2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176) 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 6MT FWD (109 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz introduced the third generation of the A-Class in 2012, and unlike its predecessors was a hatchback, not an MPV.

After it struggled to convince customers that a small-sized minivan was a better choice for families willing to buy a premium city vehicle, Mercedes’ management understood that what these customers needed was a hatchback. So, enter the scene the W176 lineup that Mercedes-Benz has created with some help from Renault. The French automaker was known for its successful front-wheel driven vehicles, so the two companies inked a deal, and the A-Class hatchback broke covers in 2012.

The new model sported a fresh and sporty front fascia with swept-back headlights that flanked a grille adorned with two slats and the three-pointed star badge. Depending on the trim level, it also got a regular mesh and a sporty-looking bumper that resembled those installed in the AMG versions. From its profile, the A-Class featured sculptured doors adorned with an ascending line that started from the front wheel arches and went upwards towards the C-pillars on the rear doors. Finally, the back showed a tilted-forward tailgate, which, depending on the version, could be adorned with a roof spoiler.

Inside, the 2012 A-Class featured a pair of bucket seats at the front and a split-folding bench seat in the back that could expand the trunk space. The dashboard was carefully designed and featured round vents and a screen placed atop the center stack. Inside the instrument cluster, Mercedes-Benz placed two large dials for the tachometer and speedometer, two gauges for the water temperature and fuel level, plus an LCD for the onboard computer information. Vehicles fitted with an automatic transmission receive a dedicated stack for the PRND functions behind the steering wheel. At the same time, those that featured manual gearboxes sported a gear stick placed on the center console.

Mercedes-Benz offered a wide choice of engines, and many of them were made by Renault.