One of the most hotly anticipated new cars of the year has finally hit the scene.
Just launched in South Africa, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a completely new car, sitting 160mm lower to the ground and sporting far more visual attitude in its bid to tempt a more youthful audience.
It also presents a brand new range of high-tech turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, all featuring idle-stop as standard and with official fuel consumption figures that are down by up to 35 percent.
All engines are linked to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but can also be had with Merc's 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic 'box.
FAST & FRUGAL
The A 180 and A 200 models sport a new direct injection 1.6-litre engine with respective outputs of 90kW/200Nm and 115kW/250Nm. There's also a GTI rival in the mix, with the A 250 Sport model's 2-litre turbopetrol engine good for 155kW and 350Nm and a 6.6-second 0-100km/h run.
Diesel fans are well catered for with a super-frugal A 180 CDI boasting 80kW and 260Nm, with 3.8 l/100km consumption, and an A 220 CDI that develops 125kW and 350Nm.
But does the new A-Class match all the hype?
HARSH RIDE
Our Star Motoring launchman Jesse Adams had his reservations after attending the vehicle's local launch in the Western Cape.
While the A does have a brand new four-link rear axle, the suspension was found to be jittery and nervous, delivering a rather harsh ride quality, while the steering felt somewhat lifeless.
The overall impression is that the A-Class would work well on smooth German roads, but is not all that well suited to the harsher South African surfaces.
This impression was based on the mid-range models with large wheels and Jesse recommends sticking to an A 180 base model with smaller rims, which provides a more comfortable experience, and by opting for the standard 'comfort' suspension rather than the optional 'sports' set-up.
AMG CHASSIS
For those seeking a sportier ride, the A 250 Sport has an AMG-tinkered chassis and this was found to provide a more meaty feel than the other versions and felt more in touch with the road.
As for the engines, Jesse was impressed with the A 250 Sport, which really felt like a proper hot hatch with its brisk acceleration and ample torque. The A 180 diesel engine, on the other hand, was rather boring to drive - it has plenty of low-down torque but not much happening from mid-range upwards, necessitating gear-changes at low revs.
CLASSY, COSY CABIN
One area where the A-Class does impress, for the most part, is in the cabin, where occupants are greeted by a very well-finished facia complete with electroplated trim bits and turbine-style air vents. It's easy to personalise too, with a glut of options, packages, colour schemes and seat designs.
It is a very cosy place to pass time, Jesse says, but it's also a bit tight in front and even average-sized occupants could find themselves rubbing their knees against the console and doors.
The A-Class is reasonably well kitted even at entry level, with aircon, electric windows, 12-button multifunction steering wheel, Headlamp Assist and the 'Audio 5' sound system among the standard features.
WELL CONNECTED
Buyers can opt for plenty of gadgets, including a Comand system that connects you to the internet via your phone, advanced navigation system with 3D map display, blind spot and lane-keeping assistance, reverse camera and much more.
There are some advance safety features that you don't have to pay for, including a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist and the Pre-Safe system that prepares the cabin for an impending collision.
There's much to desire about the new A-Class, but based on our initial impressions (which took place on a restricted launch route without much in the way of corners) the jury is still out and we plan to give you a clearer picture as soon as we've spent more time with it on a full road test.
PRICES
A 180 BlueEfficiency - R275 000
A 200 BlueEfficiency - R298 000
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency AT - R310 000
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency - R300 000
A 220 CDI BlueEfficiency - R355 000
A 250 Sport - R395 000