While the A200's mid-life facelift might feel mild to some, it's hard to argue when it's still an exceptional seller. Our review of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A200.
If you want to get your feet wet in the Mercedes-Benz passenger range, the A-Class is the entry point with hatchback and sedan body styles to choose from. The model has literally grown up over the years, going from an uninspiring tiny Smart car lookalike to a more premium full-sized hatchback with some really nice creature comforts.
Mercedes-Benz recently gave the A-Class a facelift, a trend that automakers usually follow in the middle of a vehicle’s lifecycle.
The different trims
The unit we had on test came equipped with the AMG Line package that costs R29 000 on top of the purchase price. It includes a decent list of extras, like a sports brake system, suspension with ride-height lowering, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG body kit, sports seats, AMG branded floor mats, double cup holder, steering wheel covered in Nappa leather, roof liner in black fabric and Artico/Dinamica microfibre upholstery in black.
The Progressive trim level, which is standard in South Africa, is equipped with LED headlights, a seat with lumbar support, the Parking Package and the Mirror Package as standard. Customers can also choose from three different interior colours: black, beige and sage grey.
Quick specs
Engine – turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power – 120kW and 270Nm
Transmission – 7 speed DCT
Top speed - 225km/h
0-100km/h - 8.2 seconds
Claimed fuel consumption (combined) - 5.6-litres per 100km
What’s new in the facelift?
The updates are very subtle, like the radiator grille with three-pointed star pattern, a new rear diffuser and LED rear lights. There are also a variety of optional extras, non-metallic/metallic and MANUFAKTUR paint finishes are now available, which can be viewed via Mercedes-Benz' online configurator if you wish to personalise your A-Class.
There are not many brands out there that can match the layout and quality of Mercedes-Benz' interiors. Included as standard is the freestanding MBUX dual-screen display with a 7-inch display as well as the larger 10.25-inch display. Optional are two 10.25-inch displays. Connectivity with smartphones is possible via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wireless, as well as USB-C ports.
The ambient lighting function remains a unique fixture with all sorts of colours and combinations to choose from. It’s also quite interesting using the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-control function and asking it for all sorts of things, like navigating you home or finding the nearest petrol station.
The facelift benefits from the new steering wheel design, which looks great with its double layer of functionality buttons, though it can sometimes be finnicky to slide your fingers just right on each layer. The steering wheel is nice and chunky, covered in Nappa leather.
Offered as standard are seven airbags, brake assist, 360-degree camera, LED daytime running lights, tyre pressure monitor, front and rear park distance control and high beam assist. That, of course, can be complimented with optional extras like a panoramic sunroof, lane departure warning, LED adaptive headlights, keyless access or blind spot warning.
There are so many nice extras available, but they’re pricey. That said, if you can afford this car then adding a couple of grands more shouldn’t be a problem.
How is it to drive and live with?
A power figure of 120kW does not sound like much by today’s standards, but it’s in the torque (270Nm) where the performance lies. It’s punchy and has the thrust to do a bit of spirited driving around twisty roads (which we did) when needed in Sport mode. The engine is devoid of any audible strain through the rev range – a quiet drive is an art that Mercedes-Benz has gotten right with its current crop of models. The fuel consumption is good and we managed to obtain an average figure of 6.0-litres per 100km. Despite having a sub-50-litre fuel tank, this gives the car a good range on a tank.
With the lowered suspension and sports seats, you feel as though you’re sitting on the ground or in a well-built go kart. Through the turns, it grips like a four-wheel-drive car, and we actually had to check the brochure again just to be sure – it is powered exclusively by the front wheels. There’s also no stiffness or bumpiness in the drive because of the comfort suspension, which we think is an option that must be ticked and as a result, makes the steering more responsive.
What the A200 lacks in rear space, it makes up for as a quite spacious hauler. Mercedes-Benz says the boot has a capacity of 370-litres with the rear seats up and 1210-litres when they’re folded flat. During a family shopping trip, that extra space was more than adequate for everything and a couple of extras too.
One thing we had to get used to was the absence of the centre console-mounted touchpad and wrist mount, which usually makes it easier to operate the MBUX screen and keep your eyes on the road at the same time. In its place is an open tray section where things like the key fob, small change or a phone can be placed. Don’t give kids access to it though, because they’ll likely throw juice or water in there.
The A200 hatch is a great option for those that want a premium, modern hatchback but rear passengers might find it difficult to find an ideal seating spot due to limited legroom. Remember, there is also a sedan variant available. Being an A-Class, Mercedes-Benz had to ‘tone’ down the spec levels in some areas – it’s not a bad thing but it does take getting used to.
Pricing and aftersales
A200 Hatch - R796 560
A200 Sedan - R851 560
A200 d Sedan - R920 299
Pricing includes a 5-year/100 000km Premium Drive service and maintenance plan.
According to Wesbank’s car finance calculator, customers can expect to pay approximately R16 000 over a period of 72 months with no deposit and an interest rate set at 13%.
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