By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: November 15, 2019 at 2:30 am
The Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic was the standout in the category this year, as its customary BMW 1-Series rival was in-between models at the time of testing.
Winner: Mercedes A250 4matic
Variant: A250 4matic
Engine: 2.0 litre turbo petrol
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Runners up
Second place went to the Hyundai Kona Highlander and the Hyundai Ioniq Premium placed third.
What sets it apart from the rest
The 5-door Mercedes hatchback elegantly combines premium quality and refinement with a rewarding driving experience that will generate plenty of smiles. Drivers can choose between comfort and sport modes with a noticeable difference between the 2.
A category-leading safety score rounds out this impressive package that is light years ahead of the previous A-Class in almost every aspect.
Although the A250 4Matic is a compact car, there’s enough rear legroom and head space to comfortably accommodate average-size adults.
Key features
- An unrivalled mix of premium quality and refinement
- A rewarding driving experience that will generate plenty of smiles
- Category-leading safety features
- Well-contoured front seats with a wide range of adjustments
- Strong, progressive performance from the petrol turbo engine
- Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system
What it’s like to drive
Performance of the 165kW/350Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine, driving through a slick 7-speed automatic, is strong and progressive. When needed, acceleration is rapid. Occasionally, there’s a slight lag on take-off as the turbo’s delivery and dual-clutch engagement gets sorted; a characteristic often found in this type of set-up.
The well-balanced chassis, Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and upgraded rear suspension deliver superb dynamics. Though the ride is firm without being harsh, even on the comfort setting bumps on poor roads are noticeable.
How the finalists compared (scores for each category from 1-10)
| Small cars over $35,000 | Mercedes Benz A250 4matic | Hyundai Kona Highlander | Hyundai Ioniq Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 5 | 2 | 5 |
| Cost of depreciation ($) | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| Running & repair costs | 2 | 10 | 10 |
| Fuel consumption | 7 | 10 | 10 |
| Warranty & dealer access | 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Insurance | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| Standard features | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Safety | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Environment | 7 | 10 | 10 |
| Seating comfort | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Space | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Practicality | 7 | 4 | 4 |
| Ergonomics | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Build & finish quality | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Performance | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Ride | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Handling | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Braking | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Smoothness & quietness | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Overall average | 858 | 838 | 830 |
Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia