Our Fleet: Mercedes-Benz A180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE - April 2013

Since first laying eyes on the A-Class back at Geneva Motor Show last year I have been a fan and it seems I am not the only one. With a waiting list that has peaked at 6 months, the A-Class has been a resounding success for the German premium manufacturer.

Our long termer, the A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE, is the entry model to the range and offers a fuel consumption figure of 74.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 98g/km. When it comes to performance, it's 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 109bhp which definitely offers enough poke.

When it comes to looks, the A-Class gets top marks. It’s a great looking car that has turned many heads in my street and gained a few admirers in my friends and family.

Inside is luxurious, the quality of materials is good and the technology is easy to understand and navigate around – no need to read the manual.

Inside is roomy too, measuring at 4292mm in length and a wheelbase of 2699mm puts the A Class in line with its competitors.

You get the impression when you drive the A-Class that the engineers at Mercedes-Benz spent a great deal of time getting this car exactly how they wanted it with no shortcuts and the end result is not just a good car, but a great car.

And with £5000 of additional kit on the car yet to get to grips with, I feel as If I have only just scratched the surface, lucky for me, the A-Class will be staying with us for the next six months.

I had very high expectations for this car when I was handed the keys and the A-Class has definitely not let me down.

Hats-off to Mercedes-Benz for creating a car that is both contemporary and practical that will appeal to a wide variety of different people.