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The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a refined, superb driving vehicle that instantly puts the competition on edge.

Mercedes-Benz arrived late to the hatchback party. But when it got there and delivered the revised A-Class, it set the cat among the pigeons. It was a refined, superb driving vehicle that instantly put the competition on edge.

The sleek-looking hatchback served up a tempting array of engines. Trim levels and power outputs were high. This put the fledgling Mercedes-Benz A-Class toe-to-toe with the class-leading Volkswagen Golf. A car that had remained dominant for decades. Then, with the arrival of the A45 AMG version, it blew all of its rivals into the weeds.

Now available on the second-hand market. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a tempting alternative to the usual selection of hatchbacks. So those seeking something different from go-to cars, like the Honda Civic or Audi A3, need to look no further. As these are 10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Buying A Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

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The first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class wasn't exactly a looker. It combined the usability of a mini-MPV with the style of a small hatchback. A big hit with those of retirement certain age, it did serve as a decent city car. Offering plenty of interior space and options.

The revised version was a pure hatchback. There were no mixed messages from the styling team. Technically listed as generation three, it was a whole new vehicle. A product that devoted Mercedes-Benz fans had been requesting for decades. It became an instant hit.

In the world of badge snobbery, the Mercedes-Benz is a trump card. The company has built up a sterling reputation as a manufacturer of executive cars. Vehicles that give off an air of superiority. And the A-Class is no different. It sits at the top of the tree, on brand alone.

Sat side-by-side, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class shames a Volkswagen Golf. Both cars are superb, but the Mercedes-Benz has an aura of class about it. The Golf is every man's car. It's a blue-collar worker. The Mercedes is a connoisseur's choice. A white collar and tie.

Whatever chosen specification, the A-Class delivers a fantastic driving experience. Standard engines are punchy and frugal. The interiors are well constructed, and base models offer decent equipment levels. It's a luxury compact car, and one with many qualities.

From the executive car park to the backstreet car meet. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class impresses everywhere it goes. It offers practicality, a generous trunk, and plenty of room for a growing family. It will go from serving as a daily driver to acting like a grand tourer with ease.

Whatever fuel choice a driver has, there is an engine to match their needs. The diesel models offer low-range punch and mid-range overtaking prowess. A mix of frugality and power. They are ideal for those who cover a lot of mileage or live in markets with high fuel costs.

The gasoline engines deliver a refined motoring experience. They are smooth, sweet revving units that love to be worked. With outputs ranging from 100hp to over 200hp, there is something for everyone. The A-Class caters to all tastes, needs, and individual desires.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 broke cover in 2013. It brought with it a 355hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive was standard. Performance was phenomenal, it could hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds. The A45 AMG was the most powerful 2.0-liter car on the market.

An upgraded AMG A45 S saw power climb to a heady 415hp and an enormous 368 lb/ft of torque. This equates to an improved 0-60mph sprint time of 3.8 seconds. That is only half the story. As flat out, this fiery little hatchback will run its clock up to 168mph.

Related: The Hot Hatch Showdown Everyone Wanted - MK8 VW Golf R Vs Mercedes-Benz AMG A45 S

There is no poverty specification. Even entry-level cars feel special. They may lack some impressive bells and whistles fitted to the more expensive machines, but the fit and finish remain impressive. It feels solidly built, and the materials have a lovely high-quality feel.

Scaling up through the trim levels delivers some fantastic features. High-end stereo systems, all-wheel drive, and luxurious fabrics all appear. Fully loaded, high-specification models hold their values better. But lower equipped models make great used bargains.

The Mercedes-Benz was a very popular car on release. It appealed to die-hard Mercedes fans seeking a more compact mode of transport. As such, there is a wide selection of used cars on the market. Getting the right color, trim specification, or engine should be relatively easy.

As a package, the A-Class offers a lot. It is a stylish-looking hatchback, with an impressive badge on the hood. It drives well and retains a high level of practicality. The A-Class ticks many boxes as a daily driver. In A45 AMG form it also makes many a supercar look weak.

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Those seeking a little more space can opt for the A-Class sedan. Its traditional trunk adds useful stowage space. Looking even more like an executive motorcar, the sedan is styled beautifully. It carries over the high-end feel of the hatchback, in a seductive 4-door shell.

When fitted with the 188hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine the A220 4Matic sedan hits 60mph in 6.1 seconds. That is very a decent performance from the little executive. The ride quality is comfortable and relaxed. The 4Matic also has superb all-weather capabilities.

With such a good selection of engines on offer, tuning options are various and numerous. The diesel models can be tuned to pump out monster torque levels. The gasoline cars can also be tweaked. With some modifications, they can be made into brilliant sleeper cars.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has garnered a wide tuner following. There is a brilliant selection of aftermarket goodies, running from all price ranges. The ability to build a one-off creation is easy. Whether it be a wide-bodied stunner or a high-powered monster.

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Drivers of an A-Class Mercedes-Benz set themselves apart from other hatchback owners. They have shunned the lesser badges in favor of stepping up to premium car ownership. Pulling up in an A-Class sets its driver apart from the crowd. It shows they think outside the box.

The A-Class sets itself up as a compact slice of executive motoring. From the lower-specification cars through to the mighty AMGs. Everyone is part of the same family. And that's a family that knows what a buyer wants when choosing a high-class product.

Having cut his teeth on the UK street racing scene in the late 90's and early 00's RJ faded from the limelight only to return 20 years later. An avid motoring enthusiast RJ especially enjoys JDM and Italian cars, and is an experienced multi-industry writer.