Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1998-2004) review | Spacious and surprisingly versatile small hatchback

What is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

In a break from its traditional saloon, estate and coupe models, Mercedes-Benz launched the original A-Class in 1997. The tall-bodied five-door hatchback was unlike anything else in the firm’s range, arriving years before rivals such as the BMW 1 Series and Audi A2 appeared.

The A-Class stood out for its unusual ‘sandwich floor’ design, which helped create a surprisingly spacious cabin despite the compact exterior dimensions. Its upright shape may not have been to everyone’s taste, but it gave the car excellent visibility and plenty of interior room.

Petrol and diesel engines were offered during the model’s lifespan, alongside both short- and long-wheelbase versions. A facelift in 2001 brought revised styling, updated equipment and improvements to refinement and safety.

How practical is it?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 is short and easy to park, but its tall body means there is enough room inside for four adults in reasonable comfort. When it was launched, Mercedes-Benz claimed the A-Class offered interior space comparable with cars from the class above.

Clever packaging was one of the A-Class’s main selling points. The rear seats could slide backwards and forwards to prioritise passenger or boot space, while the rear bench and even the front passenger seat could be removed entirely to create a surprisingly useful load area. Boot capacity ranged from 390 litres in standard form to more than 1,300 litres with the seats removed.

A facelift in 2001 brought styling and equipment updates, while long-wheelbase versions offered additional rear passenger and luggage space. The high seating position and large windows also make the A-Class easy to manoeuvre in town.

What's it like to drive?

The original A-Class hit the headlines after failing a Swedish magazine’s high-speed ‘Elk Test’, in which the car overturned during an emergency avoidance manoeuvre. Mercedes-Benz responded by delaying the UK launch while it revised the suspension, lowered the ride height, fitted wider tyres and made electronic stability control standard across the range.

Around town, the A-Class is easy to drive thanks to its compact dimensions, large windows and upright seating position. However, the tall body shape means it can feel unsettled at motorway speeds – especially in strong crosswinds or on the UK’s notoriously potholed roads.

Ride comfort is firm by the standards of a small family hatchback, with sharper bumps sometimes making their way into the cabin. Long-wheelbase versions are slightly more settled, while petrol and diesel engines generally prioritise economy over outright performance.

Petrol engines ranged from a modest 1.4-litre unit to larger 1.6-, 1.9- and 2.1-litre options, while the 1.7-litre CDI diesel offered stronger mid-range performance and better fuel economy. The entry-level A140 petrol can feel underpowered out of town, so diesel models are generally the better choice for regular long journeys.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

Compared with modern hatchbacks, the A-Class’s technology feels fairly basic, especially when the dashboards in new Mercedes-Benz cars are dominated by digital screens. That said, higher-spec models came with features that were impressive for a small car in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Depending on trim, buyers could have air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels and a CD player, while electronic stability control became standard after the well-publicised ‘Elk Test’ controversy.

The dashboard layout is simple and easy to understand, although some of the plastics and switchgear now feel dated. The upright design does at least provide good visibility, and many owners appreciate the high driving position.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class running costs

Age is now the biggest running-cost consideration for an A-Class W168. Even well-maintained examples can require expensive repairs, partly because the car’s compact engine bay makes some jobs labour-intensive. Items such as alternators, suspension components and steering parts can prove costly to replace.

Independent Mercedes-Benz specialists are usually a better option than main dealers, both for servicing costs and their model knowledge. Routine servicing itself is reasonably affordable, but buyers should budget for unexpected maintenance on older, higher-mileage cars. On the plus side, most A-Class models of this age have hit the bottom of the depreciation curve, so you shouldn’t lose too much money when it’s time to sell.

Official fuel economy figures for petrol models ranged from the mid-30s to high-30s mpg, while the diesel A160 CDI and A170 CDI were capable of more than 50mpg in real-world driving. Road tax (VED) costs vary depending on engine and gearbox choice, but most versions remain relatively affordable by modern standards. The same can be said for insurance, with some of the earliest models now eligible for a classic car policy.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability

Reliability can be hit-and-miss with the A-Class W168, particularly as even the newest examples are now more than 20 years old. Some cars will have been run on a small budget and corners may have been cut when it comes to essential maintenance. Electrical faults are fairly common, including issues with window switches, dashboard trim, remote locking and alarm systems.

Suspension and steering components are known weak points, especially on higher-mileage cars, while some diesel models can suffer from expensive injector and turbocharger problems. Rust is generally less severe than on some rival cars of the same era, although corrosion can appear around the wheelarches and base of the A-pillars.

Buyers should also be cautious of models fitted with the automated manual gearbox, as repairs can be costly. A full service history is desirable, but specialist inspection is strongly recommended before you purchase.