Conundrum springs to mind when considering the Mercedes A-Class. What is it? Where should it be placed? Into which automotive pigeonhole should it be slotted?
Is it a town car? Is it an SUV? Is it a mini-MPV? Who knows? That said, the entry-level Mercedes is now in another skin so it must be doing something to survive.
However, the puzzlement continues in its latest guise and the new A150 comes complete with a new moniker - Blue Efficiency.
This is part of a grand plan by Mercedes to minimise the impact on the environment of manufacturing cars.
Ultimately the True Blue Solutions dream will see everyone driving around in hydrogencell-powered cars that emit nothing but water. Until then we have to make do with polishing and honing the old internal combustion engine to curtail its icecap-melting abilities.
Blue (not green, peculiarly) A-Class units get a modest 1.5-litre petrol engine breathed-on to give less internal friction, aerodynamically tuned bodywork, special low rolling-resistance tyres, lighter laminated glass and a fascia display that tells you when to change gear for maximum efficiency.
Come to a halt in traffic and the engine cuts out - as long as you keep your foot on the brake. Lift it off orpress the clutch and the A-Class fires up again to save fuel by the thimbleful. And that's part of the philosophy: little changes all add up.
It all sounds worthy enough but when you live with the "bluey" it isn't actually that economical. Anything boasting green, sorry, blue, credentials really needs to top 40 miles per gallon regularly and to achieve those dizzy figures is hard work.
With the feather-like throttle foot of a Russian ballet dancer all I could manage was an average 42. Clog about normal-fashion and the trip computer soon plummets to a disappointing mid-thirtysomething.
Ironically it's not bad around town thanks to the stop/start mechanism but it suffers on motorways, largely because of the absence of a sixth gear.
The 95hp engine is torquey enough to pull an extra ratio and the fact it hasn't got one leaves the driver, again, bemused, particularly at 130km/h when it is buzzing along at 3200rpm.
REMARKABLY PEPPY
Eco-mobiles are supposed to be languid, lazy, relaxed and hence frugal, not insect-like and frenetic.
That said the A150 is remarkably peppy and spirited despite its lack of cubic centimetres and modest output. It is also surprisingly agile, loving the twists and turns as much as any car, cornering capably and riding comfortably.
In town, it is quick away from the lights, more impressive still for the fact that half the time the engine isn't even running when the amber light pops on. The steering is light and lightning quick making manoeuvring a doddle and parking in tight spaces a breeze.
A-Class in Elegance trim is beautifully appointed with leather trim and chunky tactile controls, great fit and finish and toys including Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted buttons for the hi-fi, trip computer and telephone.
The extra ride height gives occupants and excellent view of the world, makes it easy to get in and out of if you are stiff in the joints and aids when fitting a child seat in the rear.
MANY SURPRISE
The boot doesn't look that big but swallows an unexpected amount including bulky stuff like prams and pushchairs and other baby paraphernalia.
So being a conundrum isn't necessarily a negative thing as this particular A-Class constantly keeps you guessing and delights with its many surprises.
Specifications
Model:
Mercedes A150 Blue Efficiency
Engine:
1.5-litre, quad-valve, four-cylinder petrol
Drivetrain:
Five-speed manual
Power:
73kW
Top speed:
175km/h
0-100km/h:
12.6sec
Fuel consumption:
5.9 litres/100km (CO2 143g/km).
Price:
From £16 364 (About R207 073)