Call me a convert. The original Mercedes A-Class may have established a reputation as a rather eccentric handler but later iterations of the car just got better and better. It never became a top driver's choice but towards the end of its days it was safe and, in some cases, reasonably spry. Mercedes' root and branch redesign of the A-Class has resulted in a car that looks capable of serving up some fun. Marrying this car to one of the three diesel engines on offer looks like a sound investment to boot.

Having witnessed prototype A-Class models being hammered around the Nurburgring, there's no doubt that with a committed driver at the wheel, this is a car that can really be hustled. The top 140bhp A200 CDI also looks as if it will have more than enough power to satisfy those looking for spirited acceleraton too. All units are Euro IV compliant and start with the 82bhp A160CDI (priced from £14,647), the mid range being marked out by the 109bhp A180 CDI (from £15,967) and the premier diesel powerplant being that 140bhp A200CDI (from £19,717). Add £600 to those prices if you want five rather than three doors. A six speed manual transmission is the default gearbox but all models will be available with an optional Autotronic CVT gearbox. Its 'manual' mode features seven gears although like a proper automatic it has a torque converter. Should be interesting.

Capable of getting to 60mph in 9.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 125mph, the A200CDI is undoubtedly the highlight of the range, offering plenty of get up and go in the midranges. A peak torque figure of 221lb/ft is spread between 1,600 and 2,600rpm, making this engine less peaky than many rival units and ensuring that clean getaways from T-junctions and onto roundabouts are a doddle. This amount of torque is in excess of anything a 3.0-litre Audi A4 can manage so you can imagine how well it will accelerate down a motorway on-ramp. The fuel economy figure of 52.3mg belies such brawn and an emissions figure of just 144g/km will make the A200CDI a viable target for those looking for a prestige badge on their next company car.

"This is a car that can really be hustled"

With more power comes a better suspension system. Pry back the aerodynamic underfloor spoiler and a parabolic axle is evident. This curved tube joins the rear wheels and is mounted to a central pivot point with a linkage providing lateral guidance. It's not a new idea but Mercedes have refined the system so that it's a good deal more tuneable than the outgoing trailing arm set-up. What is new is their adaptive damping system. Most such systems use electronics to alter the characteristics of the dampers but engineers at Daimler Chrysler have developed a valve that allows the oil inside them to move freely when the car negotiates small surface irregularities, thus giving a composed ride, but when more is asked of the damper, the valve closes, firming up the ride during enthusiastic cornering. The power steering does rely on electronic trickery, a motor replacing the old pump system. As you might well expect, the A Class still comes complete with a legion of electronic safety systems. The A-Class still doesn't challenge the best hot hatches in its class when it comes to tactility but it feels a good deal better planted on the road than the first generation car.

The first and most obvious change to the A-Class is that Mercedes is offering a three-door version of the A-Class, designed to appeal to younger, more sports oriented buyers. Despite the presence of the old A210 Evolution model, nobody could really take the old car seriously as an exemplar of dynamic excellence. The stance of the latest car is a good deal more conventional, not to mention purposeful, with a 45mm increase in width and a whopping 232mm increase in length. Its dimensions are now more akin to a regular supermini than its predecessors tall, short and narrow measurements ever were. Short and long wheelbase models have been replaced by a one-size fits all policy, the three and five door cars riding on the same chassis.

Despite this more conventional sizing policy, a number of A-Class trademarks are carried over. The latest generation car is built on an all-new platform but structural features such as the innovative sandwich floor remain. Drop inside and you'll instantly appreciate the gulf in quality between this car and the outgoing model. The dashboard looks like a scaled down version of the E-Class fascia - think premium not Palitoy - and has been developed with the help of a shiny Berlin customer clinic where everything from materials to switch feel to door slam and indicator sounds have been exhaustively tested.

Although its exterior dimensions are a good deal more sporting than before, the A-Class features a host of MPV style interior features. The rear seats may not slide but they tumble forwards to leave a long flat floor and the Easy Vario Plus system allows the cushion of the rear seat to be hidden under the boot floor. As an option, Mercedes also offer passenger seats that can be completely removed, leaving scope for the driver to be alone with a whole lot of fresh air and thus carrying capacity. The existing Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels are carried over and air conditioning is standard on all models. A Luxury Climate Control system is offered as an option and uses data recorded by temperature, humidity, sun position and outside pollutant sensors. Other desirable options include xenon headlights, and a dash mounted LCD display linked to Mercedes' excellent COMAND control system. Big car features in a small package in other words.

With a range of excellent common rail diesel engines and a slightly more conventional - albeit better looking - offering than before, the Mercedes A-Class is an immeasurably improved car. Our pick would be the top A200CDI, if only for that bludgeoning mid-range urge, but in truth any of the three engines has the power to satisfy. Mercedes finally have an A-Class that lives up to its billing.

TOP 5 A CLASS DEALS

The results below show the top A CLASS deals on buyacar

	Mercedes-benz A Class A150 Classic SE 5dr (Pre-model) Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £220	Saving £2,648	Price £12,462
	Mercedes-benz A Class A150 Classic SE 5dr Tip Auto (Pre-model) Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £249	Saving £2,775	Price £13,755
	Mercedes-benz A Class A150 Avantgarde SE 5dr (Pre-model) Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £250	Saving £2,794	Price £13,916
	Mercedes-benz A Class A180 CDI Elegance SE 5dr Tip Auto (Pre-model) Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £312	Saving £3,112	Price £17,093
	Mercedes-benz A Class A150 Elegance SE 5dr Tip Auto (Pre-model) Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £278	Saving £2,920	Price £15,210

typical 10.64% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000