Mercedes A200 CDI Review

The A-Class was one of the most awaited cars as it became the smallest Mercedes-Benz available in India. It kick-started a new segment - the luxury hatchbacks. This hatchback didn't just look fabulous but was also sporty, neatly designed and easily one of the best looking hatchbacks. The only thing that left something to be desired was a diesel engine with average performance, of the A180 CDI, however now things have changed. The 2015 model of the A-Class gets a major upgrade in the engine department. The 2.2-litre engine of new A200 CDI comes with more power that now has an army of 134 horses and a higher torque 300Nm. There are also other features, which are new to this car, like the panoramic sunroof and the upgraded COMAND system. Driving the A200 CDI immediately tells you that the new engine goes with character of the car that is sporty. The only disappointment is that the gearbox has a little lag while shifting. However compared to the earlier car, its not that much of a problem as the quicker response from the engine makes up for it. It's a matter of getting used to. The A200 CDI has a strong mid-range performance and also cruises well. Thanks to the seven-speed gearbox, it hovered comfortably at 170 km/hr with the tachometer needle staying below 3000 rpm.   The A200 CDI comes loaded with Bluetooth telephony with audio, electrically operated seats with lumbar support adjustments, reverse parking aid with camera, cruise control, pedal shift on the steering, panoramic sunroof and an Eco start/stop feature which ensures that the engine is temporarily switched off when the vehicle is at a standstill. The car continues to look stunning and with the remarkable improvement in performance, ticks all the boxes that one would look for in an entry-level luxury car. Mercedes-Benz knows its target audience and it is clearly visible that it is the youth. The 302-diamond front grille just looks stunning, and is one of the biggest USP of this hatchback's styling. The A200 CDI costs Rs. 26.95 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai), that makes it around a lakh more expensive than the outgoing model. So, the on-road pricing of the A-Class diesel is now about Rs 28 lakhs in New Delhi and Rs 29.5 lakhs in Mumbai. Should you consider paying that premium for the kind of upgrades the new car gets? Well, without a doubt, you should as this is the only well rounded luxury hatchback, the others are too pricey and don't match the looks of the A!

Source : MotorOctane