| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | |
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Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sport AMG Line (W176)
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Production | 1997–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact Car |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
First generation (W168: 1997–2004)
| W168 | |
|---|---|
Facelifted Mercedes-Benz A 140
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| 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 |
| 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.
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.
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.
| 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) |
Safety
| Test | Score | Points |
| Overall: | N/A | N/A |
| Adult occupant: |   | 27 |
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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: 2004–2012)
| W169 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Production | 2004–2012 |
| Assembly | Germany: Rastatt Thailand: Thonburi Automotive Assembly[8] |
| 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 airbagsincluding 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. Acontinuously 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. 5-door right right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class “F-Cell” (2004-)
It is a version of 5-door A-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) electric motor. It has a driving range of 160 km (99 mi).
Three A-Class F-Cell cars were used in 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show for press shuttle service. On June 18, 2004, 4 production F-Cell vehicles were delivered to Deutsche Telekom and BEWAG/Vattenfall Europe in Berlin.
In 2007, the A-Class F-Cell were delivered to Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy.
A DHL version of F-Cell was unveiled in FC EXPO 2008.
2008 update
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The W169 Model facelift changes included redesigned front and rear bumpers and lights, and stop-start function option on A 150 and 170 models. The new-generation A-Class - Model facelift changes at a glance (Selection): New features in the A-Class</ref> Active Park Assist enables the car to parallel park itself, with only throttle and brake inputs required from the driver.
The five-door Saloon and the three-door Coupé vehicles were unveiled in spring 2008, alongside the refreshed 2009 M-Class and B-Class. Early models include A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI, A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 TURBO.
Japan models went on sale in 2008-08-20. Early models 5-door versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance.Japan models of A 170 was renamed to A 180 in 2009-08-24.
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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.
Third generation (W176: 2012–)
The production version of the third generation of A-Class vehicles was based on the Concept A-Class, and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show,and later in 2012 Paris Motor Show.| W176 | |
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Mercedes-Benz A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Urban
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| Overview | |
| Production | 2012- |
| Model years | 2013-present |
| Assembly | Rastatt, Germany Kecskemét, Hungary Uusikaupunki, Finland Aguascalientes, Mexico |
| Designer | Mark Fetherston (2009) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W176 |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246) Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 L OM651 Diesel I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 7-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,699 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,292 mm (169.0 in) |
| Width | 1,780 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | 1,433 mm (56.4 in) |
The vehicles were available in dealerships beginning in 15 September 2012. Early models include A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY, A 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (OM 607/OM 651), A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. A 160 CDI was available to order from July 2013 and arrive at dealerships in September 2013.
Japan models went on sale in 2013-01-17. Early models include A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sports, A 250 SPORT.
It is drastically larger than previous two generations of the A-Class, with a total length of 4,292 mm (169.0 in), making it part of the superior small family car segment for the first time.
Design
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The third generation A-Class is designed to be a direct competitor to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. It is intended to be more dynamic than its predecessor and is focused on younger owners. The design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class reflects the current Mercedes-Benz design strategy. It first appeared on Concept A-Class at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, and has changed only in details such as lights, bumpers and mirrors.
Concept A-Class (2011)
It is a 3-door concept vehicle for the upcoming A-Class. It included M270 four-cylinder gasoline engine rated 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp), radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, exterior design from Mercedes-Benz F800 Style, radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver hexagons on black stems, full-LED high-performance headlamps consist of 90 optical fibers with aluminum sleeves which are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp, dashboard in shape of an aircraft wing and a translucent, stretchable fabric lining, shape of the air vents in the dashboard inspired by jet aircraft, prominent dials in the instrument cluster are in red, smartphone.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2011 New York Auto Show, followed by 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.
Driving school package (2012-)
Designed for the RoadSense programme, basic driving school package includes adaptation of the cockpit to accommodate the twin sets of pedals, a control switch in the centre console for driver's footwell illumination and warning signal for the twin sets of pedals, twin rearview mirrors, adaptation of the floor covering in the driver's and front passengers' footwells for the twin sets of pedals, the Light and Sight package, the Seat Comfort package.
Overall driving school package also includes the twin sets of pedals. The package is also part of the special A-Class "toBE" model.
Delivery of A-Class "toBE" model began from January 2013.
A 250 Sport (2012-)
It is a version of A 250 BlueEfficiency with AMG Sport appointment line, 18-inch high-gloss black AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R 18 tyres, red-painted brake callipers, modified exhaust system.
The vehicle went on sale in fourth quarter of 2012.
A 180 BlueEfficiency Edition Next, A 180 BlueEfficiency Sports Edition Next (2013-)
They are limited (100 units each) versions of A 180 BlueEfficiency for Japan market. A 180 BlueEfficiency Edition Next includes Jupiter red body colour, leather twin black interior upholstery, 17-inch 5-twin-spoke wheels, leather wrapped sports steering wheel. A 180 BlueEfficiency Sports Edition Next includes Polar silver body colour, leather Dinamica black interior upholstery, AMG design exterior, 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke wheels, AMG sports steering wheel, memory full power driver seat, privacy glass at rear left/right/luggage room, black door mirror.
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency Edition, A 180 BlueEfficiency Edition (2013-)
They are versions of A 180 vehicles with lower fuel consumptions, by lowering drag coefficient to 0.26, additional aerodynamic optimisation measures include, the partial covering of the upper section of the radiator grille, aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings that improve the flow of air along the underbody at the rear axle, lowering suspension by 15 millimetres. Other changes include revised generator management system, manual transmission with longer gear ratios in the higher gears, round LED daytime running lamps set into the bumper (excluding vehicles with bi-xenon headlamps or the Intelligent Light System).
The vehicles went on sale on 1 February 2013, while the first vehicles will reach customers in March 2013.
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