Mercedes A-Class (Mk3) review: how to buy the BEST used example!

Опубликовано 4 мая 2022, 16:07

Vicki Butler-Henderson explains how to buy the best used Mercedes A-Class (Mk3) you can afford.

Read more at Auto Express:
Mercedes A-Class Mk3 used review (2013-2018): aex.ae/3P6oNAr
New 2022 Mercedes A-Class review: aex.ae/3vFGVcH

When Mercedes launched the original A-Class in 1998, it came up with something new and unique: a small family hatch that sat its occupants high, MPV style, keeping them out of the way of the mechanicals in the event of a crash. However, somewhat infamously, the A-Class failed the so-called 'moose test' and forced Mercedes to modify the chassis and fit ESP (Electronic Stability Control) as standard to keep the car the right way up in sudden evasive manoeuvres.

A facelift for the first A-Class was unveiled in 2001 before production ended in 2004. By this time, nearly 1.1 million W168 A-Class models had been produced, with Mercedes reportedly losing around £1,200 for every vehicle sold. Despite the profitability issues, the 2004 Mk2 A-Class was an update on the themes of the Mk1 with the same MPV-style approach. Thankfully, the Mk3 model we’re featuring here was almost unrecognisable from what had gone before.

Mercedes chose a more conventional family hatchback design for its third-generation A-Class, which sold in much greater numbers than the car it replaced. It may be less distinctive but the newer car is a much better used-car prospect. Here's Vicki Butler-Henderson to explain how to buy the best example you can!

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