Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz A-class (2012-2018) review – design

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

There's no doubting that the A-class is one of the most interestingly styled cars since Mercedes-Benz introduced its CLS and it has gone on to spawn a whole range of spin-offs from the GLA crossover to the four-door CLA coupe and CLA Shooting Brake.

A revised exterior in 2015 sees the rear end of the A-class tidied up. Exhausts are now incorporated into the rear bumper, while the front of the car features a new diamond grille and optional LED performance headlamps. Rear LED brakelights have also been redesigned.

From the large front grille and its prominent three-pointed star badge, to the neat tail it’s an athletic and distinctive looking car. It loses something on the smallest alloy wheels, in most basic SE and Sport levels, and in the darkest colours, but choose any of the AMG trim choices and the A-class will turn more heads than any A3 or 1-series.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

This mystery Porsche 911 GT3 has something no GT product has had before
Porsche 911 GT3 Ducktail spies
News

This mystery Porsche 911 GT3 has something no GT product has had before

An unusually undisguised Porsche test mule has been spotted out on the Nürburgring, giving a 911 GT3 a fixed ducktail wing
13 Jul 2026
MST Mk1 Evo is an extreme Ford Escort road rally recreation
MST Mk1 Evo front
News

MST Mk1 Evo is an extreme Ford Escort road rally recreation

MST’s Mk1 Evo is a tarmac rally weapon that only vaguely resembles a Ford Escort
7 Jul 2026
Ariel Atom 4RR review – is the most powerful Atom ever worth McLaren 750S money?
Ariel Atom 4RR front
Reviews

Ariel Atom 4RR review – is the most powerful Atom ever worth McLaren 750S money?

Britain’s ultimate track car just got more extreme and more powerful. We drive it on road and track
14 Jul 2026