As in all european Mercedes-Benz cars, the A-class comes in 3 lines - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. I would not recomend you the Classic as it comes with quite basic equipment. The Elegance is an acceptable option but if you have the money go for Avantgarde. Here are the differences side by side:
The new A-Class model lines and their specification*
Exterior:
| CLASSIC | ELEGANCE | AVANTGARDE |
Headlamps | H7 | H7 | H7 projector-beam |
Front fog lamps | -- | with chrome surround | with chrome surround |
Radiator grille | matt black | silver with chrome strips | gleaming black with chrome strips |
Windscreen | -- | with blue band filter | with blue band filter |
Bumpers | body-coloured | body-coloured with chrome | body-coloured with chrome |
Rub strips | -- | body-coloured with chrome | body-coloured with chrome |
Mirror housing | matt black | body-coloured | body-coloured |
Side skirts | black | body-coloured | body-coloured |
Door handles | black | body-coloured with chrome | body-coloured |
Tailgate grab handle | black | chrome edging | chrome edging |
Tailpipe | circular | oval | oval in stainless-steel finish |
Wheels/tyres | 185/65 R 15 with wheel trim | 185/65 R 15 light-alloy wheels | 195/55 R 16 light-alloy wheels |
Interior:
| CLASSIC | ELEGANCE | AVANTGARDE |
Steering wheel | plastic | leather | leather |
Dashboard, lower section | black or orient beige | black, alpaca grey or orient beige | black |
Centre console | plastic trim strips | wooden trim strips | aluminium trim strips |
Gearshift lever | plastic | leather with chrome insert | leather with chrome insert |
Handbrake lever | plastic | leather | leather |
Transmission tunnel trim | low version | raised version with armrest and wooden trim strip | low version |
Door trim panels | black or orient beige | black, alpaca grey or orient beige with wooden trim strip; speakers with chrome surround | black with aluminium trim strip; speakers with chrome surround |
Window controls | power windows in front with one-touch opening | power windows front and rear with one-touch control | power windows in front with one-touch opening |
Courtesy lamps | -- | in the front doors | in the front doors |
Ambient/marker lamps | -- | in the tailgate | in the tailgate |
Seat upholstery- fabrics | black, orient beige black multicolour | black, orient beige alpaca grey | black (fabric combined with ARTICO)
|
- leather (optional) | -- | black, orient beige alpaca grey | black |