Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift debuts: A180 Urban Line, A200 AMG Line, A250 Sport; RM196k to RM239k

After much anticipation, here is the new W176 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift. The compact hatchback first made its debut here in 2013, and has since played a major role in transforming the brand’s reputation on a global and local scale. And with the facelifted model revealed globally mid last year, its finally time for Malaysia to get its hands on it.

Three variants of the new A-Class are now available here — four if you include the mighty AMG A 45. The A 200 AMG Line and A 250 Sport are back to reprise their roles (almost), but new to the local fray is an A 180 Urban Line, which slots it as the base variant to the range, priced at RM195,888. The A 200 AMG Line is listed at RM205,888, while the A 250 commands RM238,888.

As presented when the facelifted A-Class made its debut, the new model received a host of exterior, interior and tech upgrades. Arguably, the AMG A 45 was treated to the most significant updates, and you can find out more about that model from its own launch report. For now, let’s take a closer look at the regular range.

As mentioned, the local A-Class range now starts off with a new base variant, the A 180 Urban Line. At RM195,888, it is priced closely to the pre-facelift non-AMG Line A 200 variant, despite the engine’s lower power output. Featuring the same 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbo mill as the A 200, the A 180’s unit is tuned to deliver just 122 hp and 200 Nm. Notably, it also comes standard with a Comfort suspension, too.

Its power is still sufficient to claim a zero to 100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 202 km/h. The A 180’s fuel consumption is listed at the same 5.4 litres per 100 km as the A 200. The 7G-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has also been given a minor update, improving acceleration across the board.

An Urban Line exterior package is specified here, basically adding to the facelift’s standard exterior look dual exhaust finishers, a front splitter and a garnish on the rear bumper (both in high-gloss black here, thanks to the Night Package). Also featured here are the model update’s new design LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and LED tail lights.

The added Night Package as standard adds high-gloss black pins to the diamond radiator grille up front, with matching wing mirror covers and belt line trim. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also says that the 18-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels (pictured here) is an optional item, priced at RM1,000 – standard rollers come in the same size, but in a non-AMG five-spoke style.

Inside, the A 180’s Urban Line theme continues, incorporating fabric seats with leather sides, a carbon-fibre-look trim on the dash (actually plastic) and the standard, but new, multi-function steering wheel with perforated grips. An eight-inch media display screen is specified, along with an Audio 20 CD system.

As per the facelift, the face buttons on the dash have also been redesigned for a sleeker look, and if you look closely, the previous “E-S-M” Agility Select button is no longer there. It has been replaced by a new Dynamic Select button, which itself offers four driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. Also, if you look closely, the standard pedals are fitted here.

Moving along, we arrive at the next variant in the range, the A 200 AMG Line. The A 200 itself is no stranger to our market, packing a 156 hp/250 Nm 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbo just as before. Its performance figures have been improved thanks to an updated 7G-Tronic transmission, being able to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds (previously 8.3 seconds), and maxing out at 224 km/h.

But unlike the previous A 200 which featured an Urban Line exterior, this one gets AMG Line appointments instead. As such, sportier bumpers and side skirts are added, along with 18-inch multi-spoke AMG alloys.

Without the Night Package now, this variant gets its diamond grille with chrome pins and wing mirror covers in its primary body colour. A sports suspension is also introduced here, adding stiffer springs to the A 200’s step, and lowering its ride by 15 mm.

Inside, further AMG fittings can be seen, starting with a sportier flat-bottomed three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. The carbon-fibre-look trim on the dash remains, but AMG Line-specific sport seats with Alcantara upholstery, leather sides and red contrast stitching are added. The Alcantara material and red stitching also extend to the door cards and centre arm rest.

And then we arrive at the third variant, the A 250 Sport. The most powerful variant here (bar the A 45) was expected to feature more power, courtesy of the A-Class’ latest model update. Originally expected to have seven horsepower more (218 hp total), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia says that it had to revert the Sport variant’s power to the original 211 hp because of our lower grade of fuel.

As such, the A 250 Sport retains its 211 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. Its performance figures are also maintained, being able to perform the century spring in 6.4 seconds, and then on to a top speed of 240 km/h. Its fuel consumption is rated at 6.2 litres per 100 km.

You could say that the Sport variant also wears an AMG Line exterior kit, but look closely and you’ll notice additional red stripes on the front and rear bumpers, as well as red-painted brake calipers. Familiar 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels are also included.

The reason behind the added distinction over the regular AMG Line exterior is likely to highlight the fact that the A 250 Sport also gets an AMG-tuned suspension – the hardest and most aggressive suspension of the lot, and one that is also lowered by 15 mm.

Inside, the A 250 Sport’s interior largely resembles what you’d see in the A 200 AMG Line variant, save for additional red highlights around the circular air-conditioning vents and the designo red seat belts. Other interior items, like the Audio 20 CD infotainment, sport seats with red contrast stitching and more are completely identical to the A 200 AMG Line detailed above.

For safety, all A-Class variants come equipped with a full suite of active and passive safety systems. Seven airbags are listed as standard, along with Pre Safe, and the updated Collision Prevention Assist Plus — adding autonomous partial braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

Once again, keyless entry has been overlooked for the entire A-Class range, but Active Parking Assist and a rear-view camera system are available as standard throughout. With a TIREFIT tyre repair kit stored under the cargo floor in the boot, there’s also no spare tyre to speak of.

To recap, the range of Mercedes-Benz A-Class variants in Malaysia start from RM195,888 for the A 180 Urban Line, RM205,888 for the A 200 AMG Line and RM238,888 for the A 250 Sport. Available body colours include Cosmos Black, Polar Silver, Cirrus White, Mountain Grey, South Sea Blue, Jupiter Red, Orient Brown, Northern Light Violet and Elbaite Green. You can also opt for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Agility Financing package (not available for the A 45).

Don’t forget to visit Carbase.my for further details of the W176 A-Class facelift.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.