Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz A-class review - does facelift bring the fight back to rivals? - Mercedes-Benz A-class MPG and running costs

A conventional hatch now, the A-class fights hard in the premium hatchback class

Evo rating
RRP
from £19,990
  • Neat interior, head-turning looks and comparatively cheap to own and run
  • Dynamically it doesn’t live up to its visual promise, space and comfort are issues

The 180d in SE form as a DCT puts out 98g/km of CO2, dropping to a road-tax dodging 89g/km when specified as a manual. Fuel economy is impressive, at 76.3mpg. That’s marginally better than Audi’s A3 1.6 TDI SE model; however, BMW’s 116d EfficientDynamics Plus trumps both with 89g/km of CO2 and a combined economy figure of 83.1mpg.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Of the petrols it's the A160 that should prove cheapest to run, with up to 55.4mpg available (with the dual-clutch automatic 'box; manuals manage up to 52.3mpg), a figure matched by the A180 petrol. CO2 here is 119g/km.

Higher trim levels with the same engine configuration do see the emissions creep up to the point where road tax is no longer free, but it’ll still keep your company car tax payments sensible. Indeed only a couple of models emit CO2 levels that’ll start to sting on the BIK scale, but they’re not the sort of cars aimed at customers buying with company money.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)
Reviews

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly

In 2014 we set out to find the best car we had driven during the first 200 issues of the magazine, and Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS was it.
31 Mar 2026
Porsche Panamera review – sports car qualities in a luxury super saloon
Porsche Panamera
In-depth reviews

Porsche Panamera review – sports car qualities in a luxury super saloon

The Porsche Panamera has adapted to a new era, with variants offering alternatives to everything from BMW’s M5 to the Mercedes S-class
2 Apr 2026
Range Rover Sport SV review – A Defender OCTA in a suit
Range Rover Sport SV review
Reviews

Range Rover Sport SV review – A Defender OCTA in a suit

Range Rover’s Sport SV blends ultimate SUV performance with a sense of luxury previously reserved for Range Rovers and it’s all the better for it.
2 Apr 2026