2019 Mercedes-Benz A180 isn’t the cheapest Merc you can buy

Mercedes-Benz has launched the third model in the newest A-Class line-up, which debuted earlier this year. The entry level A180 arrives in February 2019, and slots in underneath the A200 and the A250 4Matic (all-wheel-drive in Mercspeak).

The five-seat, five-door small hatch will be powered by a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.3-litre engine - backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission - that cranks out 100kW and 200Nm, while returning a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 5.7 litres per 100km.

At $42,300, it’s not the cheapest hatch-with-a-badge you can buy – both the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series entry level models pip it at the post, as does Merc’s own B-Class – but it’s by far the newest of the German arch-rival trio, and its list of standard kit is pretty impressive.

Take, for example, its E-Class-esque twin 10.5-inch screen array, or its Mercedes Me AI-based multimedia interface; these are items usually found in cars two and three times more expensive.

The A180 also adds 17-inch alloy rims, auto lights and wipers, cloth trim, and a comprehensive range of active safety and security features including active lane keep assist, active parking assist, blind spot assist with exit warning, AEB, traffic sign assist, a reversing camera and LED headlights.

Of course, you’ll be able to option up the A180 to your heart’s content.

To save you from looking it up, the A200 is $47,200 (before on-roads) and gets 18-inch alloys, Progressive Equipment Line kit including body kit parts and the like, wireless phone charging, Adaptive High Beam Assist and 120 kW/250 Nm from the same engine/gearbox combo.

Merc is also adding two more variants to the A250 model, including a front-wheel-drive version of the A 250 4MATIC Limited Edition, along with an A250 4MATIC fitted with an AMG Line kit, which will include 18-inch AMG bi-colour alloy wheels, AMG Line body styling, tinted windows, keyless entry and smart key, sunroof, ambient lighting and a sportier interior trim.

2019 A-Class hatch pricing

• Mercedes-Benz A 180 - $42,300
• Mercedes-Benz A 200 - $47,200
• Mercedes-Benz A 250 (FWD) - $48,800
• A250 4MATIC Limited Edition - $49,500
• A250 4MATIC with AMG Line 0 $54,800