Mercedes A-class petrol review, test drive and video

    Mercedes has launched its second model off the MFA platform, the A-class. But can a hatchback be good enough to wear the three-pointed star?

    Published on May 29, 2013 06:00:00 PM

    1,01,779 Views

    Model : A-Class

    With the race for the top spot among luxury carmakers heating up, Mercedes-Benz is switching strategy in India. Much like rivals Audi and BMW, the company has lowered the price point at which you can own a three-pointed star. To this end, it has launched the A-class petrol (Sport trim), at a price of Rs 22.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). And most significantly, the driver-focussed A 180 marks a change in Merc’s traditional approach – targeting the self-driven rather than the chauffeur-driven luxury car buyer.  

    What’s more, the company will have the first-mover advantage in this segment, as rival BMW’s luxury hatchback, the 1-series, is expected here only later this year. The biggest hurdle in Mercedes’ path, however, is that Indians generally associate luxury cars with saloons, and more recently, SUVs. So the A-class’s success here hinges on more car buyers starting to accept premium hatchbacks as luxury offerings.

     
     

    Mercedes-Benz Cars

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments
    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now
    Search By Car Price
    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.42%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.34%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.43%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.81%

    Total Votes : 1536
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe