New Mercedes A-Class review: Better than a BMW 1 Series?

Meet the Mercedes A-Class!
The entry-level cars to the whole Mercedes range has had a mid-life update, and Mat’s about to find out if it has what it needs to compete with competitors like Audi A3, BMW 1 Series & Volkswagen Golf.
Starting with the design, you can see it looks pretty damn similar to the last A-Class. Starting around the back, there are some slightly redesigned taillights, a fake diffuser, and an updated bumper. Around the side it’s almost identical, although the AMG-Line edition we have here comes with some slightly extended side skirts. Then around the front there’s an updated, larger bumper, some new headlights (LED as standard no less!) and there’s a larger bumper. The AMG Line trim also looks slightly more aggressive than the entry-level car.
Step inside, and there’s one big update - the A-Class now comes with a gorgeous infotainment and digital dial dual-screen! It stretches across the dash and looks stunning. Mercedes has also done away with the touch pad that was used to control the infotainment system, although there are still annoying touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Generally the cabin is relatively well made, although look a bit closer and you’ll find a fair few bits of scratching plastic.
When it comes to engine choices, you have a choice between two petrols, and one diesel. The diesel is a 2-litre with 150hp, while both petrols are 1.3-litre turbos, one with 150hp, and one with 177hp. All cars are available as front-wheel drive, and they all come with automatic gearboxes.
The new Mercedes A-Class starts from £32,000, but is it really worth it? And is it better than hatchback competitors like the BMW 1 Series? You’ll need to stick with Mat and see for yourself!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:51 Design
02:40 Interior
04:56 Back Seats
06:25 Boot
07:41 5 Annoying Things
09:40 5 Good Things
11:29 Engines
12:01 Town Driving
12:38 Motorway Driving
13:09 Country Road Driving
13:51 0-60mph
14:25 Verdict
BMW 1 Series review: bit.ly/BMW-1-Series-Review-2023
Audi A3 review: bit.ly/Audi-A3-Review-2023
VW Golf review: bit.ly/Volkswagen-Golf-Review...
AMG A45S review: bit.ly/Mercedes-AMG-A45-Revie...
Sell your car with carwow: bit.ly/Buy-Sell-WOW

[@owethumsomi7260]

Small request from Mat Watson. When you give out the prices you always give out the base price of the car which is good, but I would request that you also give out the prices of the fully speced version of it before it moves on to the performance versions, since anyways very few people find themselves buying the base car.

[@purwantiallan5089]

This car in my opinion looked like European Supermini.

[@ScottZ370]

Take the prices with a pinch of salt, they change all the time.

[@vo.thomas1116]

Add 60% 🙂

[@philangundze1885]

That's a bit more tricky since it can drastically differ market to market, but I understand what you mean.

[@banaanipuukko]

thats where ur wrong, majority of buyers choose the base car.

[@habartto]

Never thought I will see Mat flying with Spitfire during the A-class review

[@Presto_001]

He flew a spitfire quite a while ago. I could link you the video of his review which was a pretty cool one if you want.

[@IdentifiantE.S]

@PLEX632???

[@IbrahimKhan-tp7dn]

​@@Presto_001share the link pls

[@PA28Cherokee]

@@IbrahimKhan-tp7dn kzbin.info/www/bejne/rna1aZyojcyKiK8

[@santiagomontez]

​@@IbrahimKhan-tp7dn kzbin.info/www/bejne/rna1aZyojcyKiK8

[@dbagdi1998]

To be honest they have just removed stuff for the facelift and made it cheaper. No rear arm rest, removed the metal trim, removed the touch pad, removed the rear draw. They have just jacked the price up and removed features

[@SeanMcklo]

This car is the AMG line the premium has all those things in it!

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@SeanMckloagree. And also classic silver lining.

[@Lewis_Treff97]

I've seen that in a lot of cars recently. A lot of features in the mk7.5 golf were removed or made cheaper in the mk8 golf for example

[@gabrielegugliuzza4799]

They alle do the same. Less things and more screens: price up and cost down.

[@santana9537]

@@SeanMcklo have a 2021 cla 250 premium plus I considered a standard executive package first but there was only a £700 difference as they were both used with under 6k miles Both cars had the same features except for bigger screen, pan roof, electric seats. Everything else was identical And I never use the touch screen. Only the stupid trackpad mouse thing. Should have had a rotary controller

[@UnforgivingEnd]

Overall - I think the facelifted A-class is a step down from the pre-facelift. The tweaks to the infotainment is nice - but very minor. The lack of the touchpad and the objectively worse functioning steering wheel is a huge setback. The touchpad was BRILLIANT.

[@josephtranter9047]

Absolutely spot on, the haptic feedback touchpad and steering wheel buttons is a great combination. Also all the shortcut buttons around the touchpad!

[@SDav21]

Totally agreed. Removing the touch pad is just cost cutting. So too the suspension.

[@TheFlash8889]

Same story as on my bmw 3 Serien g21. I've got the pre lci. Other than the older operating system (different looks, same functionality) and 2 separate screens instead of them joint together it has more features than the newer one, like extra buttons for the ac controlls and driving assistance as well as programmable shortcut buttons for radio stations and infotainment functions.

[@AlpTetikel]

I agree. I use the touchpad in my cla 250e all the time. Literally all the time!

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

It's sad times that people judge a car by how the "infotainment" is. Not how it drives or how well it's built :/ It's why manufacturers are pumping out all this generic crap. Like he said, form over function to offer up as leased driveway ornaments

[@ImMata]

As someone who owns a pre-facelift, I'm constantly using the touchpad. It's far easier than having to lean forward and use the screen which then leaves fingerprints all over it

[@silvestrasmoldovancevas9828]

That water scene was best scene I’ve ever seen in a car review 😂😂😂

[@SeanMcklo]

The facelift actually has less interior ambient lighting, no touchpad, a prettier but less user friendly steering wheel and a less customisable drivers display. Seems like a step forward and more steps backwards for this update. I’ll stick with my pre facelift I think!

[@SDav21]

Really?? I didn't know that. How sad. Does your model have a passenger grab handle? There's so much cost cutting here with the face-lift. No touch pad. No passenger grab handle. Torsion beam only rear suspension (Pre face-lift you could option multi link and AMG line came standard with multi link). The movable compartment at the back of the Centre console is now fixed. And now less ambient lighting as well??? What a shitty "upgrade".

[@Rewindreplay_]

@@SDav21 My 2020 A250e has the rear compartment removed, along with the sunglasses holder that the earlier models had.

[@SDav21]

@@Rewindreplay_ oh no. I wonder why? Probably all things leading up to the facelift A. I'm so disappointed with this brand to be honest. But at least don't upgrade to the facelift. Have you had any build and material quality issues?

[@SeanMcklo]

@@Rewindreplay_you don’t even have a sunglasses holder?! That’s ridiculous 🙁

[@SeanMcklo]

@@SDav21I have the rear bench arm rest which was said to be on the premium spec and I also don’t have grab handles except the rear but to be truthful you sit so low down and the door is that high up and narrow I don’t think it would be comfy to use it? But would be nice to have!

[@addil01]

The pre-revised version had multi-link suspension on the A250 till mid 2020, which is what I have. It definetly helps the car feel more planted around bumps and corners.

[@2702]

It was all a250 from 2018 onwards, not 2020

[@rafaellopes801]

I have a 12/2020 A250e, does that apply to mine ? Or how can o check-it

[@nowind37]

A45 AMG when for this?

[@StaticW177]

@@rafaellopes801No, i also have a 250e. Its torion beam . Drop some coilovers on it and it handels great tho

[@damiankirstein3311]

I love how people complain about Hyundai and cheap materials, but can't see how ,,premium" brands are fitting parts badly. I30N for the win 8)

[@mynamegeoff7135]

Premium brands are not premium anymore they are thieves riding their reputation

[@purwantiallan5089]

The Hyundai and A Class from Mercedes both also have some cheap materials.

[@oscar7476]

Yes but your comparing hyundai's best car to Mercedes Worst or cheapest car imo.

[@shanginadildo]

​@@oscar7476you mean cars that cost a similar amount?

[@andreigeorgesco]

@@oscar7476 How is the i30 hyundai's best car? It's literally in the same class as the A.

[@iain8837]

Considering the comments, the general review and the price, I was expecting the verdict to be “consider” rather than “shortlist”. Seems every car reviewed is on the shortlist no matter what.

[@purwantiallan5089]

No doubt.

[@leocfwong]

Paid advertisement.

[@ishhussain2099]

Drove one of these over the weekend in Poland. Absolutely amazing. However, not much room for a 6’2 lanky git like me as I couldn’t adjust the seat to make it comfortable enough! However, overall the drive was beautiful and the gadgets are endless!!

[@Ashes-9]

Nobody does the ac vents like mercedes. Its like a piece of art ❤

[@larsassinck3868]

This review shows exactly why I never really like the a class. A decent car for a premium price. About 70% of it's price is for the badge on the grill

[@thesequelssuck_8504]

As for Most things in life of so called premuim brands….

[@ElusiveTy]

I'd say 70% of the price is the badge AND the MBUX system.

[@no9scrum]

The interior actually looks cheaper than that of a newer Mazda for much less money… The chrome “stuck on” vents are giving me Max Power Halfords modification vibes

[@v12-s65]

base spec higher trim gets aluminum not gloss black vents

[@heinzketchup4558]

I don‘t get why anyone would buy this over a Mazda 3 except for the A45 AMG model. The Mazda looks better, comes with better stuff for a lower price for each trim level and is probably more efficient too.

[@AntJoseph_]

@@heinzketchup4558Mazda…3

[@lolitapitpong3826]

And the a180 has a Renault engine

[@ravenheart369]

​@@lolitapitpong3826 So as A200

[@VicodinElmo]

3:21 that was the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen in a car review 😂

[@immortal4942]

I love my 2019 A250 4matic with the machiato beige interior. It has been reliable other than a malfunctioning airbag light. 100k miles of city driving and the all wheel drive in Canadian winter has been a life saver.

[@AlexSchuierer]

Do you feel any jerking from the car at slow speeds?

[@greebuh]

One thing no one talks about on the A class is the extremely cheap sheet metal. You can dent it by accidentally tapping it.

[@Grifrag]

My cat eat the soft metal around the wheel arch

[@TheMILVSCR]

Is there any way that Matt and Carwow can give us the whole accumulation of choices for the entire catalog of vehicles tested? How many were avoid, consider, shortlist, and buy it? Maybe you guys can give us a vid on ALL of the choices and decisions in each category. Would be really cool to see a quick summary and breakdown of every vehicle that you've ever reviewed

[@The-Salty-Bager]

I had one for four years great car, except the jerky gearbox when pulling away and slow speeds and the lack of ground clearance

[@wi11lam]

I actually liked the touchpad a lot in the pre-facelift version! Use it quite a lot rather than having to reach the screen whilst you're driving.

[@D.Daniels1990]

I always use the touchpad. Such a clever design & works great ! Rarely ever touch screen.

[@ARCASIAUK]

@@D.Daniels1990ame. Also no need to get fingerprint marks all over those nice displays with the touchpad

[@ResizeFilms]

The rear diffuser actually contributes to the aerodynamics by reducing drag at higher speeds, the A-class have a relatively flat floor for that reason. That’s why its Cx is one of the best in the market. Hope that helps.

[@6770connor]

Not sure if I’m getting old but 32k for a base spec hatchback!! There’s many cars out there I’d much rather have for 32k!

[@Climbersobaka]

agree

[@Lewis_Treff97]

My 2020 leon cupra 290 lux was 32k new. Obviously it's not a Mercedes but it came with adaptive cruise, adaptive dampers and has independent suspension which this doesn't. And will probably be a lot more fun to drive. Although 32k for a car that doesn't have those features seems stupid to me

[@6770connor]

@@Lewis_Treff97 I’d take a Leon Cupra 290 Lux over this A Class in a heartbeat. The Cupra would be entertaining and fun to drive.

[@Lewis_Treff97]

@@6770connor not to mention but can still get over 40mpg on my commute to work

[@6770connor]

@@Lewis_Treff97 that’s impressive with that performance

[@aliumer2964]

I got the 2022 model and im glad i got it. I always use the centre touchpad which this car lacks (i hate finger prints on the screen). i prefer the wheel in my model the brushed chrome look and the it has tactile buttons rather than it fully being touch sensitive.

[@whoisnishan176]

Hey, I think the redesigned mid area is heaps better. Everyone keeps saying they don’t know what to use that new flat storage area for, but I think it’s perfect to keep my iPhone’s MagSafe wallet, which I need to remove in order to use the wireless charging pad! Matt, you wouldn’t have that issue as you have a Samsung. The only thing I am going to miss is the ‘skip next track’ button which was on the track pad… which I used all the time to skip songs on Spotify…

[@MaticTheProto]

True, alternatively you could swipe up with 2 fingers to bring up a quick option menu for media. Now you can only set the middle of the drivers display to media control

[@funnycartube]

Sweet little hatchback 😊

[@milinddixit6583]

4:56 - surprised there was no mention of the exposed isofix points in the back. Makes the rear seats look naff. I don't mind removable covers you might lose so at least it doesnt look like 4 big holes in the seats.

[@VianneyTheFrenchy]

I love the presentation with the "stick" ahaha :D

[@Taylor___]

30K! So if you wanted to own it outright you have to pay £625 over 4 years AS IF. If you have on PCP and live with the anxiety of scratching it for 4 years you'll pay around £300. It's a joke how expensive it is

[@marcinstyle85]

and that price is only for base model so you need to add at least 10k , so will be even more 😱

[@thesouthpole3915]

A45s is around £70k now lol

[@quattrocam]

Had one when they first came out and tbh, kind of miss it a little, very nice cabin, nice place to be, cruised well despite only being a 200, would have another in the future for sure!

[@tootruesheep872]

my friend owns one of these (2019 model) and he loves it but we both agree it is a really boring car

[@maxmorris4562]

@@tootruesheep872 BMW 128ti is a good option if you want fun handling without too much power

[@quattrocam]

@@maxmorris4562 that is a really good shout!

[@quattrocam]

@tootruesheep872 yeah, sometimes boring can be good, motorway driving in a modified 8v S3 can be very draining and equally boring, drone from the res delete does not help 😅

[@DaBlackFili]

Hated when it bottomed out on any hump though

[@steviewonderzaful]

10 out of 10 for the brilliant editing in this video

[@Blablablarandomguy]

There's somethiong just so likable about Mat. He's real unlike other reviewers. Making random inappropriate jokes and walking around with sticks and branches and lapping up water from the tray

[@purwantiallan5089]

Agree. Much like Donut Media occasionally

[@Jan_Boris]

When the door panel color is visible from the cabin you know thats some renault twingo level quality there....

[@therealquaid1694]

It basically is a Renault. They share parts

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

Are you sure about the Torsion beam suspension thing? They got rid of that last gen on all AMG line models. They were all multilink, and i was told all of the facelift models are also multilink?

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Great review Mat!

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

@3:20 Slurp Slurp! LOL! Mat, you're the best! 🤣

[@TommyAngelo1337]

I actually don't expect the interior of a Merc to be sturdy these days 😂

[@munashemuradzikwa]

Watching the water appear and disappear has made me so curious about how many retakes of the same process Matt and his team do in order to come out with a final clip. After he poured water into the center console, there are so many edited scenes where the water is gone, and some were the water is back again, but the voice and actions are smooth. A lot of work goes into this.. smh 😢😊

[@purwantiallan5089]

The Mercedes A Class with update only has 18bhp increase.

[@thomasparkins6749]

It was only the b-roll (different camera angles) where the water was gone as far as I could see. The main interior shot of Matt talking all had water!

[@climbrR]

It's just two different takes edited together, in film this is called continuation, and there's actually someone who has to spot stuff like this lol. Like a clock that keeps going forwards and backwards in different shots, someone's hair or clothing that keeps changing.

[@giotto4321]

​@@climbrR 'Continuity' I think. I actually thought the water-pouring was a bit of a scummy thing to do to make a rather weak point.

[@climbrR]

Correct@@giotto4321

[@user-jx1cu5hw6w]

10:42 I think you only have to move the gear lever up or down once

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I fairly recently bought the previous version of the A200 AMG Line Premium for a good price. When it comes to controlling the infotainment system I personally tend to use the controls on the wheel myself. Then my next choice is the touchpad. I never use the touchscreen, as I don't want to get fingerprints on it. I'd say that you're probably better getting a good second-hand version of the previous one over the new one. I'm really happy with mine on the whole. The only thing that I don't really like is that some of the features are hidden behind a paywall. Most annoyingly of all though, a lot of them are subscription based services too. So, I'll never be using them, as I refuse to pay a subscription for features on a car.

[@oversteer_9339]

I bet the analogue guages will return but for a premium. Just like how manuals are going back but for a premium

[@CristianoXtra1]

Mercedes is by far one of my favourite car makes ever made

[@raftonpounder6696]

Hairdresser?

[@TFSIChristmas]

@@raftonpounder6696yes and shoe polisher

[@NoOneForNow1]

In a universe where Porsche doesn't exist.

[@Ssh52]

@@NoOneForNow1he said his favourite not the best…

[@ASTR7FLUX]

i love how he left the water and keep going

[@daniel99210]

Great review!

[@forreal1802]

The CLA (x118) in fact does have the rear suspension which moves independent from one wheel to another (multi-link axle). I don’t know why they haven’t done that in the a class especially in the facelifted version 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MrSparklespring]

Costcutting.

[@thebastm8]

Great video Mat! I think there might be some confusion when discussing Adaptive Cruise Control as you talk about it being able to steer. I suppose you meant Mercedes active steering assist?

[@leocfwong]

That one is Driving Assistance Package I think, ACC is only part of it

[@def90cars]

Active cruise is part of the driver assist, as was stated, as is lane assist. Standard cars have normal cruise and lane departure warning

[@borasschaert8611]

I have one of these in the a250e model as a company car because i work at mercedes and can say it is bloody lovely to drive

[@gamelandDEZ]

loved the dog bowl lick the backseat robot talk and the yeet, great review.

[@13billy]

Good looking car looks even better!

[@DanRedBullRacing]

3:21 Mat you've gone mad 😆

[@bishop883i]

The lack of passenger grab handle is possibly due to side curtain airbag. No certainty on this though

[@dickwans]

The most entertaining car review of the world! C'est vivant, c'est amusant et informatif! J'aime!

[@Buhles]

The pre-facelift looks better than the facelift. The facelift looks like a pre-facelift.

[@SDav21]

Agreed. Especially with all the obvious cost cutting measures here like making the front LED strip just one line, removing the touch pad, removing the movable compartment at the back, the torsion beam only rear suspension etc etc. What an awful car. Maybe at half the price it would be lovely but at this price it's just shitty.

[@nletecca8030]

Do you mean the w176 I just got one of them amg line nightpack

[@hardysamra7421]

@@nletecca8030referring to the w177 from last year

[@doajackpot8281]

Agree. Mercedes has just lost the touch design wise. New C-Class, GLC, E-Class and A-Class all look WAY worse than the previous models…

[@Buhles]

@@nletecca8030 the W177

[@RobertBaird-xr5sw]

That basic suspension on the rear is historic. Not what I would expect on a modern family hatch1

[@paul5683]

Newsflash! That is exactly what you get on a modern mazda, a panhard rod, they work and it's cheap.

[@QqKamilqQ]

@@paul5683 Mazda's have to cut costs since they're meant to be more of an economy vehicle whereas Mercedes is top 3 most making profit car manufacturer per car. They don't need to cut the costs.

[@optical10]

Great Video as usual thx. What shorts r u wearing , I need super light shorts, this summer murder in UK Manchester, LOL

[@cliffgreenhalgh5008]

Matt, it is a pity you never did a hill start, as the engine lurches forward. It is not as sure footed as it should be. Sometimes dangerously so. Maybe a further update would help.

[@dinckelman]

I drive a 2004 S-classe, and this is one of the cars I'm considering for the future. Huge shame that everything is creaky and plasticky, and just doesn't feel premium. My car has wood and leather everywhere, and it still feels solid some 18 years later

[@dontjivewitha5559]

Your 2004 is still a real mercedes , this is a Renault underneath.. don't believe me look it up engine + transmission RENAULT. , They only do it on the smaller and base mercedes a class/ cla / vans but still this is bullsh*t.. people buy mercedes for mercedes not Renault.

[@T_Perkins]

Going from the era of s class you have to a modern a class would be like comparing a Bentley to a classic mini.

[@T_Perkins]

Old Bentley. Maybe a Jag actually. Both from the 80's

[@TheFlash8889]

​@@dontjivewitha5559A 1.3l engine for 177hp is also kind of a joke in this price segment

[@dinckelman]

@@dontjivewitha5559 I had no idea this is the case. That's absolutely bonkers

[@jagman999]

The default hatch to recommend to most buyers used to be the Golf. Now I’d say get a Ceed and forget the rest

[@Dranzell]

I'd say either of the i30s (either the hatchback or the fastback - I prefer the fastback) are the more reasonable buy now. I know Hyundai and KIA share the platforms, so the Ceed is pretty close to it, but that Fastback has a great silhouette.

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@DranzellHyundai Clix still better than A Class in terms of performance and comfortability.

[@jamesb8177]

You earned my like with the bird bath part

[@XanderCM]

Concidering you only review top spec models it would be great if you could also include the high end price aswell as what it starts from

[@hoka4483]

i love matt's humor

[@purwantiallan5089]

Me too man. Doug Demuro also has equally epic taste of humour.

[@thearabiansheepdog]

For me - you'd be crazy to spend £30k on a small car from Mercedes considering what that could buy you from other manufacturers. Madness.

[@MCxTuber]

Give an example that is better

[@dontjivewitha5559]

@@MCxTuber any that doesn't have a Renault engine and transmission like this low end mercedes has.. not a Mercedes in my eyes it's a Renault dressed as one.

[@mirrorqueen4293]

@@dontjivewitha5559 This 1.3L petrol engine was designed by both Mercedes and Renault engineers.

[@dontjivewitha5559]

@@mirrorqueen4293 why would Mercedes need Renaults help or even team up with them to design a 1.3 engine 😂?.. cmon they just say that to get away with installing them in mercedes cars .. so it's looks better , it's clearly just a Renault engine and transmission. The filters are Renault .. the block has Renault casting it's all Renault there's no mercedes parts on that engine , Do Renault help mercedes design the larger engines ?.. they don't , Merc just do it to cut costs on these base models

[@marcofava]

@@MCxTuber Fiat, Peugeot, Hyiundai, Kia, Toyota and the likes offer much more for the same class of car for the price and many of them have better reliability as well. If you want models i would say the Tipo from Fiat, the 208 for Puegeot, the i30 for Hiyundai and Yaris from Toyota

[@bazcarr86]

Love to see matt review cla 250e

[@emppulir9250]

We have the a250e sedan and i LOVE it (trunk could be bigger tho)

[@maxmorris4562]

BMW 128ti is a great option if you don't want a car with boring handling. Also its not overly fast so you can keep within the speed limit and still enjoy it.

[@smiddlehurst1]

Genuinely surprised that the 128Ti is still available at that price point. Not only is it proper value for money (believe it's cheaper than a Golf GTi?) but you've got enough headroom to add pretty much every option you're likely to want without pushing past the magic £40k 'ah, you have money and the tax man would like a lot of it' barrier.

[@Mav86asian]

@@smiddlehurst1with proper financing, the Golf GTI Clubsport is within the same range also though, and that thing is faster on another level.

[@SDav21]

And the BMW is actually built like it comes from a premium carmaker. The BMWs build and material quality is far above the A Class. Enough reason alone for me to buy it over this.

[@Ssh52]

⁠@@Mav86asianits not ‘faster on another level’ there isn’t much in it… Also the golf has a terrible interior lol

[@marcinstyle85]

Golf not look good ,also have very poor media and very cheap inside

[@saleemshahid682]

I have an a class and I use the touchpad alot it's very useful when changing music and radio stations. This is a downgrade by cutting corners and saving costs. I'll stick with my current a class.

[@baldeylocks977]

the inside looks fairly similar to the 23 plate Clio RS line, looks nice.

[@omardarwish555]

the power domes on the hood are cool. Used to be on the A45 only

[@casualonemmo-player2167]

Now thats a good looking city car :) Though realistically a similar sized car from f.ex Toyota would be quite a lot cheaper... and a more obvious choice for the regular people out there on a budget. Edit: the boot area on this mercedes is quite impressive

[@lukashartmann7746]

The new BMW 1 series is crazy, a friend of me owns one and if u go in manual mode and shift into third and give it some gas, the turbo will spin up pretty loud and tsustustu xD

[@doajackpot8281]

Still pretty ugly though. I30N, Gti or Cupra Leon are SO much better and a lot cheaper as well. M1 is a proper waste of money

[@doajackpot8281]

Jokes on you, I drove 2 out of those 3.

[@broken12367]

7:58 Aren’t the torsion bar’s separate? You describe the torsion bar going from one axle to the other, which torsion bar suspension isn’t usually the case.

[@joelbrown2782]

Just to add if you damage that parcel shelf, they are expensive to replace. They also suffer from plastic dowels falling off and you can't buy them separate from the dealer.

[@sbstn110]

The new Mercedes cars look exactly as good as they feel bad to touch.

[@mokokaratshefola4555]

You should do the M2 vs A45s vs RS3

[@doajackpot8281]

Well, result should be pretty clear RS3=M2>>>>A45

[@nomoreheroes93]

Mat Watson never mentions it but the reason OEMs remove functionalities to the screen is because they can use less computer chips - a big issue since the shortage that cost them lots of money

[@dabraka681]

Mat licking that water cracked me😂😂😂😂

[@michalrajnic758]

Very nice car, I love the yellow! Interior looks superb. I think the little tray in the centre tunnel would be great for loose change and house keys, etc.

[@vladislavdimitrov4646]

Too shallow

[@mashiakira7783]

Can put car perfume there

[@aaryeshg.6526]

They should have made that tray as deep as a cup holder so you can put your wallet in there.

[@Dranzell]

If you want them to rattle around, sure.

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@vladislavdimitrov4646a little too shallow compared to even ISUZU 117 COUPE.

[@jay79]

Hi Matt. I have a question for you regarding captions and languages availible. Originally come from Poland and sadly there is not this language availible. I'm one of the biggest fans of you, and I looking forward, that one day there will be polish captions as well which helps the ones struggling with it 😀💪💪 You do brilliant job on your chanel anyway 💪

[@martin777xyz]

Does the centre console tray fit an iPhone SE? Would go with the intro analogy ;-)

[@Shaggy12321]

I think i'll stick with my 2019 A200 🤣 it's a really good car tbf, I got the AMG-Line with Premium package so all the extras trown in etc. Stage 1'd it straight away to 201bhp and its a little pocket rocket! 6.9 0-60 time, 46mpg on average, handles well, great brakes, sounds nice, looks amazing, has great tech, speakers, seats etc. The only downside is the build quality, its all nasty cheap rattly plastic that buzzes and makes noises when driving on any surface over 15mph... I've had a bunch of warranty claims from the Mercedes garage and they basically had to take the entire interior apart and re-attach it back with glue.

[@SDav21]

Omg no way. To be honest I'd rather take better build and material quality like old Mercs over extra tech and features any day. What's shocking is that even at this high price, it doesn't come with things that cars a fraction of the price have as standard. So when you combine the lack of standard features and the lack of build and material quality then it makes this a tough buy. At least they could give one or the other. Like give lots of standard features for sub standard build and material quality or give amazing build and material quality and make many features optional. But as it stands this face-lift is a big no. Keep your Pre face-lift. The new one has too much cost cutting and I fear it'll even be worse.

[@Shaggy12321]

​@@SDav21 Yep! I've had 11 warranty claims to be specific. Rattly dashboard, passenger door, boot seal, glovebox, middle air-vent, passenger seatbelt clip in b-pillar, along with a failing seatbelt slider on passenger one, a loose rear numberplate, a horrible screach and rattle from the passenger window motor, the list goes on... I took it to an official Merc garage for its repairs, and a mechanic there told me that all MBUX fitted models have the same build issues. Mercedes stopped using metal screws and glue on their interior so to cut costs and to make repairs 'easier' for mechanics, now they use 'plastic clips' instead, which has increased the warranty claims for interior issues by like 400%. His final words made me laugh, "if you want a good built German car, get a BMW", which is what i'll be doing next!

[@purwantiallan5089]

2019 A200 has 8bhp more than this A Class.

[@BOSKILLZX]

Sounds nice and pocket rocket, don’t belong in the same sentence as A200 😂😂😂

[@SDav21]

@@Shaggy12321 Omg wow. That's crazy and sad to hear. Lol. I don't see how all the warranty claims will save the brand money when they've got all the tooling etc for their higher quality old models anyway. I feel like even using some old parts from the second Gen mommy wagon looking A Class could've helped quality because that car was actually very well built. I also agree with you. My next vehicle will be a BMW. I have a 2014 W212 E350 Bluetec. On a few occasions I went to test drive the new C Class, the W213 E Class facelift etc to see if I should replace mine. I walked away so disappointed and with a whole new level of appreciation for my car. After driving those and getting back into mine, it feels like mine was built by engineers from a piece of granite. By engineers who loved their jobs with zero input from finance to cut corners. The new ones felt cheap and brittle by comparison. I then went to test drive the new BMWs and was so shocked by how much better they are built. An X5 feels twice as expensive as a GLE yet the GLE costs more. I couldn't wrap my head around it. I was once such an avid Mercedes fan. I am one no more. It's so sad to see what my brand has become. But I'll now move on to another. And that will be BMW.

[@harvthegoat3687]

From owning a pre facelift yellow a35 premium plus. I’d say the facelift inside looks abit of a downgrade. Those touch buttons on the steering wheel are awful. And I actually liked the touch pad in the centre console (ocd for fingerprints on my screen). With these A class’s it’s premium plus or nothing for me. However, I do think you get a lot of car for the money tech wise. Nothing on the 540i I’m in now however 👊🏻

[@mehtanitin]

Mat drinking water from that little water “bowl” will be remembered for generations to come 😂

[@noonodaa]

The level of commitment to actually drink the water from there. Amazing!

[@donaldsivewright903]

In the list of five good things about the A class Matt mentions the pop out reversing camera. I think the camera should be at the top of the list of annoying things about this car as I have found that it automatically opens when you get below 16mph then closes again when you get back up to 20mph. It will do this every single time you start the car up and will do it around 4-5 times in my car then stops although I have heard that on some cars it can do this continually. This creates a noise much like the central locking operating so is quite noisy and very annoying when it is happening over and over again - every time you start the car remember. I have been in contact with the dealer then Mercedes direct and have been advised that this is not a fault and that this is now the intended operation of the A class as the camera is going through a calibration process. I just cannot understand why the camera has to calibrate itself in such a noisy manner every time the car is started. Did you not notice this on your test car? I have started contacting car magazines to see if anyone can pick this up as, at the moment Mercedes re not interested in addressing this.

[@INVINCIBLE_G63]

Matt never fails to entertain us 😂😂😂😂 Let's appreciate Matt for this !!!!!

[@purwantiallan5089]

Matt humours always impress us.

[@INVINCIBLE_G63]

@@purwantiallan5089 yessss 💯

[@bowches]

Especially 3:14 it looks like he is licking p*&&× 👅

[@bowches]

3:35 looks like he is playing with nipples

[@v_stands_for_value124]

3:30 Mat's gone definitely mad 😂

[@TechBaffle]

3:12 Mat: To create a little water bath Mercedes Press Team: 😲😲😲

[@Fedelia86]

This car is really not worth the price. There is so much cheaper competition with better equipment and comparable design/build quality. This should only be bought, if you are in serious need of a fancy Mercedes star on the hood. I wouldn’t consider Mercedes below the C-Class. (And I am from Stuttgart ;)) There are so many shortcuts in missing features and cheap materials. The back seats are also really bad imo, too steep, too uncomfortable. And it is just too expensive for all of that. You can spec an entry level A-class with a Renault(!) engine to more than 50k. An A45S can scratch 90k€ (it drives nicely, but has the same mediocre built quality than the 30k entry model). To be fair: I’m not a fan of the MBUX/infotainment systems (visually and from a functional perspective) of any Mercedes.

[@Harpreet06]

An A class isn't 'cheap' Carwow

[@nic7nic]

I hate those rotating knobs for changing the chair angle. I much preffer a release handle.

[@sahilpremgi4372]

3.22 bro got nxt level skills

[@Andri.Prokopenko]

I used to drive a similar Mercedes in a driving school… I would say that ergonomics (parking brake, single understeer switch etc) is quite unusual. Traffic sign recognition system shows weather on planet Mars. Suspension feels cheap with poor absorption capacity. I am frankly surprised how bad this car actually is overall.

[@fernandozaldivarcoto9714]

Nice Renault

[@sub39h]

6:50 Just UNDER 10% Mr Accountant Man 😅. Thanks for another great review

[@hassan3o7]

Can you do a review on the premium plus?

[@yannikair]

It is the best hot hatch on the market. 😊👌 EVERY penny worth it. Design and Engines are so powerful Even the A200 with 163 HP needs 7.5 sec to 60 mph. So bad launch from you Mat.

[@bwmim9709]

Waste of money . Overpriced Renault

[@yannikair]

@@bwmim9709 VW and Audi are waste of money because their cars are cheap produced and don't last that long. Engine blows up after a few hundred miles. VW Audi is a overpriced Skoda

[@bwmim9709]

@@yannikair won’t blow up as quick as 1.3 Renault engine in a class though

[@yannikair]

@@bwmim9709 Renault is more successful in Formula 1 and Racesport than VW Audi. Anyways Mercedes developed the engine together with Renault. Look at your car. What is from the manufacturer?

[@bwmim9709]

@@yannikair 😂😂😂😂

[@dzontravolta3952]

I believe it's better than bmw 1 , it depends on taste .

[@SDav21]

Definitely not from a build and material quality perspective.

[@kiorool]

I actually initially thought that tapping around the reversing camera makes it come out while stationary, for you to be able to clean it if you need to when driving alone, but then I saw the reversing lights and it became obvious there was someone behind the wheel engaging reverse and keeping the foot on the break because, well, Mat was there 😂 However, such a feature would be a cool idea for cars which have this style of "hidden" reversing cameras.

[@Xenon0000000000001]

There is a option buried in the settings to turn on the rear camera when stationary.

[@paul5683]

And how often do you really clean your backup camera? I've had them for years and never needed to do anything for the camera.

[@j.k.5370]

Matt. What cover do you use on your z fold 4 please?

[@Apfelprofigaming]

Sadly this will be the last A-Class from Mercedes 😢

[@alexbs3975]

Why???

[@tsaki_titan]

Who cares, BMW is the way.

[@danielainger8666]

Sadly ? Lol

[@Apfelprofigaming]

​@@alexbs3975because Mercedes will be producing only luxury cars in the future

[@Apfelprofigaming]

​@@tsaki_titangood thing, everyone can have their own opinion

[@snbala]

I would pick the 1 series anyday over this, better to drive, to look at and better screwed together. The A class started life as a boxy MPV shape which is embrassing to start life with, and no A class has looked great imo.