Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2005 Review

The Mercedes-Benz baby has grown up and offers noticeably improved handling and ride comfort over the previous model.

The A 150, A 170 and A 200 were tested at the launch this week were five-speed manuals and an automatic version of the A 200.

The drive program consisted of tight and twisty roads and even a nice little dirt track with plenty of off-camber corners and slippery patches to give the ESP a real workout.

On the freeway all models offered a comfortable ride. Wind noise was minimal but tyre noise from the A 170 and A 200's bigger 16-inch wheels was noticeable. Despite high winds, the new A-Class did not get blown over the road like the previous model did on test and definitely inspired more confidence behind the wheel.

On the open road both the A 170 and A 200 cruised easily and effortlessly, the smaller A 150 needing a little bit more work on some of the bigger hills.

Through the tight and twisty roads the cars kept their line over some harsh irregularities and while the ESP did show its presence it was only when a deliberately overactive right foot caused some sliding through corners.

The dirt section gave a great indication of the ESP.

While the little yellow exclamation light was extremely active through this section it was being pushed quite hard. It did not back the driver out too early but was able to be used to push that little bit harder.

Inside, the quality of the finish has been upgraded and refreshed and further adds to what was an already stylish and funky interior.