Mercedes-Benz A-Class review

Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are competitive rather than super-special. A BMW 118i or 120d will accelerate faster on less power with the same fuel consumption as an A180 or A200 d.

CO2 figures are very similar whether you're in the A180, A200 or A200 d. They start at 130g/km for the A200 d in base trim, and rise to 143g/km for all three of those engines with the AMG Line Premium Plus.

The saloon A250 e with 18-inch wheels is just 19g/km. But usual caveat: you'll only get that amazing emission figure and corresponding economy if you plug it in very often.

As to the lease and PCP payments, Mercedes usually does well here, because the cars get good residuals.

Speccing an A-Class is straightforward - there are lots of trim levels, but no individual options except colour schemes.

Sport Executive is the highfalutin' name for base spec, but then it isn't that basic: it nets you the twin screens, most driver-assist features bar rear blindspot radar, it has LED headlights, and leather-look Artico seats. It's not vegan though: the steering wheel is leather.

All other versions have a racier-looking AMG front and rear bumpers, and have recycled fabric covering the seats. Indeed AMG Executive is largely a cosmetic pack, with 18-inch wheels instead of the 17s, but also sports seats.

AMG Line Premium adds a 225W sound system, contrast stitching in the cabin, and augmented reality navigation. Finally the snappily named AMG Line Premium Plus gets different 19s, a glass roof, electric memory seats and a head-up display.