Luxury hatchbacks really have their work cut out for them. They bear on their svelte little shoulders the weight of not just a prestigious badge and its heritage, but also the pressure to convince buyers to make an emotional decision, rather than a practical one. Quite a tall order, when you consider you could buy a huge executive sedan or even a seven-seat SUV for the same money. These hatchbacks need to have an edge, and they aim to do it with technology, style, quality and driving prowess.
The most stylish of the lot has arguably always been the Mercedes-Benz A-class, and it has now been given a facelift that only ups the glam quotient. But then, many would argue that the sleek Volvo V40 launched earlier this year, is just as pleasing to the eye. Neither car has a particularly good back seat, but they’re both crammed full of tech and luxury trappings befitting their respective badges. Both of them want to tug at your heartstrings, and ultimately win over your head as well, but which do we think is better?
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Since Mercedes has already updated the A-class’s mechanicals twice since its May 2013 launch – first the suspension and then the more powerful ‘200’ diesel engine – this update is purely cosmetic. The original car was pretty enough as is, but you’ll be happy for the changes nonetheless. The headlamps and tail-lamps are now full-LED and have different detailing inside, there are new bumpers at both ends, the tailpipe is now hidden behind the rear bumper and you’ll notice the new badge that says ‘A 200d’ rather than ‘A 200 CDI’. And though 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels are still on the options list, 16-inchers are now the default size, in the interest of better ride quality. They look a bit small inside their 205/55 R16 tyres, but Mercedes has cleverly painted them black to help disguise that a bit. The A-class’s sexy proportions remain, of course, with a long, slightly drooping bonnet, a somewhat abrupt, rounded rear and aggressive cuts down its side. The new Albait Green paint is pretty racy too, right?
But then so is this boldly named ‘Rebel Blue’ shade on the V40. Volvo may have originally launched the hatch in its rugged ‘Cross Country’ variant, but this regular version looks a lot cleaner and is a little easier on your wallet too. This one even has the aggressive R-Design body kit and 17-inch ‘Ixion’ wheels, which add a little bit of menace. Like the Merc, it too has a tipped-forward stance, but you’ll notice the Volvo’s profile has a smoother flow to it, with a shoulder line that curves upwards near the rear, ending in a very raked rear windshield and some fabulous tail-lamps. What it doesn’t have is the ‘bling’ factor of the A-class, relying more on good proportions than shiny details to get your attention. There are still a few cool bits though, especially at the back, where the blackened tailgate and aggressive diffuser show you it means business.