Review

While Fleet News has been running an A180 CDI Sport model, its sister magazine AM has been using the diesel flagship in the range, the A220 CDI AMG Sport.

The two cars, effectively non-identical twins, have totally opposing characters.

The A180 CDI is the more sensible, understated and frugal one, while the A220 CDI AMG Sport is the slightly flash, arguably better looking, binge drinking other. Each have their good and bad points.

I found the A180 CDI slightly boring after the A220 CDI's sportier AMG styling, paddle shift auto transmission and heaps of equipment.

Except for its badge, I wonder why it would get chosen over a Volkswagen Golf. However others in the team actually preferred its understated presence.

Without question it is far more efficient on both fuel economy and tax: it is averaging 64.2mpg compared to the larger-engined A220CDI’s 51mpg and its 17g/km lower CO2 emissions give it a BIK rate four percentage points lower on a P11D value that is £6,190 lower.

It also has a much more forgiving ride than the AMG Sport's standard lowered sports suspension.

Nevertheless, the A220CDI AMG Sport feels more special both to drive and to be in, plus it attracts more admiring glances from my neighbours in the suburbs. Isn’t that a key reason for choosing a premium brand car?

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Specs

Manufacturer Mercedes
Model A Class
Specification
Model Year 0.00
Annual VED (Road tax) £0
BIK List Price £21,170
CO2 98g/km
BIK Percentage 14%
Insurance Group N/A
CC N/A
Fuel Type Diesel
Vehicle Type
Luggage capacity (Seats up) N/A

Running Costs

74.3 MPG
98g/km CO2
£0 VED
P11D £21,170
Cost per mile 31.70ppm
Residual value £9,275
Insurance group N/A
Fuel Type Diesel
Cost per mile 0.00ppm
Fuel 0.00ppm
Depreciation 0.00ppm
Service maintenance and repair 0.00ppm

Info at a glance

  • P11D Price
    £21,170
  • MPG
    74.3
  • CO2 Emissions
    98g/km
  • BIK %
    14%
  • Running cost
    3 Year 60k : 31.70 4 Year 80k : £7,575
  • Fuel Type
    Diesel