The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a small family car, produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. Many people say the A class is a supermini but it is small family car due to the fourfor is the supermini. The first generation (W168) was introduced in 1997, the second generation model (W169) appeared in late 2004, and the all-new generation model W176 launched in late 2012. Originally launched only as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback to sit six inches below the five-door. In the markets that the A-Class is or has been sold in, it has represented the entry level model of Mercedes-Benz. Having grown by 68 cm since the original model, the 2012 A-class is now longer than the first-generation B-class.
First generation (W168: 1997–2004)
Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1997, the W168 A-Class was quite unusual for Mercedes-Benz featuring a front wheel drive layout and unusual tall yet short body. One innovation of the W168 was a frontal-impact absorption system called the "Sandwich" (see patents DE4326 9 and DE4400132 in the name of Mercedes-Benz). In the event of a violent frontal impact, the engine and transmission would slide underneath the floor below the pedals rather than entering the passenger compartment. The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "elk test" performed by the Swedish automobile publication Teknikens Värld.
According to the report, the W168 overturned when manoeuvring to avoid the "elk". Mercedes initially denied the problem, but then took the surprising step of recalling all units sold to date (2,600) and suspending sales for three months until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension. The company spent DM 2.5 billion in developing the car, with a further DM 300 million to fix it.
Between 1997 and 2004, 1.1 million first generation A-Class models had been sold.[4] The A-Class was facelifted in 2001, with minor alterations to the front and rear bumper design and the addition of a new 170 mm (6.7 in) longer wheelbase version. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show.
| Model | Year | Motor | Rated Power | Speed |
|---|
| A160 CDI | 1998–2000 | 1.7L diesel (1689cc) | 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) | 158 km/h (98 mph) |
| A160 CDI | 2000–2004 | 1.7L diesel (1689cc) | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) | 163 km/h (101 mph) |
| A170 CDI | 1998–2000 | 1.7L diesel (1689cc) | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) | 175 km/h (109 mph) |
| A170 CDI | 2000–2004 | 1.7L diesel (1689cc) | 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) | 182 km/h (113 mph) |
| A140 | 1998–2004 | 1.4L petrol (1397cc) | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) | 170 km/h (106 mph) |
| A140 Auto | 2000–2004 | 1.6L petrol | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) | 166 km/h (103 mph) |
| A160 | 1998–2004 | 1.6L petrol (1598cc) | 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) | 182 km/h (113 mph) |
| A190 | 1999–2004 | 1.9L petrol (1898cc) | 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) | 198 km/h (123 mph) |
| A210 Evolution | 2002–2004 | 2.1L petrol (2084cc) | 103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) | 203 km/h (126 mph) |
Second generation (W169: 2004–2012)
The W169 is constructed with high-strength steel alloys with bonded joints. It has a large number of airbags including optional rear side airbags (for side-impacts in the backseats), optional side-curtain airbags, and standard head and thorax-protection side airbags. The front airbags are adaptive with two-stage gas generators operating according to the severity of accident. The force exerted by the seat belt system during a collision adapts dynamically depending upon the collision characteristics. The 'active' head restraints (standard for driver and front passenger) give enhanced protection from neck injury, especially during rear collisions.
The angle of the A-pillar is flatter than the windshield angle. The cargo capacity of the W169 was increased by 15 percent compared with the W168. Seven types of motors are available, and all are four-cylinders: four petrol (gasoline) (A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 Turbo) and three diesel (A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI) partnered with either five- or six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission system called "Autotronic Constantly Variable Transmission" (CVT) is an optional feature.
The petrol A 200 Turbo provides 193 hp (144 kW) and 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) of torque (rotational force); the diesel A200 CDI has 140 hp (104 kW) and 300 N·m (221 lb·ft). The most powerful model can take the car from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 218 km/h (135 mph). The newly developed direct-injection CDI diesel units use a common-rail direct injection system that improves fuel consumption and reduces exhaust emissions and noise levels.
All the engines meet the tight EU4 emissions limits. A particulate filter system is available as an option for the diesel units which reduces the particulate emissions by about 99% without the need for additives. The A-Class is a front wheel drive car and features traction control (ASR) as standard, as well as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Handling is improved by precision tracking and anti-roll support, and by a Parabolic Rear Axle. A "Selective Damping System", in which the shock absorber forces respond differently according to conditions, is standard. For example, under normal conditions it operates at soft absorption; while cornering at speed it changes to full damping force.
The W169 optionally comes with light-alloy wheels, with a run-flat feature, Tirefit tire sealant and a tire-pressure-loss warning device.
A four-day, seven-country tour which officially introduced the car culminated in an event in Milan, in the Castello Sforzesco, where all the touring units were received by a myriad of European personalities from music, fashion, sport and movies. Armani presented a fashion show and Christina Aguilera did a live performance of her song "Hello", composed exclusively for the occasion. The W169 advertising campaign included television spots with Christina Aguilera, Giorgio Armani and Boris Becker.
Sales of the W169 were targeted at 50,000 units in 2004. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, said that target had been reached even before vehicles arrived in dealer showrooms.Template:Ref required Japan models went on sale in 2005-02-04. Early models include 5-door right right drive versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance, A 200 Elegance.[9] 5-door right right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10
Mercedes A170
There has always been a great deal of potential in the A-Class. It’s flexible, spacious and very well built – and it looks different to mainstream family models, too. The highlight of this latest round of changes to the range is the stop-start system, which brings about some useful fuel savings. But performance isn’t particularly impressive and the baby Mercedes is still wooden to drive, with an uncomfortable ride and only average handling. Plus, even in basic Classic trim, it’s quite an expensive choice, at nearly £16,000. autoexpress.co.uk
Don’t worry, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. This really is Mercedes’ new A-Class. With subtly tweaked headlamps, bumpers and a restyled front grille, it doesn’t look a lot different to the model it replaces – but there are revisions underneath the skin that are much more significant.
These include the new fuel-saving stop-start system, called Blue Efficiency, which is available on the petrol A170 we drive. There’s also a fresh cabin and more safety kit. Do the changes finally put the A-Class on terms with the BMW 1-Series?
Well, the stop-start kit alone allows Mercedes to match its rival. Fitted to the four-cylinder petrol 1.7-litre, it operates smoothly, switching off the en-gine when you shift into neutral below 5mph while braking. As soon as the clutch is pressed or the middle pedal released, the engine frees up again.
This helps reduce fuel consumption from 42.8mpg to 46.3mpg, although CO2 output is unchanged at 157g/km. An ‘eco’ light on the dash tells you the system is active – it’s possible to turn off the stop-start function – plus there is a shift alert signalling the optimum point at which to change gear.
The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and offers reasonable performance in town. But on motorways, it becomes a little noisy.
As for the rest of the car, it’s business as usual. The suspension remains unchanged, the ride rather stiff, the steering is still imprecise and the seating position awkward, with not enough thigh support.
All-round visibility is great, though, and access to the high-mounted seats is easy. The dashboard is clean and functional, too. Other than revised fabrics, the interior is carried over, and it remains a quality affair.
Top-spec cars now have the option of a new ‘infotainment’ system, with hard disc sat-nav, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.
Safety equipment is improved, too. The brake lights flash if you have to do an emergency stop to warn following vehicles, while a new hill-hold system prevents the car rolling back when pulling away on slopes. What’s more, thanks to its twin-height boot, simple folding rear seats and big load area, the A-Class is as practical as ever.
Do these changes go far enough? Well, the 1-Series is still a better car, but the entry Mercedes is now more frugal – and thus more appealing.
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