Or the typical wannabe gangster working as a football coach and financing this car for 8 years, listening to UK rap all day and being friends with London mopped thieves. Also its the same diesel engine as in a Dacia Sandero (it's a reliable Renault engine but a Benz should be 100% Benz). I prefer buying a used SL320 and learning how to be my own mechanic.
Ive got 5 employees. 2 have an a class. 1 of them has a girlfriend with an a class. 1 makes out hes a car guy but thought a 1 series was a ford. I just find them cars that are bought by people who arent car people but want recognition for buying a mercedes by other brand snobs even though theyre all financed up to the eyeballs and cant really afford them anyway. Swap the badge to renault and the same renault powered car loses 80% of its market.
Having had every model of C-Class, including the 190E, as far as I’m concerned, if it’s not a saloon, and it’s not rear wheel drive, it’s not really a Mercedes-Benz. I understand why Mercedes did it but I just couldn’t.
When I owned my previous merc, I used to get it serviced by a specialist local to where I lived. I was collecting my car after service one day, and there was an A class in his shop. He saw me looking at the A class and shaking his head said - rather sadly - “those cars aren’t really a Mercedes”.
financing is the only feasible a way a non rich person can afford to buy a BMW M4, and for an average bloke to buy a car without wasting twice the money for a new car
@@emiliospowerballer1441 or save up, buy used, don’t finance things you can’t afford because finance is a rip off mostly and you’ll be paying a lot more than the car is worth.
@@Alexander_l322 yes with the first part and not really with the second part. you just need to research well, what are the interest rates some offer, what can you pay, price of car etc. its not that complicated as many companies have finance available in their websites where you can just put your initial payment to see how much you would pay monthly. it depends, its not all that black and white. i get youre saying though, which is why you just have to be careful with what youre buying and how you spend your money. its a good tool if you ask me. or you can just save buy a used car of your choice, theres nothing wrong with that.
@@emiliospowerballer1441 that's the thing isnt it though. If you "buy" something you own it. Most of these, the 1 series and loads of new cars are on PCP, with the give back start again or balloon payment thing, so you never own it. I think that's one of the reasons there's lots of terrible driving you see now, because people don't give a damn as it ain't their car
Bought an A160 61 plate four years ago for the in-laws. Has been 100% reliable, good for dog walking and moving decent loads with the seats down. Well built, no rattles at all - not the most exciting but ‘the oldies’ love it.
I drive a ‘17 A180D and was originally looking at upgrading to a golf. The only things that swayed me were the interior/exterior styling and all the gadgets. Despite all the kudos that comes with owning a golf, they’re just boring in my opinion, and you get loads more for your money with an A Class. mine has car play and can park itself - same money on a golf would’ve only got me heated seats 😂
I've always been a fan of the original A class from a design point of view. It was completely original, a brave move from a traditional German company, it entered a new market segment for them at the time. I was amazed at the room inside when I drove one for the first time, almost Tardis like and I look forward to being lent the one used as a courtesy car by my local Mercedes specialist, which has over 160k on the clock and drives like new. The new shape seems boring, a bit generic, it could be an Astra, Focus or any other s imiliar cars, differentiated only by the badge on the grille to add snob appeal and higher costs. I'm sure it will be a good car, but special enough ?
I've been driving an A180 CDI (2. gen facelift) from 2009 over the last few months and I must say that it is a great little car to live with. Yea, it looks like a doghouse on wheels and, yes, it may have had a snobby appeal to it and have attracted a certain segment of customers when it was new. But when you isolate that (and the star in front) it is a comfortable, practical and economical little car with a good quality feel to it. It is even fun to drive!
Screams 30 something year old woman. who thinks shes made it as a manager in a telephony role, wears gucci trainers, but pays rent and thinks they're above everyone.
Never "got" these at all . Just seemed a euro blob with a fancy badge that allowed the " snobs " to shout I've got a merc when the rest of us went " yep but its not really" . But it's not a crossover so there's some redeeming factor.
Another spot on review Matt. The A Class with the 2100cc Merc turbo diesel with auto gearbox is a good run around, smooth and reliable. You’re right, avoid poverty spec and manual Mercs.
I've driven one of these on hire before, I actually really like the looks and for me, it was comfy enough. Was an AMG variant, went well enough. But, it's no Yugo Zastava. That will be one review to watch out for.
Every time I see one of these, I think to myself "there goes another 17 year old who bought an A Class just to brag to his friends that he's got a Merc and probably woo the girl he's been chasing for the past 69 years"
@@Azureecosse Audi A1's here in Germany are mainly driven by girls just like Mini Cabrio Coopers or Fiat 500s there're the classic "my parents wanted to buy my first car and spend more than 10 grand lol"
Cheap PCP has made this the entry level into MB motoring,doesn’t mean you should though , Focus is miles better as a drivers car ,never thought I’d see the day when MB used a Renault engine....never feels like a Merc especially with the manual....☹️
Well AFAIK the A180 petrol also uses a Renault engine, the 1.3 litre turbo from a Clio with 130 hp, and the now discontinued X-class was just a rebadged Nissan Navara. The smart forfour and the Renault tvingo was a codevelopment between Daimler and Renault. Everything mentioned above are products of the Renault-Daimler alliance. Mercedes purists hate it, but the usage of Renault motors increased reliability and decreased emissions
Another great honest review Matt, thank you. 👍 The funny thing is, I have never really classed the A Class as proper Mercedes, as to me, Mercedes are big powerful beasties. Although I must admit, I was looking at a GLA, before I ended up getting a Kia Niro.
Drove a 2018 base model recently, completely under powered. Specifications no better than a 2015 Ford Fiesta. Couldn't believe it did not even have reverse sensors. People really do pay for the badge.
The problem I have with the A-class is that it predominantly bought by Instagram wannabes who wear coats with fur around the hood, the same can be said for pretty much the entire current Mercedes range. They always buy them on PCP on the minimum mileage allowance to get the cheapest payment then inevitably go thousands of miles over from endlessly driving around the streets playing the stereo on 11. They don’t look after the car, don’t service it and then hand the car the back at the end and get another. None of them realise that really, underneath they’re driving what is essentially a Renault Megane and when you tell them this their response is generally “fuck off bruv”, nice.
I don't know, I have a MK6 Golf with a sport pack and it drives brilliantly. It can both be fun and stable/predictable. I agree that other cars are more fun to drive, but with the Golf you get a feeling that no matter what you encounter, the car will help you out. I've even driven it on snow and ice up towards ski resorts, shaming SUV's on my way up. Their ESP does wonders sometimes.
Only seen this now, and am delighted to hear about the safety features because a niece of mine has just bought one of the very first ones of these, and it is 2012. She is a doctor, and needs a good strong car, especially ones that will also make a bleeping sound if you are tired because she needs that if she's had a long day
Every time I research a potential car you pop up...which is good because I know what I'm getting a chuckle and covering all the important points honestly.
Since I've found you channel I've burned through your videos in a few days and now it's like Game of Thrones, you have to wait 'years' between seasons 🤣
@@MrFlyingguy yea yea , you'd think there would be no more place for car reviewers between all the Dougs and carwows out there but it seems there's still talent. 👌🏻
A friends lad has leased one during first lock down before he has passed his test. On his 12 attempt at theory and now his mum drives it. Looks good though!!!
Around my ex building in East London there were a couple of them in the A class! I guess if you are a young entry level dealer you get an A class and then move up :D
Have 3 friends (out of about 40) who have these on finance about 4K deposit and 200+ a month. I on the other hand have a Ford ST and a 2 bed house that’s mine and they live with their parents at nearly 30. Don’t get me wrong their cars are nice but just not worth the lack of self respect.
Had a Mk2 A-class as a second/third car some years ago. Picked up at auction, it was great with young kids. They had a good seating position in the back and was easy to get them in & out. Boot could fit a pushchair. Sure it was no driver’s car, but I had a Saab convertible for the fun times! Think I sold it for not much less than I paid for it
LMAO 😂 my Ex wife drives new A Class, my one of 3 daughters drives an A Class (she’s the sensible one, the other two drive a Mini, Fiat 500 and a bottomless pit of money Figaro), my partner drives an A Class all with the Renault engine ...... I hate the windscreen rake and the A pillar’s , spot on review , just about sums them up 👍🏻😎
The amount of people i know who have bought a poverty spec A Class because its the cheapest gate to get through to have a modern mercedes badge is unreal, just like a group of teenagers buying the cheapest ticket to get to "Da Club"
the base A classes are quite hideous and i see quite a few on the road, I myself have an A class amg premium plus model and it does make the car look a whole other level, it was one of the reasons I bought it over something like a 1 series M sport or golf gtd etc, looks just slightly more aggressive and has things like memory seats and so on,
I’ve also just bought a a200d premium plus and agree on how awful the basic models look in comparison. Mines in mountain grey with night pack and really stands out above the rest.
@@MWT95 what year is urs? Mine is a 2016 black with black alloys don't think it had the night pack unfortunately since there's that one line of chrome on the window which really sticks out like a sore thumb, planning on getting that wrapped black as well in the future,I've seen that grey on the road a few times it is quite nice tbh 👍
@@pastpixels-q2w mines also a 2016, very nice I do like them in black but personally preferred the grey. Yes I’d get that wrapped it would set the car off nicely being all dark. First time having a auto car and really enjoy this. Also as you said the heated seats, memory electric seats and sunroof are a must.
I had an A-class (64 plate) and I loved it. next week I'm picking up another next week it's a 2019 A180 d sport executive. I love the DCT gearbox in it
What I hate about these is that the boot opening is smaller than that of a Vauxhall Corsa. The A3 and 1 series are more practical in real world terms. In fact forget all that the golf is still the car that does everything everyone really needs.
Absolutely hit the nail on the head with describing the A Class buyer demographic!... There's a Hyacinth Bucket in my family and she drives a mark 2 A Class (upgraded from the mark 1 might I add!) She flat out refuses to buy the new A Class because it is too youthful and sporty 😂😂😂
My mother who is 77 has the older A Class diesel, has about 200 000 km, I think it's a 1996, It is still running in excellent condition. Mercedes engine is the best. I now decided to get a new model because of its performance and reliability.
What i really like about your video's is that you show us 'real' cars. Its not just Lambo's and rediculous cars racing around. I think this appeals to people who really like cars, all cars... And not just the new ones, but these we could actually go out and drive ourselves. Just a bit more realistic and i like that. Its very interesting to get a good look at some slightly more unusual cars and to get some thoughts on them.
Morning Matt, Given your views on French cars, I would be interested to see a review from you on the new generation Peugeot 3008, which seems to have had nothing but high praise. Your take would be interesting.
I first had one of the original Class A 170cdi which I later traded for a Class B 200cdi, but now I´ve gone back to a 2nd. gen Class A 180 cdi with the 2 litre engine, by far the best of the 3, really roomy ( I´m 6ft 2in ) and ginormous storage space if I lower the 2 rear seats. Just in case anyone thinks I´m a badge freak, I also had a VW Golf 1.8lts. gasoline for 6 years, a good solid car but not as comfortable as the Mercedes. And yes, all these cars were manual shifters, I think you need more than 2.8lts. to make automatics worth while; I´ve had automatics, too, both a Jeep Cherokee Liberty and a Grand Cherokee
Eurgh. If you take the Merc badge off, it looks like an old, cheap Citroen. Might be a great car on the inside, but if I was going to buy a Merc, I'd want it to look like a Merc.
Smashing video as always mate, the a class is definitely aimed air youngsters like myself , nice flashy car but it’s mainly driven by people who don’t know much about cars and are driving it for the badge especially in the world of social media. Loved the Caitlyn Jenner joke 😂
Thank you. I love watching your videos/test drives. Your scripts are a great pick-me-up. Some of your "sayings" are priceless. Please keep these videos coming.
How very dare you I had an old A-Class! Swapped for an almost identical vehicle a Lexus RX 400H Sel... Excellent review! I would be tempted with an A-45 & take the badge off!
I used to have an Infiniti q30. It was basically an a class but in my opinion nicer than the a class. The 1.5 engine is really not that bad on motorway, really slow in town though
This video is great and hilarious. I just purchased the new A180d (facelift) AMG-Line model and its been a blast to drive. I'm not sure if the engine has been changed, or if the of addition of sports mode really livens things up, but I have no issues! I'm not sure why people are moaning about it? The version I have looks incredible in grey and black (night pack) accents and alloys, its fun and very comfy drive, and it stands head and shoulders above most cars I seen next to it in a carpark ect. Couldn't be happier! Have you had experience with one of the facelift models?
Hey 😎 Dude., Erm so first of all i had a Honda Jazz about 6 years ago, was a bit of a granny's car so glad i crashed it, i remember sitting in the old A-Class when it was new back in 1997 and it felt massive, and you couldn't find the stereo as it was so low down, but anyway NO! You shouldn't by the new A-Class as im fed up of 17 year old Barbie dolls tailgating me in them, Anyway 👍 Thanks Friend.
Again, a very interesting review! Being in my mid-fifties, I hope I'm not quite in Mrs. Bouquet's age bracket yet - but I think you're not doing the MK I and II A-Class justice. I never owned one but their promise was to offer at least as much space as a Golf on the square footage of a Polo without compromising on passive safety - a promise they kept (just had to fix the initial handling issues by throwing in an ESP for free). So they tried to position it as an upmarket safe urban car - and with the double floor, they opened the door to electric mobility as all this space could have been used for batteries. But then, it was mainly the hip replacement crowd that bought them - and in 2012, just when the first Teslas really started entering the market, Mercedes decided to build just another Golf instead, trying to move the more traditional buyers up to the B-Class.... But they gave up on the idea of building something roomy yet superbly compact and very safe, and that's a shame.
@@davidperry3531 I've seen pretty impressive stags in Scotland which I wouldn't want to come through the windscreen, either. The "moose test" was a Swedish test standard - in fact, Saab prided themselves with A-pillars tough enough to withstand incoming deer at high impact speeds...still, if you hit one head on and it wasn't deflected by those A-pillars, you were out of luck. Failing that test was quickly resolved and the initial A-class soldiered on until 2005 so I guess that while it had a bad start but was far from over. It didn't catch on as well as it might have because before the facelift, fit, finish and materials weren't that good and the Golf IV beat it in most comparisons.
Had a a180d amg line 2015-2018, put 60k on the clock and not 1 problem, lots of motorway journeys and only problem I ever had were tyres (my fault) overall no complaints
So true about the nose in the air, I still think that the drivers of any small Merc operate the same way, "I haven't a clue about anything to do with this car, but I know it has a Merc badge on the front so I must be better than anyone else, however rubbish it is". Great video, good to hear about the French engine, says everything about Merc- much ado about nothing... Oh, yes, it senses you are getting tired when your nose begins to droop and isn't so high in the air..
The UK has a very particular fascination with pigeon-holing people as a way to determine their own "place" in society. 90% of these comments are snarky sneers about "the type of people who drive an A-Class". Mind you, Matt's reviews are full of the same, in ever finer detail, but as hilarious quips.
Thanks for the video mate. Quality as usual. The A-Merc not for me... if I HAD to get a hatchback I’d probably get the cheapest one (Toyota?). When I think of Mercedes I think of S-class, E-class, Geländewagen... Love Hyacinth Bouque though, I have all the episodes on DVD, not ashamed to admit it.
Love the references. Very funny. I’d rather a mk1 jazz over that disappointment. When the new shape came out the owners chopped it in faster than a er erm sushi tuna. That’s the best I’ve got. Keep it up.
The benefits of living near London: every used car is cheaper. I got my 2013 a180 sport for £4,750 with 135,680 miles and it was very well looked after, and was so clean i could lick the floor. Ive had it for a year already and had zero issues. I bought it purely because ironically it was cheaper to insure, tax, service, and maintain than the other 2012 focus that they had at the dealer i bought my a class from, which i initially thought was bs until i realised it was a fancy golf with the same engine as my sisters 2007 megane.
These cars are not that bad , as a person who would classify themselves as a Mercedes Fanboy a lot of us seem to dismiss the Non - AMG A classes . My only gripe with them is they cost the same as an C or even E class of the same era !
@@HighPeakAutos I’d rather drive a newer fiesta over a a class at least you know what you getting and no one will laugh at you for buying a cheap Mercedes that’s got a Renault engine plus the newer fiestas look loads better and drive nicer
The Mk 1 had some dreadful blind spots - the windscreen pillars were like tree trunks. It was like driving a shopping trolley through a peat bog. At least the recent ones actually look like a Merc.
I had a gen 1 a class. At the time was in my mid 30s. Loved it and hated it equally. Comfortable, loved the way you could fold up the back seats, and pop them out. Relatively high dring position. Plus it had a 1900 cc engine. Looked like a school run car. But it was quite rapid too. But on the down side..... It had the limp mode of doom. Premature rusting..
I’ve got a 17 plate -A220d, much better then the pre-facelifts! Loads of people on here moaning about people having these, bet they drive fiestas But seriously, the facelift version is a great car, 170bhp is enough too
Wow lot of hate for this car the mrs has had her A200 2.1d for last 5 years apart from a new battery it’s cost nothing 50mpg stylish inside looks decent from outside what’s not to like ? I don’t think she deals coke in fact the only vice she’s got is filling the cup holders with crap 🤷🏼♀️
@@HighPeakAutos yes, I remember moving flats in one of them, a complete van with teh rear seats out. I quite liked them. She then moved to a Mk7 Golf that had no end of issues and finally got rid after 11 months. Mrs Bouquet now drives a Honda.
Not a massive fan of the interior design of Mercedes cars of that era but still good quality as you've mentioned. Thanks again for another great video, all the best.
More changes than Bruce Jenner! Pmsl, so funny. Love the un pc style reviews, saying what others dare not. I like the A class a lot. My wife bought a 220 cdi last year on a 15 plate. Low mileage and all the goodies, it's a nice car to drive and sits well with the Range Rover Sport and the SL. Just don't stop making these quality reviews. As I said before, your channel and Harry's Garage are the only ones worth watching as far as honest reviews are concerned and entertaining too.
Hahaha yes, anyone in the cheaper ones is just advertising to the world that they don’t care about having a good car, they just want a Merc but can’t afford a proper one. And anyone in the AMG is basically doing the same thing except they couldn’t afford a proper AMG so bought that instead. And they really do all wear ankle tags and stone island everything.
@@KissTheGreat Always laugh when I hear this analogy. Going by this anyone who buys any car is just advertising to the world that they couldn’t buy a more expensive car, correct? A45 AMG? Just couldn’t afford a C63 C63? Just couldn’t afford an E63 Huracan? Couldn’t afford an aventador. Pathetic mindset.
@@KissTheGreat 1 was parked up outside my neighbours a few times. In red. It looked nice enough then her daughters boyfriend came out and got in it. Oh dear put me right off. You know he bought it because he thought a merc would impress people. No other reason. Therefore not impressive at all. 🤣
The first 2 A class models were a bit odd and didn't have many rivals perhaps not surprisingly! Quite like the mk3 A class and can see it would probably appeal to a wide range of buyers who want a premium German brand - although they will have be accused of 'aspiring'and it not being a proper Merc! If I wanted a small hatchback I might consider one even at the risk of such taunts! I would want something further up the range with a bigger engine but not the ASBO version! lol
In the first 1 min & 32 seconds you summarised my Dad's whole approach to cars - If he was still here he'd have wet himself. I sent my brothers the link to the said first 92 seconds, they roared too. You absolutely made my 2021 and it's only Jan 5th. Incidentally, my ex-wife bought a 2015 model. She's great but the A Class was awful to hear, horrible to sit in and was the kinda car you hope your mates never see you riding shotgun in. Why oh why did MB do it??!!
Snow… snow socks or cross climate tyres from my experience definitely have my vote. My rear wheel drive automatic C220 performs better in snow with snow socks, than a front wheel drive car on summer tyres.
People who have to have a new one of these every two years on PCP are the reason I can buy a serviceable car with a years MOT for £500, long may it continue! Good review as always man.
