Mercedes-Benz A180d hatchback is a well-styled, practical compact for your latest property in Europe
Understated design and interior excellence define the quality of the marque’s entry-level compact
There is no question that the Mercedes-Benz A180d hatchback is a Mercedes. Its bonnet badge is big.
Beyond that badge, the latest generation A180d does not scream Mercedes, as a G-Wagen, or one of the company’s more typical big saloons do. At first, it looks an ordinary compact saloon; or a family car for small passengers. This may be a product of its being an entry level car for the company: a Mercedes-Benz for those who were just about to buy a slightly roomier Ford Focus, having assumed Mercedes was way out of their pocket. Understandably, when many people buy a Mercedes, they also want everyone else to notice the fact.
Some critics say the car is noticeable enough already; others describe its looks as “quirky”. But the shape of the car is a real grower: the profile has two lovely, light-catching convex and concave lines, raking across the front doors in parallel before the upper line fades out and the lower line lifts up over the rear arch. It is a small detail, perhaps, but beautiful. However, the model’s improved aerodynamics does limit side and rear views. Small children can expect sky views, but not much at eye level – and that reversing camera is handy.
Such lines have led the head of Ferrari-stylist Pininfarina to acknowledge the elegance of Mercedes-Benz’s cars. There is nothing flashy in the A180d. Its double exhaust is flattened and the back number plate seems sculpted into a chunky rear. The more you look, the more you find in this A-Class.
