The more things change, the more they stay the same. A few decades ago, an entry-level Mercedes could still be a status symbol, and this new A200 Sedan is much the same.
You should know: I base this claim on my powers of observation while conversing with the general public. Bright eyes report of their neighbour’s amazing new AMG, which turns out to be a diesel B-Class, or someone gushes with pride about their new Mercedes A-Class. It doesn’t matter to most folks, a Benz is a Benz.
What else? Barring its hatchback sibling (read our impression by clicking here) this A200 sedan is the cheapest entry into the world of the three-pointed star. Depending on which pre-millennium decade you prefer, this would’ve been a cream or white 190E, 200 or 200E. With crank windows and “MB-Tex” vinyl seats.
More info: Other trademarks which have always defined the first-page content of Mercedes’ sales brochures are decent safety items (check!), sufficient luxury trimmings (yup), plus a small but efficient drive train (present…). In this case, a very eager 1.3L 4-cylinder turbo-petrol with 180+ horsepower and seven gears.
Mercedes-Benz claims just 5.4L/100km average from the 43L tank, plus 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 230km/h. The last two values sound hauntingly familiar to a former W202 C280 owner, i.e. me, except that my Nautical Blue C280 never cracked nine seconds in the 0-100 sprint and our late 2023 test of an A200 hatchback yielded 8.5.
Why you shouldn’t: Yes, the engine is Renault-sourced and transversely mounted, driving the front wheels via a nervous dual-clutch transmission… all of which is still new territory to Mercedes-Benz clientele but seems absolutely fine in today’s market. Also, the base price of about R813,000 can quickly swell if you want to include some missing niceties.
For the record, this AMG-Line trim costs R29,000 extra and at the time of writing (July 2024) Mercedes-Benz South Africa has trimmed your choice of exterior paint colours down to just five: white, black, grey, silver and blue. The much-hated Rose Gold Metallic on our A200 hatchback test car was (no doubt by public decree) taken out back and given lead poisoning.
Why you should: What this A200 promises is the snob appeal of that humungous grill star, a snug but clever cabin, decent safety kit for all occupants, plus a fairly pliant ride, efficient drive train and surprisingly good power. Each new model is sold with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,332cc i-4 Turbo-petrol |
| Transmission: | 7-speed DCT, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 135kW @ 5,500rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 270Nm @ 2,000rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | Claimed 5.6L/100km |
| 0-100km/h: | Claimed 8.2 seconds |
| Top Speed: | Claimed 225km/h |
| List Price: | From R820,995 (Jan. 2024) |
Sensible car form Mercedes but why are they always so expensive and, hence, rather bad value ?