When Mercedes launched its first hatchbacks in India – the A-class and the B-class – it had two clear objectives in mind. It wanted to lower the entry price point to a set of Mercedes keys and also reposition itself as a young and dynamic brand, from one that caters to more ‘established’ (read: old) customers. Was the Indian market ready for luxury hatchbacks? Though the A and B-class are stepping stones into the Three-Pointed Star Club as the most affordable Mercs you can buy, they didn’t quite sweep prospective buyers off their feet. These compact Benzes account for only 20 percent of Mercedes’ sales in India, the bulk of the demand being soaked up by the more expensive C and E-class, and the popular ML of course.
The suspension has been an issue with these small Mercs, especially the B-class which had a hard ride. Also, the mix of equipment across variants was a bit lopsided and customers weren’t too happy that the petrol versions – the A 180 and B 180 – were better kitted out than their CDI-badged counterparts. This has been corrected now with additional equipment on offer.
The special editions’ front passenger seats also get electric adjustment with memory, there’s a rear-view camera, a sunroof (a full-length panoramic one for the B-class, no less), a rear centre arm-rest with cup holders and ‘Edition 1’ badging. However, the B 180 CDI Edition 1 goes one up by offering the otherwise optional rear seat entertainment system as standard. The reversing camera does make manoeuvring into tight parking spaces much easier, particularly in the A-class with its small windows; though surprisingly, rear parking sensors are still a separate paid option. The good news is that the rear camera and rear armrest will become part of the standard kit on all A and B-class models.
On the outside, the cars can be identified by ‘Edition 1’ decals and glossy-black wing mirror housings. Both variants also get new alloy wheel designs, although the wheel and tyre size has not changed.
There are no upgrades under the hood either. Both the A 180 CDI and B 180 CDI Edition 1s will be powered by the same 2,143cc, common-rail, turbo-diesel mill which makes 107.3bhp and 25.5kgm of torque. There is, however, one significant mechanical change – the suspension on both cars has been tweaked and the ride height raised. This is a very welcome change as it was quite easy to ground these cars over large speed bumps. The good news is that the suspension upgrade will filter down to all other versions of the A and B-class as well.
On a short drive, the suspension tweaks to the A 180 CDI are immediately apparent. There’s a big improvement over the thrashy ride of the standard car and it does a better job of absorbing road imperfections and potholes. However, the overall ride is still stiff and bigger bumps thump through to the cabin. The upshot is that the handling characteristics remain sharp despite the car riding higher now.
On the Mercedes B 180 CDI, there is much less of a difference in ride quality compared to the standard car, and it continues to be stiff even over medium-sized bumps. While driving over poorly paved sections, all bumps, small and big, filter into the cabin.
On both Edition 1s, the higher ground clearance makes a significant difference on our roads. The extra height makes it possible to tackle speed breakers, mall parking inclines and deep potholes with confidence even with a full load of passengers; not something you could say of the standard cars.
These special editions will be arriving in showrooms at a time when Audi’s upcoming A3 compact luxury sedan has been generating quite a buzz. In a country which prefers sedans to hatchbacks, it will be interesting to see how Merc’s hatchbacks – standard and special editions – face the challenge.
MERCEDES A 180 CDI/B 180 CDI EDITION 1
Price:Rs 27 lakh/Rs 29 lakh
(est, ex-showroom, Delhi)
Length:4292/4359mm
Width:1780/1557mm
Height:1433/1786mm
Wheelbase: 2699/2699mm
Engine: 4 cyls, 2143cc, turbo-diesel
Power: 107.3bhp at 3200-4400rpm
Torque: 25.5kgm at 1400-2800rpm
Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
0-100kph: 11.29/11.35sec
Front suspension: Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear suspension: Independent,multi-link, coil springs
Brakes(f-r): Ventilated discs-discs
Tyre size:225/45 R17, 205/55 R16
Kerb weight: 1505kg
