It’s been a long time coming but CKD locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz compact cars are finally here, with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launching not only the V177 A-Class Sedan but also the H247 GLA SUV today. It’s the former we’re looking at first, the small four-door looking to sate Malaysia’s appetite for premium sedans.
Prices have come down to the tune of between RM11,000 and RM19,000 over the previous fully-imported models, sitting at RM210,903 for the A 200 Progressive Line and RM239,858 for the A 250 AMG Line. These figures are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of the sales and service tax (SST) exemption until the end of the year.
With the tax included, the numbers go up to RM219,888 and RM249,888 respectively, which is RM10,000 and RM18,000 cheaper than the outgoing cars. As usual, a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is included with every purchase.
Both variants are very similar to their CBU counterparts, down to what’s under the bonnet. The A 200 continues to be powered by a Renault-sourced M282 1.33 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 163 PS at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,620 to 4,000 rpm. It drives the front wheels through a Getrag seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
Meanwhile, the A 250 is motivated by an in-house 2.0 litre M260 turbo four-pot churning out 224 PS at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. The gearbox is also a Mercedes unit, again a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The equipment list is all but identical, with the only differences being the switch from run-flat to regular tyres on the A 200 (with a repair kit; the A 250 already comes with standard rubber), the addition of a blind spot monitor on the A 250 and the removal of the A 250’s cross-drilled front brake discs.
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