Review
The cabin of our long-term test A220CDI AMG Sport is a testament to how seriously Mercedes-Benz feels about beating a path to Generation Y customers now established in their careers.
Great thought and care has clearly been given to its design features and materials to ensure it appeals to a customer base more familiar with an iPod and USB stick than a cassette deck and floppy disk.
It truly is a lovely and interesting place to sit. It is rather dark, however extensive use of chrome-effect details provide an eyecatching contrast that is further enhanced by carbon fibre-style patterning on the lower dashboard trim.
Other details include the chromed multimedia controller on the centre console.
That controller enables the driver to make easy use of the numerous functions featured on the large display screen which stands out from the centre of the dashboard.
A 5.8in display is standard on the A-Class, but the £2,100 optional COMAND online system specified on our test car replaces this with a 7in screen, among other things.
This is a real step forward for Mercedes-Benz.
Similar tablet-like screens already feature in cars such as VW’s Up and incorporating this helps to create a more youthful appearance to the A-Class.
Navigating the screen will take a little getting used to for most customers as some of the menus could be clearer.
Buyers will be particularly excited by the prospect of browsing the internet on the display once they connect their smartphone to the car via Bluetooth.
During night driving, footwell lights and ambient lighting in the door recesses, door pulls and trim help occupants find their reference points within the cabin, and the Light and Sight Package on our model (a £300 option) adds illumination to the door sills, centre console storage box and vanity mirrors.
A rear console light and reading lights benefit rear seat passengers.
All this adds up to ensure the A-Class cabin is an extremely pleasant environment.
But there’s one final testament to how well Mercedes has developed this car – older relatives don’t like it. Job done.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
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