Over 1450 comprehensive car reviews in Honestjohn's Car-by-Car Breakdown. What's good, what's bad and what to watch out for. The full story on all popular models on sale in the UK since 1990.

Mercedes Benz A-Class W169 (2005 - )

What's Good

Mercedes Code W169. More sharply styled, more car-like A Class in 3 and 5 door versions. 3,838mm long by 1,764mm wide by 1,595mm high. Base engine 95PS 1,498cc 1.5 twin cam, plus 116PS 1.7, 134PS 2.0 and 193PS 2.0 Turbo. 2.0 litre diesels with 82PS, 109PS or 140PS. In UK from early 2005. Vastly better than old A Class. Has the feeling of solidity a Mercedes ought to have. 193bhp A 200 Turbo from October 2005, from £20,695 on the road for 3-dr and £21,295 for 5-dr. Insurance Group 14E. 2,035 cc, 193 hp and 280 Nm. 0-60 mph 7.2 seconds with standard six-speed manual gearbox (reduced to 7.1 seconds with optional AUTOTRONIC CVT), top speed 141 mph, 34.9 mpg combined, CO2 192 g/km.

5***** NCAP Occupant Crash Safety Rating, 4**** Child Safety Rating. 2** Pedestrian Safety Rating.

A 160 CDI with CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km

A low fuel consumption of just 62.8 mpg – corresponding to CO2 emissions of 119 g/km – is a key feature of the A 160 CDI, due to be launched in June 2008. The reduction in fuel consumption can be attributed to intelligent optimisation in all relevant vehicle components.

Facelifted Summer 2008 and made safer, more economical and greener than before. The design has been revised and new technical developments have further enhanced levels of safety with crash responsive lighting and adaptive brake lights. The car is more comfortable as a result of new interior materials, with improved adjustment and support in the seats. All models have new infotainment systems with Bluetooth connectivity, and the engines are now more fuel efficient as a result of three new BlueEFFICIENCY models.

Road test launch models at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=163

Club: www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk

Usergroup linked to 'Mercedes Owner' magazine www.mercedesclub.org.uk

Useful online forum: www.mbclub.co.uk

Last updated 19-3-2009

What's Bad

Tipfunction on the 7-ratio CVT locks the car in the chosen ratio and many new owners unfamiliar with the transmission are not initially aware of this.

What to Watch Out For

On diesel manuals that undergo a lot of gear changing the clutch spline can dry out and need regular greasing. Front suspension vulnerable to damage by speed cushions if driver brakes too hard, too late. Also not suitable for rough tracks.

One report of injector failure on a 2005 A200CVT.

One complaint of 'sticking' in gear if left in gear with the clutch down when stopped. MB dealer Tony Purslow suggests clutch assembly (not release bearing) is sticking on spigot shaft, special grease should be used with MB part number.

One complaint of repeated fuel sender pump failures eventually necessitating a new fuel tank, then an ECU problem with the same car (an A150).

TSB reprogramming of the Command system also seems to reprogramme the ECVT control system, locking out top gear. MB is working on a fix, but can mean an decrease in economy from around 48mpg to around 40mpg.

Brake discs only seem to last about 3 years and around 25,000 miles before dealers advise expensive replacement.

Recalls

Unknown date TSB to reprogramme the Command system.