Long-distance performer

The diesel-engined Mercedes-Benz A220 CDI is a luxury hatch that sips fuel.自存倉 By Samuel EeHIGH torque, low consumption and a slick automatic transmission to smoothen out the punchy performance - all these are making the diesel-engined car more and more attractive even with the special tax of 40 cents per cc. And when presented with the frills of a luxury nameplate, it becomes an even more compelling package.One example is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class with a diesel powertrain. The A220 CDI is a compact five-door hatchback with a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.On paper, the A220's performance and efficiency are almost eye-popping. It comes close to hot hatch territory, with 350 Newton-metres of torque available from a low 1,400 rpm to propel it from zero to 100 kmh in 8.2 seconds. Yet, it claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.4 litres per 100 km under the combined cycle, or a remarkable 22.7 km per litre. With its 50-litre tank, that means an average range of more than 1,100 km.All at a price that is not more than a two-litre petrol-engined hot hatch with comparable torque but consuming one-third less fuel.The power delivery of the A220, however, is a bit different. Although the beefy torque is available early, the throttle response doesn't encourage its deployment. The A-Class has the same delayed pedal action as a classic Mercedes. Meant to maximise passenger comfort by avoiding a jerky take-off, it can also result in the driver overcompensating by flooring the accelerator and scrabbling the front wheels when the power eventually comes in. Fortunately, it doesn't take long to get used to it.Another characteristic of the A220 is its firm ride. Decked out in AMG Sport trim, there are snazzy alcantara-lined sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with a thicker rim, a body kit with a more 迷你倉ggressive-looking front air dam incorporating bigger intakes and 18-inch alloys.But the package also includes sports suspension which is 15 mm lower than usual. Go fast over road bumps and it can be an uncomfortable experience. At the same time, it does not make it more confident in sweeping curves because of the body roll and overassisted steering.The interior is more successful. The well-made cabin has lovely details such as the wide swathe of carbon fibre fascia, round air vents vents and dinky free-standing centre display. The radar-based Collision Prevention Assist and Attention Assist drowsiness detection safety features are standard equipment. Everything looks and feels suitably high-end.That there is a diesel engine under the hood is obvious and the clatter is unmistakeable when standing beside this CDI A-Class. But from inside the cabin, it sounds more like a gurgle. Under hard acceleration, the exhaust grunt can even be considered sporty.And if its good torque encourages you to drive like a maniac with jackrabbit starts, you should still be able to achieve a very credible 8.5 litres per 100 km.Overall, the A220 has a surprising amount of refinement. It is a very comfortable drive because the low-revving engine operates within a narrow power band (maximum engine speed is just over 4,600 rpm), with good low-end torque allowing the auto transmission to shift up early.With its frugal but powerful turbodiesel, upscale interior and three-pointed star branding, the Mercedes-Benz A220 CDI is a small but special model.samuelee@sph.com.sgSPECSMercedes-Benz A220 CDI BlueEfficiencyEngine 2,143cc inline-4 turbodieselTransmission 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automaticMax power 170 hp @ 3,400-4,000 rpmMax torque 350 Nm @ 1,400-3,400 rpm0-100 kmh 8.2 secsTop speed 220 kmhCO2 emissions 113 g/kmAverage OMV $29,500Price from $186,888 (with COE)Distributor Cycle & CarriageTel 6298 1818mini storage