Used Mercedes-Benz A Class cars for sale

The A-class is Mercedes’ smallest model and the German makers’ answer to the BMW 1-series and Audi A3 – a mid-sized hatchback with a large helping of premium fairydust. When it was first launched in the 1990s, the A-class looked like a cross between a small people carrier and a large Smart car, but these days the A-class is a far more conventional hatchback, and that’s been key to its mainstream success. In fact, the A-class is now a firm favourite in the UK’s top-ten best sellers.

Sharply designed, great to drive and practical for families, the mini Merc’s real USP is bringing big-car quality to hatchback interiors – just look at the latest-generation’s slick digital displays, metal-plated switchgear and air vents like jet engines, it’s properly premium.

Mostly the petrols and diesels are focussed on squeezing as many miles from a gallon as possible, but check out the A45 AMG if you want to bring out your inner Lewis Hamilton – a hot hatch with the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever slotted in a production car.

Or try these: BMW 1-series, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf

Engines

A-class buyers pick from a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The earlier generation (2012-2018) A-class offered petrols from 1.6- to 2.0 litres and diesels from 1.5- to 2.2-litres. The petrols of the latest 2018-onwards generation stretch from 1.3 litres (A180 and A200) to 2.0 litres (A250), while the A180d and A200d diesels are 2.0 litres.

Entry-level models are offered with a choice of manual or dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, while more powerful variants are equipped with a dual-clutch auto as standard.

The A250e plug-in hybrid is the new kid on the block – it combines the little 1.3 petrol with an electric motor to give the performance of a larger engine and economy to trounce a diesel, proper cake-and-eat-it stuff. It’ll even waft about on pure electric power alone.

A-class hot hatches come in two temperatures, namely the piping hot A35 AMG (latest generation only) or absolutely scorching A45 S AMG, which debuted in the previous-generation A-class but has become even more serious for the new one. All these AMG variants get a dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive.

Bodystyles

While the vast majority of A-classes are sold as a five-door hatchback, you will occasionally find the saloon version. It’s well worth checking out, just don’t confuse it with the really quite similar Mercedes-Benz CLA!

Trim Levels

The current A-class (2018-onwards) trim levels kick off with SE and move up through Sport, Sport Executive Edition, and then the AMG Line versions, which bring more sporting flair to the mainstream A-class models. Pay attention, though, because there are another four of these AMG-style versions: AMG Line Edition, AMG Line Premium Edition, AMG Line Executive Edition, AMG Line Premium Plus Edition.

The high-performance AMGs are standalone models, but you can still upgrade them with Executive, Premium and Premium Plus packs.

The previous A-class was mostly offered with SE, Sport, Sport Edition and AMG trim levels, but keep ’em peeled for special editions including WhiteArt, AMG Night Edition and AMG Yellow Night Edition.

Technology

While the 2012-2018 A-class marked a big push upmarket and has an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, the latest model teleports tech to the next level with the MBUX infotainment system. MBUX is available across the range, and replaces traditional analogue dials with a 7-inch digital instrument display that runs seamlessly into another 7-inch touchscreen for infotainment functions (this upgrades to 10.25in on the Sport Executive Edition). Control MBUX by touch, by using the control pad, or simply with an Alexa-style ‘Hey Mercedes’ command. Other standard kit includes sat-nav with three years free live traffic info on the latest models, a reversing camera, keyless go and multi-function steering wheel. It’s the luxury limo of hatchbacks!

Browse our choice of Mercedes A-Class models. All cars are under four years old with less than 30,000 miles. We're never beaten on price, meaning you're always guaranteed the best value when buying your next nearly new car from Motorpoint.