2019 Mercedes A200 Review: Luxury Hatchback Features & Performance

Driving Experience of the 2019 Mercedes A200

Introduction

In today's review, we present a remarkable vehicle that has proven its worth since its debut in 1997. With three generations behind it, we now have the fourth generation, launched in 2018. Join us as we explore the latest iteration of the 2019 Mercedes A200, which features a fresh design, new engines, and cutting-edge technology.

Exterior and Interior Design

The exterior design of the A200 has become generally longer and wider compared to the previous model. It showcases the new design language of Mercedes, which focuses on minimizing lines on the vehicle's body, giving the new A-Class a polished exterior appearance.

Front Design

The front of the vehicle has been elongated and narrowed, featuring smaller dynamic LED headlights. It may take some time to get accustomed to this new design, which is quite different from the previous model that you would find truly impressive. The car also sports 19-inch black alloy wheels equipped with Pirelli P-Zero low-profile tires that enhance its aesthetic appeal.

At the rear, we also see new LED taillights that have grown larger and sport sharper angles. The exhaust outlets are adorned with chrome accents, although they are non-functional, which is a departure from the typical Mercedes standard.

Trunk Space

The trunk has been designed with a larger opening for easier access and offers a volume of 370 liters. This is roomier than the BMW 1 Series but smaller than the Audi A3. The rear seats can be folded down in three different configurations, extending the capacity to 1210 liters.

Passenger Space

Passengers in the rear seats enjoy more space thanks to the wider and longer design of the vehicle. While it is adequate, it may not be sufficient for three adults due to the raised center floor.

Additionally, rear passengers benefit from air conditioning vents and two USB ports for charging devices. In keeping with Mercedes' forward-thinking approach, all USB ports in the vehicle are USB-C, which is the future standard. Notably, an adapter is included to accommodate regular USB connections; however, if you have multiple passengers, you may need additional adapters.

Armrest

One surprising aspect of the A200, considering its starting price of 165,000 AED in the UAE, is that the armrest does not come standard with the vehicle and must be ordered as an optional extra.

Interior Design

The interior design of the A200 is unparalleled among hatchbacks; it feels reminiscent of the luxurious Mercedes E-Class and S-Class.

As is typical with new Mercedes designs, you will notice air conditioning vents shaped like aircraft turbines, integrated with ambient lighting that spreads across the dashboard and doors. This ambient lighting offers 64 different colors to choose from, with the ability to select two colors simultaneously. The lighting within the air vents also changes according to your climate control settings, which features a dual-zone system.

Technological Specifications

The cabin is equipped with very comfortable leather seats with electric controls, and it also has a massage feature that adjusts parts of the seat based on the length of your journey to ensure maximum comfort.

The vehicle features the Mercedes MBUX system, which includes two 10.25-inch high-resolution screens on a single large panel, rivaling the best screens found in the latest smartphones.

Driver's Display

The first screen in front of the driver replaces the traditional instrument cluster and allows you to customize the displayed information in detail using the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel.

The second screen serves as the infotainment system, which can be controlled in three different ways: via touch, through the touchpad on the center console, or using the buttons on the right side of the steering wheel.

Voice Command System

You can control some functions using the voice command system by speaking to the vehicle, for instance: "Hi Mercedes: can you turn off the climate control." This system is similar to Apple's Siri and Google Assistant on Android devices.

Driving Performance

The Mercedes A200 is powered by a 1.3-liter turbo engine that produces 163 horsepower and a high torque of 250 Nm for an engine of this size. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) providing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds, along with excellent fuel consumption rates of 5.6 liters per 100 km.

With an excellent suspension system capable of smoothing out most road imperfections—though not quite at the level of Mercedes sedans—it ensures that driving this compact hatchback is comfortable, with minimal noise inside the cabin.

Safety Systems

To assist you in driving and ensuring your safety, the vehicle comes equipped with various systems, including a blind-spot warning system with active brake intervention if it detects an object in the car's path. Additionally, it features a forward radar system capable of anticipating potential collisions, offering alerts and brake intervention, and an automatic parking system that assists with parking.

Driving Modes

The A200 features four driving modes: "Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Individual." When using the Sport mode, you will feel that the car can handle a more powerful engine; the steering offers precise control on turns, and the chassis with its suspension system prepares you for a more dynamic and enjoyable drive.

Therefore, the higher version comes with a 2-liter engine that produces 224 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in under 6.2 seconds. We are also anticipating the AMG version, which will be the A35, featuring an engine that generates 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, with the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

Conclusion

When we think of hatchbacks, we might associate them with being youthful, practical, or sporty. However, with the new A-Class, we can add the term luxurious to describe this hatchback.

Regarding pricing in the UAE market, the A200 starts at 165,000 AED, while the A250 version can reach up to 200,000 AED based on the available options.