Mercedes-Benz A-Class
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | |
|---|---|
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Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sport AMG Line (W176)
| |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Production | 1997–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation (W168) was introduced in 1997, the second generation model (W169) appeared in late 2004, and the third generation model (W176) was launched in 2012.
Originally launched only as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback. 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)
| W168 | |
|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz A 140
| |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1997–2004 1999–2005 (Brazil) |
| Assembly | Germany: Rastatt Brazil: Juiz de Fora Thailand: Thonburi (TAAP) |
| Designer | Steve Mattin (1994) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
Petrol
1.7 OM668 (44, 55, 66 and 70 kW)1.4 M166 (60 kW) 1.6 M166 (60 and 75 kW) 1.9 M166 (92 kW) 2.1 M166 (102 kW) Diesel |
| Transmission |
5-speed manual
5-speed Semi-automatic5-speed Automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,423 mm (95.4 in) 2,593 mm (102.1 in) (LWB) |
| Length | 3,606 mm (142.0 in) 3,780 mm (148.8 in) (LWB) |
| Width | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,587 mm (62.5 in) |
History
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.
This was the first complete exterior designed by Coventry University trained Steve Mattin, for which he was named Autocar magazine's 'Designer of the Year'. Earlier, Mattin had mostly worked on design for the W210 E-Class in 1991. Concurrent to the W168, he designed the exterior of the W220 S-Class. The final design freeze occurred in January 1995, at 32 months before August 1997 start of production.[1][2]
The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "elk test"[3] 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 controland modifying the suspension.[4] 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.[6]
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.
Engines
All A-Class models are powered by four-cylinder engines, with 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol models at launch (M 166 series), followed by two versions of a 1.7 L diesel engine (OM 668 series). In 1999, a larger 1.9 L petrol model was added, with the 2.1 the last W168 version to be launched in 2002.
| Fuel | Model | Year | Code | Motorname | Motorcode | Displacement | Rated Power | Torque | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | A 140 | 1997–2004 | 168.031 | M 166 E 14 | 166.940 | 1397 cm³ | 60 kW (82 PS) @ 5000/min | 130 Nm @ 3750/min | 170 km/h (106 mph) |
| A 140 (Automatik) | 2000–2004 | 168.031 | M 166 E 16 red. | 166.960 red. | 1598 cm³ | 60 kW (82 PS) @ 5000/min | 140 Nm @ 2500/min | 166 km/h (103 mph) | |
| A 160 | 1997–2004 | 168.033 | M 166 E 16 | 166.960 | 1598 cm³ | 75 kW (102 PS) @ 5250/min | 150 Nm @ 4000/min | 182 km/h (113 mph) | |
| A 190 | 1999–2004 | 168.032 | M 166 E 19 | 166.990 | 1898 cm³ | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5500/min | 180 Nm @ 4000/min | 198 km/h (123 mph) | |
| A 210 Evolution | 2002–2004 | 168.035 | M 166 E 21 | 166.995 | 2084 cm³ | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 5500/min | 205 Nm @ 4000/min | 203 km/h (126 mph) | |
| Diesel | A 160 CDI | 1998–2001 | 168.007 | OM 668 DE 17 A red. | 668.941 | 1689 cm³ | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 3600/min | 160 Nm @ 1500–2400/min | 158 km/h (98 mph) |
| A 160 CDI (Modellpflege) | 2001–2004 | 168.006 | OM 668 DE 17 LA red. | 668.940 red. | 1689 cm³ | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 3600/min | 160 Nm @ 1500–2800/min | 163 km/h (101 mph) | |
| A 170 CDI | 1998–2001 | 168.008 | OM 668 DE 17 LA | 668.940 | 1689 cm³ | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 4200/min | 180 Nm @ 1600–3200/min | 175 km/h (109 mph) | |
| A 170 CDI (Modellpflege) | 2001–2004 | 168.009 | OM 668 DE 17 LA | 668.942 | 1689 cm³ | 70 kW (95 PS) @ 4200/min | 180 Nm @ 1600–3600/min | 182 km/h (113 mph) |
Safety
| Test | Score | Points |
| Overall: | N/A | N/A |
| Adult occupant: |   | 27 |
|
Production
DaimlerChrysler invested EUR 900 million in developing the Rastatt plant where the A-Class is produced, and created 1600 new jobs (for a total of 4700). A further 600 people work in the office building at the plant site.
Mercedes-Benz began W168 production on 17 February 1999 at its new Brazilian facility in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The Brazilian plant was the company's first factory in South America dedicated to passenger cars, with an investment of USD 840 million and 10,000 employees. The factory initially produced A-Class and C-Class models, assembling them from pieces manufactured in Germany. The target for the cars was regional markets (from Argentina to Mexico) with modifications made to the cars to suit local conditions, like a protection for the motor base. On 15 August 2005 the factory stopped production of A-Class cars.
Second generation (W169; 2004–2013)
| W169 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Production | 2004–2012 |
| Assembly | Germany: Rastatt Thailand: Thonburi Automotive Assembly[10] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,568 mm (101.1 in) |
| Length | 3,838 mm (151.1 in) (2004) 3,883 mm (152.9 in) (2008) |
| Width | 1,764 mm (69.4 in) |
| Height | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) |
Initial release
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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) oftorque (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.
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.[citation needed]
Japan models went on sale in 2005-02-04. Early models include 5-door right drive versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance, A 200 Elegance.[11] 5-door right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10.[12] Due to the body width was larger than 1700mm, it could not be registered as small car in Japan. (SeeVehicle size class#Japan)
A-Class Special Edition 2009 (2009–)
It is a limited (5500 units) version for all model variants of the A-Class vehicles. It includes BlueEfficiency package, black radiator louvres, 16-inch titanium silver light-alloy wheels in a new 9-spoke design (tyre size 195/55 R16), a "Special Edition" badge on the mirror triangle, two-tone colour scheme in black and grey, Audio 20 radio with CD player and Bluetooth hands-free system and the Light and Sight package with a rain sensor, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, an illuminated vanity mirror in the sun visor, separately adjustable reading lights in the rear, a reading light for the driver and illuminated front foot wells, Seating Comfort package (height-adjustable front passenger seat, seat cushion angle adjustment and lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger). Standard exterior features also include fog lamps and a free choice of metallic paint finish.[22]
Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL (2010–)
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL was introduced in September 2010 and debuted at the October 2010 Paris Motor Show.[23][24] The E-Cell has a range of 200 kilometres (120 mi) capable of developing a peak output of 70 kW (94 hp), a continuous power rating of 50 kW (67 hp) and a maximum torque of 290 N·m (214 lb·ft). The Mercedes A-Class E-Cell can accelerate from 0–60 km/h (37 mph) in 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).[23][25]
Tesla Motors, as part of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, is building electric powertrain components for the E-Cell. The 36 kWh battery contains approximately 4,000 individual lithium-ion cells.[23][26][27] Mercedes has developed a modular system for electric vehicles with battery and fuel-cell. This system allows the efficient use of shared parts in all the brand's electric vehicles. Thanks to the modular approach the electric drive of the A‑Class E‑Cell is also used in the B‑Class F‑Cell, and the energy storage units in the A‑Class EV are the same as the battery in the Smart fortwo electric drive.
A limited production of 500 A-Class E-Cell electric cars will be built, for trial purposes, at the Mercedes Rastatt plant, near Stuttgart beginning in September 2010. As part of a demonstration program, the cars will be leased to selected customers in several European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Daimler is not planning to sell the electric version outside Europe.
A 180 Final Edition (2012–)
It is a limited (300 units) version of 5-door right drive A 180 for Japan market. It included calcite white body colour, black interior colour, sport package (chrome exhaust tip, 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, chrome iridium silver front grille, stainless acceleration and brake pedals with rubber stud, leather wrapped sport steering wheel and silver shift knob, silver meter panel), bi-xenon headlight and headlight washer, cornering lights, fog lamp (front/rear), rain sensor, sun visor with illuminating mirror, anti-glare mirror, 'Final Edition' emblem, floor mat with 'Final Edition' silver logo plate.
The vehicle went on sale in 2012-05-28.
Technical data
| Specification | A160 CDI | A180 CDI | A200 CDI | A155 | A170 | A200 | A200 Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,838 mm (151.1 in) | ||||||
| Width | 1,764 mm (69.4 in) | ||||||
| Height | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) | ||||||
| Wheelbase | 2,568 mm (101.1 in) | ||||||
| Luggage (l) | 435–1995 | ||||||
| (3 doors) | 435–1485 | ||||||
| Empty weight (5-doors) | 1,325 kg (2,921 lb) | 1,345 kg (2,965 lb) | 1,365 kg (3,009 lb) | 1,225 kg (2,701 lb) | 1,240 kg (2,734 lb) | 1,305 kg (2,877 lb) | |
| (3 doors) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) | 1,320 kg (2,910 lb) | 1,340 kg (2,954 lb) | 1,195 kg (2,635 lb) | 1,210 kg (2,668 lb) | 1,275 kg (2,811 lb) | |
| Tank Capacity | 54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal) | ||||||
| Tank Reserve | 6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal) | ||||||
| Cylinders | 4/in-line 4-valv/cyl | ||||||
| Displacement cc | 1991 | 1991 | 1991 | 1498 | 1699 | 2034 | 2034 |
| Engine | 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Diesel | 1.5L Petrol | 1.7L Petrol | 2.0 Petrol | 2.0 Petrol |
| Fuel per 100 km | 4.9L | 5.2L | 5.4L | 6.2L | 6.6L | 7.2L | |
| Rated Output kW/ hp/ PS(rpm) | 60/82/83 (4200) | 80/109/111 (4200) | 103/140/142 (4200) | 70/95/96 (5200) | 85/116/118 (5500) | 100/134/136 (5750) | 142/193/196 (4850) |
| Rated Torque | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) (1400–2600) | 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) (1600–2600) | 300 N·m (221 lb·ft) (1600–2600) | 140 N·m (103 lb·ft) (3500–4000) | 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) (3500–4000) | 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) (3500–4000) | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) (1800–4850) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h (sec) | 15.0 | 10.8 | 9.5 | 12.6 | 10.9 | 8.0 | |
| Top Speed km/h | 165 km/h (103 mph) | 184 km/h (114 mph) | 202 km/h (126 mph) | 173 km/h (107 mph) | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 195 km/h (121 mph) | 218 km/h (135 mph) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual | |
| Wheels | 6j x 15 | 6j x 15 | 6j x 16 | 6j x 15 | 6j x 15 | 6j x 16 | 6j x 16 |
| Tires | 185/65R15 | 185/65R15 | 195/55R16 | 185/65R15 | 185/65R15 | 195/55R16 | 195/55R16 |
| Specification | W169 (5 door) | W168 (long wheelbase) | W168 (standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| length | 3,838 mm (151.1 in) | 3,776 mm (148.7 in) | 3,606 mm (142.0 in) |
| width | 1,764 mm (69.4 in) | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) |
| height | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) | 1,589 mm (62.6 in) | 1,575 mm (62.0 in) |
| wheelbase | 2,568 mm (101.1 in) | 2,593 mm (102.1 in) | 2,423 mm (95.4 in) |
| VDA boot capacity L | 435–1370 | 470–1180 | 390–1040 |
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