Mercedes A250 AMG Review: Decent Dynamics But Not Sweet As A Nut

Under the hood

The world’s melting and America’s currently buggered. To do their bit to clean up, manufacturers are churning out ‘downsized’ engines and telling us how efficient and awesome they now are.

That’s why you won’t find any juicy six-cylinder motors in the new A-class range, including this A250 model. Even the bonkers A45 AMG super-hatch that’ll be with us in 2013 will be powered by a four-pot.

But let’s focus on the A250 for now. It’s a 2.0-litre turbo’d unit that kicks out 211bhp. On paper that equates to a 62mph dash time of 6.6sec and a 149mph top end whack. Decent.

Behind the wheel

Before we get all ‘reviewy’ on the A250’s ass, a few things. This new A-class is completely different to the boring-as-hell car we’re used to. It’s lower (by 16cm), wider, ruder, slicker and sportier, and is designed to attract ‘da yoof’. Looking at the thing, Mercedes is onto a sure bet.

Like every hot girl, however, dig deep enough and you’ll find niggles. (If you’re hot and you’re perfect in every way, you have my email address…).

Take the four-pot turbocharged engine. Sure it’s strong and all, but it lacks refinement, sounds way too shouty when you show it the back of your hand and simply isn’t sweet like Tropicana.

On to the second problem now, which is the sloppy seven-speed DCT gearbox. It's too slow to react when you want it to kick down and isn’t as smooth as we’ve come to expect from the three-pointed star. Overall, this gearbox and engine combo simply aren’t a match made in heaven…

The ride’s not sweetness and light either. Okay, we tested the most sporty AMG model, but it’s firm to the point of annoying, which magnifies our crap UK roads. The A250’s 18-inch AMG alloys probably don’t help its cause, but they look bloody great nonetheless.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. Mercedes is bang on the money when it comes to the A250’s steering. It’s quick, feelsome, brilliantly weighted and dares you to hit that corner harder than morning glory. Grip levels are awesome too, as is the lack of body roll you’ll experience mid clout.

Inside the cabin, the AMG-spec Merc is a masterpiece. Red stitching, a carbonfibre-effect dashboard, red-rimmed air vents and sexy sports seats are just what we’re after, as are the pimping red seat belts.

Splash the cash?

Depends what you’re after. If you want something that’s totally new, good looking, pretty rapid and alright on fuel (44mpg), then it’s a decent enough shout.

If, however, you’re really into your driving, then you need to take a look at Merc’s biggest stumbling block - the BMW M135i - which is smoother, faster, better to drive and similarly priced.

Sorry Mercedes, but we’ll pass on the A-class…