Mercedes A-Class Limousine Engine & Performance
Mercedes will be offering the A-Class limousine in three variants – A200 with a 1.3 litre turbo petrol developing 163 horsepower and 250 Nm torque, A200d with a 2.0 litre diesel good for 150 hp and 320 Nm and the AMG A35 which will be the second AMG model to be produced in India. Our test car was the A200d diesel during this first drive. The engine refinement is apparent once you start driving, there is power right from the low end and you really don’t have to try hard to get it going. Hit the accelerator hard and there’s a nice surge of power but the engine does get a little noisy at the higher end of the rev range.
Transmission duties are handled by an eight speed dual clutch automatic that sends power to the front wheels. Shifts from the gearbox are smooth and you really don’t feel a lag even when executing downshifts. You can also shift via the steering mounted paddle shifters and there are DYNAMIC Select driving modes as well. Mercedes claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 8.2 seconds for the A200d and a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.35 kpl for the diesel. Stay tuned for the review of the A200 petrol that we will drive another day.
Mercedes A-Class Limousine Ride & Handing
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine diesel has a suspension setup that is on the stiffer side but that hasn’t compromised on the ride quality. It is still comfortable and takes in the road undulations quite well. Ground clearance is also higher in the India spec car and the tyres have a taller sidewall too. It goes well around corners, there is noticeable body roll but nothing that would unsettle the car. The steering feels on the heavier side but that’s what I personally like and feedback and response is good as well.
