A lot of car for your money

Affordable isn't a word you'd expect to read in a Mercedes-Benz review, but the A and B Class are more within reach than you might think.

The perception is that you need to spend at least $80,000 to get into a Mercedes-Benz. In fact, you can drive away a new A Class for less than $50,000.

Mercedes-Benz dealer principal at Ingham Prestige Anthony Fawkner handed me the keys to a sleek A200 on a Friday afternoon, mine to enjoy for the weekend. I soon discovered you get a lot of car for your money.

Its sporty, low lines are matched with an equally stylish interior, featuring plenty of leather, sports seats and chrome gauges and trims.

It's packed with features that make for a safer, more convenient drive. Among the long list of standard inclusions is hill start assist, nine airbags, a reversing camera, and the media interface features a USB port and iPod/iPhone integration. While the A180 doesn't have it, the A200 also gives you a voice activated navigation/audio/Bluetooth system so there's no excuse for touching any dials to change the radio station or dial a phone number.

And it's economical, especially around town. The eco start/stop function means the car will turn itself off when the engine is idle (everything but the engine keeps running) and purr back into life when you take your foot off the brake.

On the open road, the 1.6L turbocharged engine is responsive - it fair growls. With no gear stick (that makes for a streamlined front interior) there are gear shift paddles just behind the steering wheel. The seven-speed automatic transmission makes for an exhilarating driving experience.

At $46,900, the A180 is a lot of car for the money. The A Class - and the slightly roomier B Class - are a reasonably priced introduction to the Mercedes-Benz family.