 |
|
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Production | 1997–present |
| Class | Supermini (1997-2012) Small family car (2012-present) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
First generation
W168: 1997–2004)
Facelifted Mercedes-Benz A 140 |
|
| Production | 1997–2004 1999–2005 (Brazil) |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Germany: Rastatt Brazil: Juiz de Fora Thailand: Thonburi (TAAP) |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase | 2,423 mm (95.4 in) 2,593 mm (102.1 in) |
| Length | 3,606 mm (142.0 in) |
| Width | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,587 mm (62.5 in) |
| Designer(s) | Steve Mattin (1994) |
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 distribution until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension.
Mercedes-Benz facelifted the W168 in 2001.
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 on the industrial estate (palatial estates for upper management) 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.
| Test | Score | Points |
| Overall: | N/A | N/A |
| Adult occupant: |   |
27 |
Vmax A140, 1397 cm3, 60 kW is about 170 km/h.[3][4][5]
|
Second generation (W169: 2004–2012)
 |
|
| Production | 2004–2012 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Germany: Rastatt Thailand: Thonburi (TAAP) |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT automatic |
| 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) |
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.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class “F-Cell” (2003-)
See also: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell
The "e-mobility Berlin" project will see Daimler deploy a fleet of over 100 second-generation Smart ED and Mercedes A-Class cars powered by lithium ion batteries.2008 update
- Front end: redesigned headlamps, radiator grille and bumper
- Side aspect: redesigned exterior mirrors and wheels
- Rear end: redesigned tail lights and bumper
- Interior: new upholstery fabrics
- AVANTGARDE with new decorative trim
- Headlamp assist and luggage cover as standard
- ESP with automatic start-off assist
- Ambient and warning lights in the tailgate
- Adaptive, flashing brake lights
- Crash-responsive emergency lighting as standard in the interior
- ECO start-stop function optional for A 150 and A 170
- A 160 CDI Coupé with BlueEFFICIENCY package
- Active parking assist as an optional extra
- New infotainment units with many additional functions
- Surround-sound system on request
- COMAND APS with HDD navigation and voice control
- Interactive media interface for external audio units on request
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.
|
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.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. 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).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. 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.[12][14][17]
Third generation (W176: 2012–)
|
|
| Production | 2012- |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2013-present |
| Assembly | Rastatt, Germany Kecskemét, Hungary Uusikaupunki, Finland Aguascalientes, Mexico |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W176 |
| Engine | 1.6 L M270 I4 Turbocharged
2.0 L M270 I4 Turbocharged
1.5 L OM607 Diesel I4
1.8 L OM651 Diesel I4 2.2 L OM651 Diesel I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 7-speed automatic |
| 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) |
| Designer(s) | Mark Fetherston (2008) |
The vehicles were available in dealerships beginning in September 2012.
Design
Design of the new A-Class is more dynamic and focused on younger people compared with its predecessor, now designed to be a direct competitor to the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3. The radically new design that first appeared on Concept A-Class at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, has changed only in details such as lights, bumpers and mirrors. The design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class reflects the new Mercedes-Benz design strategy.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 45 AMG (2013-)
It included a AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, AMG sports suspension with independently developed front and rear axles, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system and 3-stage ESP with "SPORT Handling" mode.The vehicle would be unveiled in first quarter of 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment