Martyn Collins checks out the quality and equipment of the interior on our A-Class long-termer.

Mercedes quality shines through in the interior

P11d (BiK): £35,980 (6%) MPG/CO2: 256.8mpg/32g/km Test MPG: 48mpg

The current A-Class might have been launched three years ago, but compared to rivals, it still feels fresh – especially inside.

The seven-inch screens for the instruments and infotainment, plus the button-heavy three-spoke steering wheel, at first seemed alien. Especially the touchpad controller, which is where you’d expect the transmission to usually be.

The operating system has become more logical to use over time – to the point I miss it now when I’m driving other cars. Using the touchpad to enter sat-nav destinations still seems a bit fiddly, but thankfully the screen is touch-sensitive; so I often find myself doing that instead.

The standard navigation system has only let me down once so far, and the augmented reality feature makes me wonder why no other manufacturers have come up with something similar. I’ve not wanted for standard kit, either, thanks to the AMG Premium Pack.

Elsewhere, Mercedes quality shines through, with the tasteful polished metal finishes and soft blue mood lighting that comes into its own at night. Finally, the one-piece sports seats strike the perfect balance between comfort and support.

We haven’t travelled as far as I’d like due to lockdown, but the Mercedes will be missed when it returns to its maker soon.