The hot hatch that heralds Mercs for the masses
The arrival in Australia of Mercedes-Benz's A-Class range means the German manufacturer is no longer priced out of reach of the ordinary buyer, with a range kicking off for less than $36,000 and a lightweight hot hatch from less than $50,000.
The latter, the A250 Sport, tops the A-Class range until the arrival in September of the A45, which will be the first four-cylinder production model ever to wear the company's performance-focused AMG badge.
Until that time, the A250 Sport will soak up some of the pent-up demand among the marque's wide fan base for a small hatch that's big on chutzpah and fun factor.
Mercedes says it is holding "hundreds" of orders for the A-Class, with about half of the orders for the A250 model.
The company will clearly aim to steal customers of arch-rival BMW's 1-Series and Audi's A1 but it may be Volkswagen feeling the pinch most, with the A250 playing in the same sandpit as the revered Golf GTI.
While not going toe to toe with the best hot hatches currently on offer here - that will be the A45 AMG's job - the A250 offers decent bang for $49,900, with 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque from its turbo-charged four matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. That's good enough for an official dash to
100km/h of 6.6 seconds, while using an average of 6.6 litres/100 kilometres of 95 RON premium unleaded. Initial response can be a little doughy at lower speeds, especially in fun-killing "economy" mode, but once rolling the A250 ducks deftly into corners with a fun little engine blip and then surges out sweetly. Engaging sport mode triggers a more aggressive throttle response and gearshift pattern that amps up the fun factor.
A nice spread of torque means the gearbox isn't overworked and while the engine isn't as aurally dramatic as a Golf GTI, it makes the right sort of noises under provocation.
The steering on the sinuous roads in the ranges to the north of Melbourne is direct and progressive, although lacking enough weight to give meaningful feedback. The ride is firm enough to feel what's going on but the 18-inch low-profile tyres rarely crash or thud. Inside, the A250 Sport feels properly luxurious but part of that is down to the $2490 "exclusive package" fitted to our car, which includes real leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching, an artico (fake leather) upper dashboard, powered and heated front seats with memory function and dual-zone climate control.
Our car also has the $2990 "command" package, including a Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system and an 18-centimetre sat-nav screen that is neat and colourful but looks a lot like an after-market unit at first glance.
Standard safety is as impressive as you would expect from a Mercedes, with nine airbags, a forward collision warning system, a drowsiness alert, a bonnet that pops up to minimise pedestrian impact, a reversing camera and automated reverse parallel parking.
While the A-Class range - which kicks off at an eye-opening $35,600 for the A180 model - will certainly open the door to a wider scope of buyers than ever before, the A250 Sport also widens the choice for well-to-do families seeking a cheeky and fun second car to park alongside the E-Class or S-Class.
Or you can always wait for the A45 AMG, which will punch out a mighty 265kW and 450Nm when it arrives in September in return for about $60,000.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class range in Australia starts at about $35,600 for the A180. The A250 Sport sits near the top of the regular A‑Class lineup and is priced at $49,900, placing it under the upcoming A45 AMG and below typical prestige‑performance price points.
The A250 Sport uses a turbocharged four‑cylinder paired to a seven‑speed dual‑clutch automatic, producing 155 kW and 350 Nm. Officially it does 0–100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and consumes an average of 6.6 L/100 km on 95 RON premium unleaded.
The A45 AMG is due to arrive in September. It will be the first four‑cylinder production model to wear Mercedes' AMG badge and is quoted at about 265 kW and 450 Nm, with an expected price around $60,000—significantly more powerful and aimed at competing with the best hot hatches.
Yes. Mercedes says it is holding 'hundreds' of orders for the A‑Class, with roughly half of those orders for the A250 model, indicating strong initial demand for the small‑car range.
Mercedes intends to target buyers of rivals such as BMW's 1‑Series and Audi's A1, but the A250 is expected to compete most directly with Volkswagen's Golf GTI. The article suggests Volkswagen could feel the pinch most as the A250 plays in a similar hot‑hatch segment.
Standard safety on the A‑Class includes nine airbags, forward collision warning, a drowsiness alert, a pop‑up bonnet designed to reduce pedestrian impact, a reversing camera and an automated reverse parallel‑parking feature.
The review car had a $2,490 'exclusive package' (real leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching, artico upper dash, powered/heated front seats with memory and dual‑zone climate control) and a $2,990 'command package' (Harman Kardon 12‑speaker audio and an 18 cm sat‑nav screen).
The A250 can feel a bit soft at low speeds and in 'economy' mode, but it rewards you once rolling: it corners nimbly, the engine responds with a pleasing blip and surge, and sport mode sharpens throttle response and shift logic. Steering is direct and progressive though light, and the ride is firm without harsh impacts thanks to 18‑inch low‑profile tyres.
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