1999 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Avantgarde review from Belgium
"Thirst-less Roadrunner for 2 people that go for a non-sporty ride and lots of bags"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Cheap interior plastics:
glove box door and rear window handle broke off.
General comments?
Common rail diesel is extremely economical and very silent, even at high speed.
160CDI engine, however, is unfit for hilly road conditions. So 170CDI is the minimum.
Very reliable engine in winter and heat conditions.
Avant-garde series is too harsh to drive, Go for the Elegance series.
Rear seats are too high and uncomfortable.
Though small in size, the car is extremely difficult to park with the wheels turning heavy. I guess they are blocked by all the tech (anti-skid, anti-brake,...) around it.
No need for a spare wheel, allowing for more storage.
The car feels more at home at top speed, long drives and on the highway.
Good car paint.
Very good brakes.
Airconditioning and heating works fast in all times, that is cooling or heating the whole cabin within 2 minutes as set and required.
Car is not fit for a sporty ride.
More Mercedes-Benz A-Class reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 170 CDI Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 120000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 14th August, 2004 |