such a command. Once you get the hang of it, it should get easier, but at least there’s a touchpad or steering wheel buttons that should appeal to those who prefer touch or are less conversational.
▲
Mercedes me connect services
In addition to MBUX, a “Mercedes me” connect service is now launched in Canada along with 37 other markets. It’s an app-based source of information service that can be placed as an icon on the infotainment screen and be used for Car-to-X communication that can track your vehicle or make it easier to find open parking spaces in a car park, to name a few.
▲
Navigation uses augmented reality
What makes this navigation system so special and astounding is optional augmented reality technology. When approaching a suggested turn, the infotainment screen will switch to a split screen with the left side being a forward camera view of what’s ahead, while the right side still shows the map highlighting the turn.
▲
Augmented reality further enhanced
Traffic Sign Assist is another option that superimposes a street sign into the left-hand camera screen to show the driver exactly where he or she is going. To avoid any further confusion, the system will even place the street number of the house or building you’re trying to find.
▲
Two-tone leather seating
Luxury surrounds you in the A250 with seating that’s been draped in 2-tone Artico man-made leather. The seats come in two forms: a base version or the bolstered sports version. Each seat package comes with heated seats, while a heated steering wheel is optional.
▲
Rear seating can be a little cramped
With many compact cars, there always has to be a little give-and-take and that comes in its rear seating. Even though leg room has increased from the European-spec outgoing version, it’s still not comfortable enough for long road trips or three in the back.
▲
Ample trunkification
Its wheelbase has increased allowing for more legroom, but it also increases luggage capacity. The A-Class has ample length and width, resulting in 370 litres of cargo space. The rear seats can also be lowered for more space, but an exact total-volume figure was not disclosed.
▲
Coming to dealers in November
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A250 hatchback and sedan will arrive in dealerships in November 2018, with pricing and fuel economy numbers to be revealed closer to the launch date.
▲