ONE of the big problems with some car ranges is a bewildering array of models. Nowhere is that more true than with Mercedes.

Take the not so little A-Class for example. Since 2005 there have been six different petrol engines available and five different power outputs for the same 2.0-litre turbo diesel.

Then there are at least eight different trims to add to the different engines giving a possible total of 80 different models.

The A-Class is a compact, slightly larger than average supermini with room for five and since the launch of the MkII in 2005, it is a much more rounded car with a comfortable ride, safe handling and road holding and decent to good performance in all but the lowest powered petrol and diesel models.

Petrol engines range up from a 1.5 with 93bhp to a 2.0-litre turbo with 193. This model gave the A-Class the Mercedes quality feel that was so lacking in the earlier cars, and it is a worthy bearer of the name.

Reliability is reckoned to be brilliant in the trade and both three and five door models are available.

: BMW 1-Series