Mercedes A-Class

FIRST UK DRIVE Final round of updates for premium hatch before it bows out for good

- Dean Gibson

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 8.2 seconds/140mph

WITH the news that the Mercedes A-Class won't be directly replaced as part of the firm's plans to move upmarket, this round of revisions for the 2023 model year is something of a last hurrah for the popular premium hatchback.

The A-Class has been a hit with buyers ever since the third generation switched to a traditional hatchback layout in 2012. The current Mk4 cemented the A-Class's popularity with competitive finance offers, too, and thousands of examples have found homes across the country.

For the 2023 update, there are subtle revisions to the exterior that include adaptive LED headlights for every model in the range, while LED tail-lights are also standard. There's a smoother nose, too, although the change is subtle.

Inside, recycled materials are used for the centre console and seats, but the premium feel of Mercedes' smallest model remains. The quality of most materials is excellent, although there are some harder plastics lower down in the cabin, while the unlined door bins do allow items to rattle around.