HATCHBACK

If you are looking for a small(ish) car that promises a level of technology and luxury big money but don't want to pay, well, big money to get it, then allow us to introduce you to the Mercedes A Class.

Simply put, it's a luxury family hatchback that competes with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, as well as cheaper alternatives like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

True, it's the most affordable new Mercedes on the market, but that doesn't mean it skimps on the toys or prestige appeal you'll find in the company's bigger cars.

For starters, this is a rather handsome looking thing. Sharp and narrow headlights, large grille, and sculpted bodywork combine to give it a somewhat sporty and of course upscale look. Compared to the previous A-Class, it's a much more convincing show of just how smart the little Mercedes is – and it's the same story inside too.

Even next to the new BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, the cabin of the Mercedes A-Class looks very classy. Its incremental dashboard is crowned by two high-resolution digital displays, which join together to form an almost seamless widescreen display. It's also easy to configure and responds quickly to your input.

Then there are the attractive turbine-style air vents, lots of brushed metal surfaces, and ambient lighting with up to 64 different colors to choose from. It really looks very futuristic here – even if some surfaces may not feel as sturdy as they seem.

 I tend to opt for one of the A 250 models. Not only do you get a more powerful engine than a cheaper one, you also get a more sophisticated suspension setup.

But not all forms above work. There is a fine adjustment on the front, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The second row is also very spacious, so adult passengers will not feel squeezed when sitting in the back. That said, the Volkswagen Golf, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 are all a bit more roomy. All of those cars have slightly bigger boots than Mercedes too, and as a result they are easier to load.

However, there is nothing difficult about driving a Mercedes A-Class. The suspension is slightly softer than Audi and BMW, and doesn't make too much wind or tire noise at speeds - so it's a very comfortable highway cruiser for a smaller car. It smooths out most of the bumps and bumps around town as well, but the larger ones can send a bit of a jolt through the cabin.

The lineup of 1.3 and 2.0 liter petrol engines all offer reasonable performance and are quite economical, but not quite as refined as you'll find in the Audi A3 or Volkswagen Golf. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the road, one of the diesel engines will be a good choice. An economical plug-in hybrid version is also available.

Regardless of which A-Class you choose (except the full-fat AMG model, of course), you won't find it quite as entertaining on winding roads as the BMW 1 Series or Ford Focus – but it sure can get by. Steering is accurate, and while it wallows in a bit more corners than those cars, there's good grip to keep things safe and stable.

That's not to say the lack of a comparative pleasure factor means you can't opt ​​for the Mercedes A-Class. In the end, this car remains a very luxurious, comfortable and tech-rich family hatch that truly lives up to the Mercedes badge on the boot lid. There are plenty of safety features as standard as well, such as automatic emergency braking, active lane assist and a driver attention monitoring system.

Eits, don't worry. Yes, you can find other types of this class for rent. Yes, in several big cities in your location, you can find your family's dream car to just take your family on a trip. You can get the best car rental with full and robust services and many choices at djojim.