Fiat Abarth 595 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class [2013-2015]

A turbocharged petrol engine, paddle shifts, performance genes and a car built by the Italians - What more could I ask for my first outing on the Buddh International Circuit – India’s first and only Formula One spec race-track. I went out there, testing the Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione – the latest offering from the Fiat-Chrysler conglomerate – to find out if it manages to tingle the taste buds of the rich performance enthusiasts of the country.

When Mercedes-Benz launched the A-Class in India it was a revelation. In a market where hatchbacks were (and still are to a large extent) perceived as budget offerings, the A-Class came as a breath of fresh German air. It opened up the eyes of a first-time luxury car buyer to the fact that premium did not always have to equate with a large and boxy sedan or SUV.

Mercedes-Benz India’s sales exploded in 2013 and the surge has a lot to do with the German brand making its vehicles more appealing to younger buyers. By introducing cars like the A-Class and the B-Class, Mercedes managed to bury its conservative image and create a new breed of entry-level premium vehicles for value-sensitive young customers. A year later, both these vehicles continue to perform well in their respective segments. The A-Class, in particular, was a real game changer for Mercedes-Benz India when it first arrived. While its ability to please most of the younger lot is a big plus for the brand, the A-Class (the diesel variants especially) indeed pleads for a better-equipped interior. With the new limited run A-Class Edition 1, Mercedes hopes to amplify its premium hatchback’s appeal in the value-conscious entry- level premium segment.