THE latest Mercedes A-Class is a complete departure from the model it replaces.

Instead of a mini-MPV it's now a reasonably good looking five door hatch about the same size and shape as a Vauxhall Astra.

All the cars in the range come with start/stop as standard, as sensibly, do most of the cars in the Mercedes range.

I was looking forward to driving the range-topping 220CDi AMG diesel but was sadly a little disappointed by the ride quality.

The engine has loads of power and the automatic gearbox fits it perfectly, giving tremendous acceleration from any speed.

But the AMG Sport, to give its full title, has lowered and stiffened suspension and that, for me, makes the ride unacceptably harsh over rougher surfaces.

Other car makers like BMW can give their faster models up-rated suspension without dramatically reducing comfort and Mercedes should follow their lead.

Buy one of the models without sports suspension if you want decent comfort.

AMG spec brings a bodykit, huge alloys and ultra low profile tyres, standard automatic gearbox with a manual mode, and an active bonnet, which cleverly rises slightly in a collision with a pedestrian, reducing the severity of injury.

Other kit includes hill start assist, attention assist to combat driver fatigue and traction control.