Smart looks, a desirable badge on the bonnet, and a high-quality interior make the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class stand out from the crowd. It was also offered with a commendable amount of safety equipment and luxury options. However, the ride wasn’t all that comfortable, it wasn’t as refined as some rivals and other family hatchbacks offered more practicality – particularly in the size and shape of the boot. What’s more, if you can stretch to a slightly newer model, a whole new generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class arrived just a year later in 2019, offering more stylish design, plus a more modern and hi-tech interior.

Strengths:

Stylish, high-quality interior
Mighty performance from AMG hot hatch
Diesels are very fuel efficient

Weaknesses:

Tight rear headroom
Uncomfortable ride
Awkward boot opening

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class better than the 2018 Volkswagen Golf?

While the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers a classier badge and a slightly more upmarket feel than the 2018 Volkswagen Golf, the truth is that the VW is one of the most competent and accomplished family hatchbacks around – it’s pretty much all the car you could ever need.