As happens quite often these days, following the range-topping (and more expensive) sporty A250, the absolute pick of the new A-Class range is the humble diesel variant; the A200 CDI.
Why? Well, it really comes down to one thing; torque, and the A200CDI’s wonderful spread of its big, fat lump of torque that sees it being probably the most satisfying car in the A-Class range.
Outside
Likes: Handsome, conventional hatch looks suit it far more. Grille on standard version less blingy and over-the-top than Sport version. Corporate nose suits the shape.
Dislikes: Not a traditional “Mercedes shape”, as a result looks a little generic from rear 3/4.
Inside
Likes: Cloth seats far more supportive and comfortable than leather versions. Huge quality present, both in materials used and build. White dials look fantastic. White stitching is a nice detail and lifts the interior a bit.
Dislikes: Aside from the white stitching and dials, and the matt silver trim, it is all a bit black and dour. Fixed headrests look brilliant, but lack of adjustability is a frustration. Taller drivers will find they can’t get the seat quite low enough…
Under the bonnet
Likes: 100kW/300Nm diesel four-cylinder engine is a beauty. Strong and nicely torquey down low. Wonderful fat band of torque present right at open road cruising speed. Seven-speed dual clutch transmission perfectly matched to engine, feels almost seamless at speed.
Dislikes: DCT is still a bit fussy at low speed, but diesel has torque in the right place to deal with it.
On the road
Likes: One of the best front drivers on the market. Beautifully balanced. Diesel engine suits both the transmission and chassis better than any other model in the range. Feels utterly confident, unflustered and controllable in corners. Ride is firm and disciplined, but never harsh or intrusive.
Dislikes: Not a lot at all…
Verdict
At the launch of the A-Class over in Australia a while back, we came away with the strong feeling that the A200 CDI diesel-powered car was the best all-round package and our pick of the bunch.
After spending a week with one following straight on from a week with the ferociously entertaining A250 Sport, that feeling was utterly confirmed.
While the A250 is a brilliant (and brilliant fun) car, the utter poise and almost perfect match between engine/transmission/chassis that the A200 CDI provides is more than enough to cement it as our favourite.
Where the A250 constantly reminds you it is a front-driver (and therefore never quite as good as the RWD 1 Series BMW) with its big power constantly tugging at the wheels that are also tasked with doing the steering, the A200 CDI just uses its perfectly-placed diesel torque to get the job done with far less drama, but no less effectively.
The dual clutch transmissions low-speed reluctance is far less noticeable with the diesel engine too, effectively neutralising our sole complaint about the A-Class in general.
Comfortable, quick and a dynamic delight to chuck around, the A200 CDI is at its absolute best on the open road where you can settle into a wonderful high-speed flow with it. It will dance from corner to corner with aplomb and enthusiasm, while riding effortlessly on the ever-present torque.
A truly delightful little car.
Price: $54,900
Engine: 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder diesel
Power/torque: 100kW/300Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds
Fuel consumption: 4.6L/100km
CO2 emissions: 121g/km
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