I believe that this is probably the best Mercedes Benz I’ve driven so far and when I say driven, it’s more of the experience and technology than being the fastest car on the road. This for me is the smoothest Mercedes Benz I’ve driven, they got it right with this one – it’s even better than the previous model. For this post, we will focus on the technological aspects of the car and what makes this car better than its counterparts. I am not surprised that the new A-Class has won the car of the year, the car is really good, and it’s the best car Mercedes Benz has – if there is a model that I can bet on, it’s the A-Class.

We reviewed the entire car when it came out last year and we all know that it’s easy on the eye. It seems like Mercedes is using the A-Class to introduce new technology to the world instead of their normal ways of using the S-Class. I think this is a bold move for them, but a move that will work in their favour in the future. It seems like Mercedes Benz is bringing the future to the people and they are using their entry-level model to do so. Man, the car answers you back with “How Can I Help You” when you say “Hello Mercedes” and what I have tried with this feature is to open and close the sunroof, which worked. The new dashboard is something that you know that they put a lot of effort behind that because it’s beautiful. It’s also a touchscreen which makes sense because if it’s not touch screen does it even work? Today we expect touch screen everything and convenience especially when you are dealing with the navigation and you just want to zoom in.

The interior architecture and the control and display systems of the new A-Class are a USP in this segment. The dashboard is divided into two three-dimensional, horizontal sections: the lower section is visually separated from the main body of the dashboard by a “trench”, and it appears to float in front of the dashboard. The optional ambience lighting enhances this effect, accentuating the free-floating impression of the substructure. The lower section of the dashboard provides the basis for the turbine-look air vents and the completely free-standing widescreen display.

Dealing with people, I have realized that they sometimes don’t know what they want until you give it to them. For me it was the ambient lighting, it’s such a small thing, but very impactful because now I want every car to have ambient lighting. The 64 colours of the ambient light create a fascinating scheme; for example in illuminated vents, doors or dashboards. There are also lighting effects that customers can activate individually. The interior lighting uses only long-lasting, energy-saving LED technology. Another feature that I found fascinating was the lights at night, the car can detect if it’s dark and light up the road accordingly. And if a car approaches you from the opposite direction it dims only that side while it brightens your way ahead. In the A Class you can charge your phone by placing it in the centre console, there is no need for cables.

Much detailed effort has also gone into the improved all-round visibility. The risk of overlooking vehicles or pedestrians when turning off, changing lane or parking has been significantly reduced. All in all, the obscured area has been reduced by 10 percent compared to the preceding model. This was principally achieved by specifically slimming down the A, B and C-pillars and their claddings. Improved visibility is also assured by positioning the exterior mirrors on the door outer panel rather than in the mirror triangle. A good view to the rear is ensured by the new rear window wiper. For a larger wiped area, the housing of the roof spoiler has an inner recess to create space for the longer wiper blade. The Mercedes-Benz A200 will cost you R499 000 while the A250 will start from R593 300