The cheapest Mercedes-Benz you can now buy in South Africa is the new A-Class, which starts at R794,509.
The German automaker has long been a firm favourite among motoring enthusiasts thanks to its cars that offer a blend of high-end luxury and dependable performance – both of which still apply to its entry-level A200 hatchback.
This is what you can expect from the most affordable Mercedes-Benz on the tip of Africa.
What you get
The latest version of the base model A-Class is still equipped with a 1.3-litre, turbocharged petrol engine, much like its predecessors, though this time around the automaker has fitted the entire range with 48V mild-hybrid technology for smoother operating.
The result is a rather frugal fuel consumption of 5.6l/100km despite its output of 130kW and 270Nm – a substantial output for an engine of this size.
Gear changes are handled by a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic shifter, and the car relies solely on its front wheels to pull itself forward.
Accelerating from 0-100km/h takes 8.2 seconds, and its top speed caps out at 225km/h.
On the visual front, the hatchback sports 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a new grille with a star pattern, reshaped air intakes, adaptive LED headlights, and daytime running lights.
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by three circular air vents for the automatic climate control, and two screens measuring seven inches for the driver display and 10.25 inches for the infotainment.
These monitors are running the latest MBUX operating system, giving them access to on-board navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and live traffic updates.
Other features include push-button start, cloth/artificial leather upholstery, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, rear-seat airconditioning vents, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a reverse camera, Parktronic Active Parking Assist, auto-folding side mirrors, an electro-chromatic rearview mirror, and front and rear park distance control.
Join the discussion