Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes A220 CDI AMG Sport

We drive the diesel-powered Mercedes A220 CDI AMG Sport on UK roads

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes A-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Mercedes 220 CDI is likely to appeal to keen drivers with an even keener eye on running costs. And it does deliver to some extent, although a manual gearbox option would be nice. However, if you’re entertaining the thought of a diesel because you drive plenty of miles, while the aesthetics of the sportier A-Class hit the spot, it’s really worth trying to be objective about the ride comfort the car does (or doesn’t) offer.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Until the A45 AMG arrives at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the most potent member of the new A-Class family is the 208bhp A250 petrol. But if diesel power is a must, then there’s the 220 CDI, which is only available in AMG Sport and even sportier ‘Engineered by AMG’ trim levels.

In exchange for your £27,170, you get an A-Class with 18-inch wheels, which hide silver brake calipers and sports suspension that's 15mm lower than the standard A-Class. This was enhanced on our test car by the addition of the Night Package – a £1,290 extra which adds really smart gloss black window surrounds, different alloys and bi-xenon headlights.

As with all new A-Class’s, the roofline of the new version is 160mm lower than the old car, but add in the sporty extras and this A-Class successfully takes the new contemporary look to a greater extreme than models lower down the range.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A Class

2022 Mercedes

A Class

61,710 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £17,350
View A Class
A Class

2018 Mercedes

A Class

60,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £12,980
View A Class
A Class

2021 Mercedes

A Class

28,083 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £17,990
View A Class
A Class

2022 Mercedes

A Class

47,109 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £14,999
View A Class

The interior is treated to some extra goodies, too, including a sports multi-function steering wheel and supportive sports seats - although we’re not sure about the carbon-fibre-look trim that covers the lower half of the dash and feels a bit scratchy.

The A220 CDI is powered by Mercedes’ 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine. It develops 168bhp but, more importantly, the same 350Nm as the petrol unit in the A250 manages. For a Mercedes engine, the diesel is surprisingly vocal in this car, whether at low revs around town or at higher speeds, where roar from the low-profile tyres also becomes intrusive. However, the torque ensures surging overtaking pace and flexibility.

The only gearbox option is the seven-speed dual-clutch auto, which isn’t especially smooth when compared with the six-speed manual available on other A-Class’s or Mercedes’ excellent seven-speed auto that's fitted to its larger models. The stop-start system is also less smooth when fitted with the dual-clutch, rather than the manual transmission.

The sports suspension of the 220 CDI lowers the car and gives very sharp handling and limited body roll, while the extra rubber gives loads of grip. However, the ride is really a cause for concern and buyers should ensure that they can live with the extremely firm suspension setup that shakes passengers around the cabin with almost comical force.

Even small lumps and ridges bump and bang through your seat. You never feel out of control, as the steering wheel doesn’t fight back too much, but the ride is just too firm on UK roads.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes A Class

Mercedes A Class

RRP £31,300Used from £23,950
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
BMW X2

BMW X2

RRP £42,840Avg. savings £3,345 off RRP*Used from £10,495
BMW X1

BMW X1

RRP £36,475Avg. savings £4,718 off RRP*Used from £27,249
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Peugeot 208 GT is a sharp supermini for less than £180 a month
Peugeot 208 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Peugeot 208 GT is a sharp supermini for less than £180 a month

It may be getting on a bit, but thanks to distinctive styling you really wouldn’t know it – Peugeot’s 208 is our Deal of the Day for 7 July
News
7 Jul 2025