The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was first introduced in the late 90s. Over the next two decades, it evolved from looking like a tall MPV-like subcompact hatchback to the sleek premium compact hatchback we know today. The current generation is also offered in sedan form.

The latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class features a sportier CLS-Class-inspired design. Its front end is dominated by a large shark nose grille flanked by slim swept-back headlights. The interior is now more upmarket, higher-spec models get a fully digital instrument cluster just like its bigger siblings.

Two bodystyles are offered, the sporty five-door hatchback and the more traditional four-door sedan.

There are four engine options; a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline mill which makes 134hp and 200Nm of torque (A180), 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine which puts out 161hp and 250Nm of torque (A200), a 1.5-liter diesel unit that pumps out 114hp and 260Nm of torque (A180d), and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline powerplant which produces 306hp and 400Nm of torque.  Front-wheel drive is standard on regular A-class variants, the sporty A35 AMG 4MATIC hot hatch gets standard all-wheel drive. All variants come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.