Mercedes A-Class review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
The A-Class has superior real-world fuel consumption figures to its rivals, but insurance costs are higher too
Predictably, the single diesel option is the most frugal version of the Mercedes A-Class. Officially, the A 180 d achieves 61.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 111g/km on a WLTP cycle, which is better than a BMW 116d, a car the Merc matches for performance, and a tiny bit thirstier than the equivalent Audi A3, which is slower. Though we don’t have our own calculated figures for the diesel yet, it managed an indicated mid-fifties mpg in mixed driving on our test.
The A 200 is claimed to achieve 46.4mpg and CO2 figures of 126g/km. In a group comparison against the Volkswagen Golf and the Audi A3 (both equipped with a 148bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol), the Merc not only delivered significantly stronger acceleration figures than both, but was more frugal too: our calculation of 41.2mpg was 2.2mpg more than the Audi and 2.6mpg better than the Golf. Match those figures regularly, and the A 200 promises a real-world range of 390 miles.
The A 250 trades some economy for performance compared to the smaller petrol, though if it gets close to its claimed 40.4mpg and 139g/km in the real world, it’s impressive for a car which offers so much performance. If you're prioritising efficiency, the A 250e hybrid will appeal as Mercedes claim of 201.7mpg.
The strong figures across the standard A-Class range are no doubt partly thanks to a slippery body shape, which Mercedes claims that is the most aerodynamic in its class.
Naturally, the performance-oriented AMG A 45 S model is the least efficient of the range, we tested it at 34mpg and 189g/km.
Insurance groups
What gains the A-Class might make relative to its rivals in terms of fuel costs are offset when it comes to insurance. The A 180 d starts from group 20 insurance, three groups higher than an A3 1.6 TDI and five groups higher than the BMW 116d SE.
The difference is as high further up the range: a high-end A 250 falls into group 34, while the BMW 125i sits in group 28.
Depreciation
Official figures have yet to be confirmed for the latest A-Class, though its likely to maintain a similar percentage of its value after three years as its closest rivals.
