Hatchbacks competing against the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz has finally launched the new A-Class in South Africa at a new starting price of R794,509, and it is available in both Progressive and AMG Line trim levels.

Under the hood of the German hatch is a 1.3-litre, turbocharged petrol engine, which connects to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

This gives it a maximum output of 130kW and 270Nm, letting the A-Class sprint to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds before capping out at a top speed of 225km/h. It has also been fitted with 48V mild-hybrid technology, which results in a conservative fuel usage of 5.6l/100km.

Standard equipment on the Mercedes includes 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, Artico leather seats, cruise control, a reverse camera, push-button start, Active Parking Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a dual-screen setup with a 7-inch driver monitor and a 10.25-inch MBUX media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The AMG Line will then add a red contrast stitch pattern, aluminium trimmings, Sports seats, more aggressive bumpers, and larger 18-inch alloy rims.

Hatchback competition

These are the hatchbacks with similar prices and performance to the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class that you can buy in South Africa right now.

Click on the underlined links to visit TopAuto Car Prices for information on pricing and new models on offer from the various manufacturers.

Mini John Cooper Works Hatch

• Starting price – R719,464
• Power – 170kW/320Nm
• Acceleration – 6.1 seconds
• Top speed – 246km/h
• Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km

Audi A3 Sportback 40TFSI S line

• Starting price – R728,700
• Power – 140kW/320Nm
• Acceleration – 7.4 seconds
• Top speed – 241km/h
• Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km

BMW 1 Series 128ti

• Starting price – R764,260
• Power – 180kW/380Nm
• Acceleration – 6.3 seconds
• Top speed – 243km/h
• Fuel consumption – 6.8l/100km

VW Golf GTI

• Starting price – R766,500
• Power – 180kW/370Nm
• Acceleration – 6.4 seconds
• Top speed – 250km/h
• Fuel consumption – 7.0l/100km

Hyundai i30 N

• Starting price – R811,900
• Power – 206kW/392Nm
• Acceleration – 5.4 seconds
• Top speed – 250km/h
• Fuel consumption – 8.9l/100km

Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally

• Starting price – R815,700
• Power – 198kW/360Nm
• Acceleration – 5.5 seconds
• Top speed – 230km/h
• Fuel consumption – 7.6l/100km