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A big thank you to all the guys at Mercedes-Benz Wellington ( 75 Cambridge Terrace) for allowing us use of the A250 Sport for this review. Drop in any time to check out their complete range of new and used Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 22

In 2012 Mercedes-Benz launched the third generation of the A-Class with their eyes firmly set on the booming hot hatch market. So far we have seen two models available in New Zealand, the entry level A180, and the A200 which is available in both petrol and diesel models. The A180 starting at $46,000 comes with a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 90kw (200nm) and the A200 starting at $54,900 produces 115kw (250nm) from the same engine. The A200 CDI is turbocharged but has a slightly high capacity of 1.8 litres, giving it 100kw (300nm). These models sit just outside the benchmark specs for hot hatches, but their third addition to the family aims to remedy that. The A250 Sport is packing a 2 litre turbocharged straight 4 which produces 155kw (207hp) and aims to push long standing hot hatch legends like VW’s Golf GTi and Fords Foucs ST aside.

Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 11

First Impressions

The third generation A class is a very different car from previous two generations and all we could think is “Thank god for that”. The diamond-like spiral grille is one of its main defining features, paired with a front and rear air diffusers emphasizing the fact that is a sporty piece of kit. Right from the get go you can see that AMG has had a hand in the development, as standard it comes with 18 inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG bodystyling, and what you don’t see but will notice once you drive is AMG’s lowered sports suspension.

The interior like every other offering from Mercedes is built to a very high standard. The sporty feeling carries through to the interior, red seatbelts and rimmed vents, carbon fibre-look dash, AMG sport wheel and sports pedals.

Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 14

The Test Drive

The A250 Sport is powered by a front wheel drive 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 155kW (207hp) which is accompanied by Mercedes 7G-DCT (Dual Clutch) 7 speed gearbox. The firm suspension might not appeal to everyone but those who buy this car for pure driving feel will love it. The steering through corners is very smooth and direct, allowing you to confidently put the car where you want to on the road. Body control is flat and the 155kw engine has plenty of kick to pull the car hard out of tight corners without any noticeable torque steer, straight line performance take the A250 to 100km in 6.6 seconds. The big sports brakes deliver precise control and make light work of repeated hard stops. The paddle shift is quick and with three drive models to select from, Manual, Eco and Sport. It allows the driver to configure the vehicle for most applications, and gear selection was also available via column shift. We thought this a bit strange at first, but adjusted to it very quickly. Sport seats were very comfy and would be ideal for long trips. Boot space was good and as expected compared to other brands hot hatches.

Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 17

Starting at $64,900 the A250 features a panoramic tilt and slide electric sunroof, Perforated front discs and Bi-xenon auto head lights, reverse camera and active park assist. All the variants have nine air-bags as standard, ECO Start/Stop and Mercedes’s Presafe accident anticipatory system features as part of the larger comprehensive safety package called Collision Prevention Assist.

Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 02

 

Pros Cons
  • Engines performance worthy of Sport title.
  • Good standard equipment package.
  • Leather Sport Seats, Very Comfy.
  • Responsive handling and braking.
  • High quality interior, red trim highlights enhances the sporty feel.
  • Panoramic roof as standard.
  • Complete package is typical of Mercedes classy high end styling.
  • Center Command console screen, not integrated as well into the rest of the interior.
  • Some button design for electronics and displays a little uncoordinated.

Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 03

What its up against.

The A250 Sport ways into an already thriving market, up against some very well established brand and models. The A250 sports price starts quite high up the grid, however its range of standard features makes it very competitive and a serious contender.

 

Brand / Model Power Price
Audi S3 Sportback 195kw (350 Nm) $83,700
Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 155kw (350 Nm) $64,900
BMW 125i M Sport 160kw (310 Nm) $64,700
Volkswagen Golf GTi 155kw (280 Nm) $58,500
Ford Focus ST 184kw (360 Nm) $52,840
Mini Countryman S 135kw – (240 Nm) $51,500
Mazda 3 MPS 190kw – (380 Nm) $49,195

 

What do we think ?Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 19

We really like this car, Mercedes have done their homework and taken a lot from what the already established brands have learned from the hot hatch market. Its a serious contender and one to watch. And if this is what Mercedes offer as their first sports model, we can’t wait to see what the A45 AMG version will be like.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250 Sport

Vehicle Type Front Engine, FWD, 5 Door Hatchback
Starting Price $ 64,900 NZD
Tested Price $ 68,500 NZD
Engine 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 165kW/350Nm
Transmission 7-speed dual clutch manumatic
0 – 100 kph 6.6 seconds
Curb Weight 1445 kg
Length x Width x Height 4292 x 2022 x 1043 mm
Cargo Capacity 341 Litres
Fuel Tank 50 litres
Fuel Consumption Urban  5.6 L/100km

Motorway 4.0 L/100km

Combined 6.6 L/100km, 116 g/km CO2

Rating – Chevron rating 4 out of 5

Chevron_4out5

A big thank you to all the guys at Mercedes-Benz Wellington ( 75 Cambridge Terrace) for allowing us use of the A250 Sport for this review. Drop in any time to check out there complete range of new and used Mercedes-Benz.

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John Galvin (JSG)
It started at a young age with bedroom posters, the Countach of course. This slowly grew into a super car die-cast model collection, fifty five 1:18 models at the last count. At which point it had almost taken full control, the incurable Mad Car Disease ran deep though my veins all the way to the bone. And things for my loved ones just got worse as the cars where now being bought at 1:1 scale, after a BMW, HSV, and couple of Audi's, the disease reached my brain, pushing me over the edge and down the rabbits hole into the world of the bedroom poster.

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