Mercedes A-Class review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

If you're prioritising efficiency, the A 250 e hybrid will appeal as Mercedes claims an all-electric range of 43-44 miles – equating to a staggering maximum of 282.5mpg. That latter figure is somewhat meaningless, however, as with frequent charges you could reasonably run this car for months without filling it up with fuel even once. The fact it emits only 23g/km of CO2 will be more relevant to business users, who will save a fortune in company car tax.

The A-Class diesel options are still pretty frugal and offer excellent returns from a tank of fuel. The A 180 d achieves a claimed maximum of 56.5mpg when paired with the eight-speed auto transmission and CO2 emissions of 132g/km. Opting for more diesel power doesn't mean you have to take a huge drop in economy, as the A 200 d delivers 57.7mpg on the combined cycle.

There's nothing to really separate the A 180 and A 200 petrol models either in terms of fuel efficiency, with both capable of around 47mpg. Emissions are dependent on which equipment level you choose, but start from 134g/km for the A 180 and 135g/km for the A 200 six-speed manual versions.

The A 250 trades some economy for performance compared to the smaller petrol, though if it gets close to its claimed 41.5mpg in the real world, it’ll be impressive. CO2 levels are naturally a little higher at 155g/km.

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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, although a claimed 31.0mpg on the combined cycle is still a good return when you consider it produces a staggering 415bhp.

Insurance groups

The A 180 d starts from group 18 insurance, while the A200 d in top AMG Line Premium Plus spec is in group 23. Further up the range, a high-end A 250 falls into group 31, while the 415bhp AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Plus will be pricey to insure, sitting in group 41.

Depreciation

Although buyers will have to pay handsomely to own and insure a new A-Class, the range offers good residual values with an average of 54 per cent retained over three years and 36,000 miles. The A 250 models perform even better, keeping hold of around 57 per cent of their original value over the same 36-month period.