Published:
13 June 2024Against our timing gear, the 161bhp A200 was more than 0.5sec quicker than its predecessor, despite having roughly the same power. That’s a performance hike big enough for upgrading A200 owners to clearly perceive at the wheel – and it makes the latest version feel like a car of enhanced responsiveness and drivability, as well as sharpened outright pace.
The dual-clutch gearbox seems to need a little notice and sharp prod of the accelerator to give its best. Our first two acceleration runs at the test track were slightly slower, but once the transmission had adapted to our full-throttle style, it began managing the clutches more urgently and positively, getting the car from 0-60mph in less than 8.0sec.
In everyday driving, the gearbox’s terse style of clutch actuation can seem a little impatient when you’re manoeuvring the A200, particularly if you just want a gentle step-off. But when the car is running, it manages ratio changes better – a bit hesitantly sometimes when kicking down but more smartly in manual mode.
The hybrid system also effectively masks the slightly lazy low-RPM throttle response of this 1.3-litre engine, producing a useful dose of accessible impetus in a higher gear without needing a downshift. So the A200 feels quite sprightly and keen in most circumstances – although that engine still doesn’t rev beyond 4500rpm with much enthusiasm.
Mechanical refinement is good at low and medium revs, though, the ISG handling engine stop-start particularly smoothly.
Brake power and pedal feel are likewise good.
