REVIEW | The Mercedes-Benz A200 d sedan balances fun and frugality

It's been more than 25 years since Mercedes-Benz debuted the A-Class hatchback to the world, and by 2005, more than 1.1 million buyers made it their vehicle of choice. Since then, the brand has repeatedly set standards in this market segment and has opened it up to a considerable extent via equally successful models on the same technical platform, such as the B-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB.  

The current generation of A-Class follows a different, sportier philosophy with a lower centre of gravity, particularly in hatchback guise. The days have passed, and its shape resembled something of an obtuse triangle.