Mercedes A 180 d 2018 review

  • 6 years ago
Mercedes A 180 d 2018 review

The A 180 d claims to hit 68.9mpg, and we achieved well over 50mpg on our test route when paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The new Getrag transmission is impressively slick and responsive, and likely to be a better match for the A-Class than the six-speed manual that's due to join the range at a later date.

The diesel’s entry-level status in the A-Class range brings a compromise, however: the fancy Multilink rear suspension configuration of the A 250 and A 200 AMG Line is not offered with the 180 - a torsion beam setup takes its place.

Trying the two systems back-to-back (we used an A 250 for comparison) does reveal differences. On really bumpy roads, the torsion beam fidgets over ripples that the more complex design had long since shrugged off. The difference isn’t night and day though, and we'd argue whether many buyers will even notice – or indeed care.

Regardless of setup, AMG Line models equipped with 18-inch wheels can fidget around town, but on the move the suspension is at least as supple as any of its rivals - regardless of how the rear wheels are attached to the road.