The National Capital Region's diesel ban means that even the fairly frugal 2.2-litre engine in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class can't be sold till the court enforced deadline ends in March this year, or later if it gets extended. But the rest of the country can still consider this car when looking for an entry-level luxury car that has most of the trappings of cars much higher up in the price range. The A-Class has been instrumental in making the Mercedes-Benz brand more youthful and the current generation brought in a new level of features, finish quality, and segment differentiators. The new 2016 model tries to crank up the desirability.

Design The A-Class' curved surfaces and coupé-like window line continue unchanged and define the exterior of the new A-Class.

Already a squat profiled hatchback, with a lot of design emphasis on the width of the car, the new-generation A-Class looks even wider due to the tailpipe trim integrated into the bumper.

At the rear, the new tail-lamp design emphasizes the vehicle’s lineage to the Mercedes-Benz family. There is also the new Elbaite green metallic paint for the exterior, which captures the fresh design for the 2016 model.

Cabin The new A-Class’ interior has also been upgraded with the intention of enhancing its sporty look and feel. The A-Class was the harbinger of a new design language and a signature interior theme which now runs across many Mercedes-Benz models. The new A-Class is equipped with a leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel featuring a 3-spoke design with 12 function buttons as well as a shift lever in leather. The 12 ergonomic function keys on the left of the multifunction steering wheel operate the display menus in the instrument cluster. To the right, are the controls for the volume of audio devices, telephone and navigation system.

The instrument cluster now features a multifunction colour display offering a more pleasing and clear view of the state of the car.

Exhilarating performance We test drove the A200 CDI Sport, which features the same 2.2-litre (2,143cc) diesel engine carried over from last year's model. The four-cylinder engine produces a peak power of 136bhp @ 3,200-4,000 rpm and peak torque is 300Nm, which kicks in from a low 1,400rpm. Top speed is 210 kmph.

The other engine on offer in the A-Class is also the 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine in the A 180. This engine produces a peak power of 122bhp and a peak torque of 200Nm.

The A-Class was not the luxury hatch that was quickest off the starting grid, nor was it the most agile around corners. The healthy 300Nm of torque at the low-end of the rpm range is however, a big help in city driving conditions and for quick lane changing and overtaking moves on the highway. The 2016 model doesn't change the equation significantly. The BMW 1 Series will still feel quicker, though the A-Class is still the looker by a mile.

Emphasising that the A-Class is loaded though it is a hatch, Mercedes offers it with the DYNAMIC SELECT switch which allows users to choose between a comfortable, sporty, efficient or completely individual vehicle setting.

Parameters such as the characteristics of the engine, transmission, steering and suspension are altered depending on the selected transmission mode. The transmission itself is the 7-speed dual clutch automatic (7G-DCT). The gearbox behaves like a perfect dual-clutch unit, with quick, smooth gear shifts and uninterrupted acceleration characteristics.

Bottomline The 2016 A-Class is offered with the full complement of safety features including 6 airbags, ESP, ASR (Acceleration Skid Control), ABS, Brake Assist System, Attention Assist, Hill Start Assist, and Adaptive Brake Lights.

Another addition is Mercedes-Benz Apps which provide access to some of the most popular apps and services on the internet. Mercedes-Benz Apps provide internet connectivity through apps like Tunein Radio, Weather, Mercedes-Benz Radio, RSS Newsfeeds HRS Hotel search, News and Morningstar finance.

The new A 180 Sport is priced at Rs.24.95 lakh and the new A 200 d Sport is priced at Rs.25.95 lakh (both ex-showroom, Mumbai).

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