A ONCE stood for aspiration when it came to the old entry-level Mercedes. A Class carried the all-important three-pointed star and was eminently affordable, but whether it was a fully-fledged member of the luxury marque was open to question.

It was clever, with some good design features, but it never really got over the bad press which tarnished its reputation from the off.

All that has now been laid to rest as the new A Class is welcomed to the fold. This is a proper Merc from any angle, sharing the innovative design and quality of its more expensive bretheren.

It carries the old A Class gene but subtle changes to styling and proportions completely alter the look and it appears a lot more comfortable with itself as it sits proudly on the asphalt.

It remains taller than many cars but also boasts wider-than-average track, making it look particularly squat and road-hugging - just what it needs to win over safety-conscious buyers. The three-door looks particularly fetching and the five isn't bad either.

Go for optional extra big alloys and the A Class looks positively sporty yet it looks like a mini people-carrier inside, with plenty of room for people and luggage.

The interior is a big improvement over the old model which had facia that was right in your face. It also reeks of quality and is very well designed.

The test car came with a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine, essential nowadays in any line up.

A tremendous amount of time and research has gone into modern diesels and the Mercedes isn't bad at all.

On paper it produces 140PS and 300+Nm of torque, enough to allow the A to hit 60mph in just over nine seconds and fuel consumption is good with 46mpg easily achieved during the week.

A Class handles better than ever before with comfortable ride yet a secure feel through the bends. The lofty driving position allows you to look down on other motorists and it's an excellent car for long journeys.

The new A Class really is a worthy model in an ever-expanding range of cars and now fully deserving of the Mercedes badge.

It has the quality, aesthetics and dynamics needed to appeal to a variety of buyers and while it remains within the financial grasp of many, it offers a true taste of a luxurious marque.