Which Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan is better: diesel or petrol?

Introduced late in 2019, the A-Class sedan presents a more modern alternative to the now outgoing Audi A3 sedan and indeed, a more traditional sedan package versus the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and BMW’s new 2 Series Gran Coupe. In today's comparison, we ascertain which is better, the petrol or diesel A-Class sedan variants.

	Mercedes-Benz A200 sedan AMG Line	Mercedes-Benz A250 sedan AMG Line	Mercedes-Benz A200d sedan AMG Line
Engine	1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol	2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol	2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power/Torque	120kW/ 250Nm	165kW/ 350Nm	110kW/ 320Nm
Transmission Type	7-speed dual-clutch automatic	7-speed dual-clutch automatic	8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels	Front	Front	Front
Fuel Consumption	5.4 L/100 km	6.3 L/100 km	4.5 L/100 km
Price	R650 015	R682 000	R691 175

 

Related: Running cost comparison: Mercedes-Benz CLA vs BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé vs Audi A3 Sedan

 

Five models, three engines

The current A-Class sedan range comprises of five models, three engines options and two specification grades. The entry point to the range is the Progressive specification while those after a sporty look can opt for the AMG Line. For the purposes of our comparison, we are making use of the AMG Line variants as all three engines are available in this specification, making for an equal comparison.  

Related: BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi A3: which one has the lowest running costs?

 

The petrol models

There are two petrol engines within the A-Class sedan range. The A200 is powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo that produces 120 kW and 250 Nm while the A250 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 165 kW and 350 Nm of torque. Both models send power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The A200 will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 8.1 seconds while consuming a claimed 5.4 L/100km, providing a driving range of around 790km. The A250 is certainly the sportiest of the trio, offering a 0-100km/h time of 6.3 seconds along with a claimed consumption figure of 6.3 L/100km, resulting in around 680km of range.

The diesel

The solitary diesel engine within the range displaces 2.0-litres and produces 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque which powers the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This results in the A200d sprinting from zero to 100km/h in a time of 8.2 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100km, allowing for a driving range of around 950km on a single tank of diesel.

Analysis

Analysing the results of this makes for interesting reading as all three models feature identical standard specification, meaning that their respective price differences come down to their CO2 emissions tax and the cost of their engines.

Interestingly, the diesel variant emits the least CO2 at 119g/km, resulting in an additional R3 000 of tax. However, the diesel is still the most expensive, coming in at R9 175 more than the A250 petrol, which emits 143g/km, resulting in an additional R6 000 of taxation. The A200 is the cheapest of the trio, coming in at just under R32 000 less than the A250 and just over R41 000 more than the A200d.

When it comes to performance, the A250 has the clear edge, offering the best acceleration, however, it is also the heaviest on fuel, The A200 is marginally quicker than the A200d, however, it too is less efficient than the diesel.

Verdict

Choosing a winner here was more difficult than anticipated, with all three models featuring unique selling propositions in relation to one another. The A200 appears to offer the most balanced package in terms of price, performance and economy while the A250, for not much more money, is a faster car, but suffers at the pumps while the diesel is the most frugal, yet the most expensive. It may come down to personal preference, however, from an ownership perspective, it would appear that the A200 offers the best medium-term ownership experience.

Recommended next:

Which Mercedes-Benz GLA is better: diesel or petrol?

Top 3 Mercedes-Benz CLA trims head to head: here’s our winner