Fast forward to 2011 and amid economic downturn Mercedes Benz understood that there will be even more people looking for a compact car, which would mean even more potential buyers of the A Class. They have perfectly identified the target market as younger families that may desire their little cars to be more than just a way of getting from A to B. Enter the W176, or what can be classified as best looking hatch on the market.
Gone is the flawed design of low sitting engine, gone is the entire formula of the old A Class, and this proportionally perfect, aggressive, and stunningly beautiful hatch was born.
It almost seems like Mercedes Benz decided to not to follow the hot hatch market, but to redefine it.
As it went on sale in 2012 the A180 was an instant hit in Japan due to its looks, comfort, compactness, fuel economy, and the overall status and reputation of Mercedes Benz. It is also priced below the benchmark 3 million yen, which is the mean budget for most family cars. While it has the looks, performance-wise it is not much to write home about, so I patiently waited until an A250 was available, and finally, here it is:
Sports bumper, 18-inch lightweight AMG alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 R18 sports performance tires, sports suspension, red accents all across, and so on.
On the inside we get a similarly styled cockpit with sports seats, multifunction leather steering wheel with aluminum spokes, paddle shifters, and carbon fiber trim.
Even though the dual exhaust tips here may not look like much, the moment you press on the accelerator you feel that this car means serious business. During acceleration turbo whine can be heard very clearly, and when accompanied by roar of the exhaust that gets louder in mid-range the feeling is just exuberating. Exhausts burble on the over-run and blow-off valve make proper whoosh sound on the accelerator lift-off. Overall, It sounds like a properly tuned car, which is rare for a standard family hatch.
While it may not have the top power, it has plenty of torque which gets instantly delivered resulting in back-to-seat throwing acceleration that gets this car from 0 to 60 in respectable 6.6 seconds, with top speed rated at 240 km/h.
Handling of this car is magnificent as it almost effortlessly points exactly where you want it to. The car feels very balanced and not as nose heavy as most FWD cars nowadays.
Cost of ownership:
4/5
The 2L inline four is proving to be very economical and there is also a bonus of lower engine size tax bracket in Japan. Car will probably require frequent oil changes and maintenance. Tire swaps should also be considered into running costs as performance tires with that size are pricey.
Practicality:
4/5
The limited cabin space in this compact car is efficiently used, and front occupants feel very spacious. That cannot be said about the occupants in the back if longer trip is required. There is plenty of storage, but I've seen more with easier access in the same car class.
Appeal:
5/5
Arguably the best looking hot hatch right now, and sporty aerodynamic parts just add to that aggressive look.
Fun factor:
4/5
Brilliant handling and very responsive and powerful engine will keep the owners happy. Sadly there is no 4WD option yet, but this may change as A45 AMG is 4matic as is a CLA250.
As Always, thanks to Mercedes Benz Connection Tokyo for letting me drive this car.
Mercedes Benz A250 Sport is available from Mercedes Benz dealers across Japan for 4.2 million yen.