My father got the new "A" class, it doesn't look half bad in black. Much better built than any Volkswagen, around 35-40MPG out of the 2-liter, rides a little firm but it handles bumps well. Very reasonably priced.
Interior looks extremely futuristic; seats are comfortable but I still can't get over the design of the rear windows —from the inside, looks like you are sitting in an armored truck.
Expecting the build quality of pre-1995 Mercedes is silly, those will never return the way the market is formulated and the competition at hand. For the needs of the average European, it suits the bill just fine: sporty, comfortable, unexpectedly spacious, easy to park, right gear ratios. Good compromise.
