MERCEDES-BENZ spent millions developing the new A-Class with hundreds of qualified engineers having their say, but a child simply summed it up for me when she described it as "cool".

That was good enough for me to realise this family car had what it takes, family appeal.

A completely different model to the original tall boxy A-Class, the new version is more conventional in design and layout but the engineers have managed to give it a strong identity and individuality.

There are over two-dozen models in the range from just under £22,000 to a little over £38,000 in three trim levels and based on a choice of seven petrol or diesel engines with two and four wheel drive powertrains.

This car was in towards the top of the range with all-wheel-drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission and beefy 2.0T engine.

As it stands on the road, the A250 AMG not only looks the part with its sporty trim but it delivers dynamic delights without compromising comfort to a great degree.

The powertrain is strong with good acceleration from rest and through the gears, very long legged and economical cruising on main roads and motorways and it came very close to the notoriously optimistic ‘combined' fuel consumption, so it really does seem to do what is says.

The sweetness of the engine and the silky gearchanges immediately impart a feeling of refinement and its brought home by the very well balanced steering and strong yet smooth brakes underfoot.

Secondary controls are really plentiful and need familiarisation but they are well placed for ease of use and the straightforward instruments are big and clear backed up with a comprehensive computer display for a variety of functions.

The heating and ventilation was easy to understand, use and effective and supported by powered windows, with excellent visibility thanks to very effective wipers and wash, bright lights and slim roof pillars.

Oddments room was excellent inside as you would expect of a family car with plenty of places to stow items of various shapes and sizes and the boot gradually expanded capacity from 341 to 1,157 litres with a small lip to the fifth door.

Driver and passengers could easily climb in and out, there was very good front seat adjustment range and all were well shaped and supporting for long journeys.

The ride quality was slightly firm as you might expect from the AMG badge-tag but it generally delighted in coping with country roads and its firmness was not uncomfortable or jarring. On good main or motorway roads it was very smooth and a delight to cover distances.

Handling was good thanks to its sporty set up and fouir-wheel-drive and it could be driven with confidence on the wet and damp roads of winter and you never felt it was getting out of its depth ability.

All noise levels were low, the most noticeable being the road rumbles and occasional bump thump from the suspension and tyres but mechanical and wind disturbances were virtually non-existent.

Sounds to me like a good choice as a family car.