As par tof my job I've travelled a few times to Scotland, and they gave me a loan car for a couple of days. The first time I had a Merc B class. Comfortable, quiet, but dull to drive. The second time (yesterday and today) I had an A class. Yuck. I banged my head getting in and out. It feels cramped in front. It is no quieter than the UP, to my great surprise. I don't like the gears or the steering, or the feel. Yes the cabin is much more refined, with better plastics, and no bare metal on the doors, but really that is just candy, and fundamentally I yearned to get back to my little Up, with its roomy cabin, and perky little engine. On paper the A class was more powerful. It didn't feel like it. The only advantages I can see are the much bigger boot, and the badge, but that means expensive servicing. I can see that the B class does have a lot more room, and will have its appeal, but the A class is a damp squib in my opinion. I was surprised to find it just did not walk over the Up as I had expected.