A150 Elegance

A great family car in a small package

After four years with a seven seat MPV my wife wanted a much smaller car and we looked the whole range of superminis from all manufacturers. She was not impressed and then I had the brainwave of a nearly new A-Class.

Bought at nine months old and 5,000miles at the same price as a new Yaris we have now owned it for over four years. It is a well specified model with the smallest engine so its not so fast, but perfectly acceptable, and cruises well on the motorway It has a slightly harsh ride over sharp bumps and I find that the seating position is a bit awkward but my wife thinks it fine. I would suggest a slightly detached feel from the road, but nothing dreadful.

The best thing about it is the internal space, especially in the rear. Three growing children fit in far better than the size of the car would suggest and the flat floor is a boon. We have been on a short family holiday, five up with luggage and no complaints. It withstands the rigours of family life well and scrubs up at the car wash. We like the slightly raised seating height which helps belting children in and eases back pain.

Some people would say why not buy a Golf for the same money, but the A-Class simply does the job of transporting children around far better, in a smaller and more economical package.

Nothing has gone wrong other than a holed air conditioning condenser.

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