Mercedes-Benz A Class A35h.
What to Check Before Buying.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class A35h is a plug-in hybrid variant that suits company car drivers seeking low benefit-in-kind tax rates and urban commuters who can charge regularly at home or work. This trim combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering around 218bhp and an electric-only range of approximately 44 miles when new. The main strength is excellent fuel economy when used as intended with regular charging, though real-world efficiency drops significantly if you rely solely on the petrol engine. When inspecting a used A35h, verify the charging cable is present and check the hybrid battery's health through diagnostic software, as replacement costs can exceed £3,000. Test the electric-only mode thoroughly during your viewing to ensure it engages smoothly and maintains charge. Examine service history for software updates, which Mercedes issued to improve battery performance. The A35h appeals most to buyers with off-street parking and daily commutes within the electric range, but may disappoint those expecting hot hatch performance or lacking regular charging access.
The average used car has 3+ known model faults the seller won't mention.