Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. It has been marketed across four generations as a front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger, five-door hatchback, with a three-door hatchback offered for the second generation, as well as a saloon version for the fourth.

As the brand's entry-level vehicle, the first generation A-Class, internally coded W168, was introduced in 1997, the second generation (W169) in late 2004 and the third generation (W176) in 2012. The fourth generation model (W177), which was launched in 2018, marked the first time the A-Class was offered in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This fourth generation A-Class is also the first to be offered both as a hatchback (W177) and sedan (V177).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Styled by Steve Mattin and launched at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, the A-Class was noted for its short, narrow footprint, its overall height, and an interior volume and level of equipment competing with larger cars. The A-Class subsequently gained length and width over its successive generations, losing some of its height. Approximately 3.3 million A-Class models had been manufactured by the 2021 model year.

Template:AnchorFirst generation (W168; 1997)Edit

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HistoryEdit

In 1994, Mercedes-Benz confirmed that it would be launching a compact car - the A-Class (A 160) - by early 1997, and (A 190) by early 1999, which would be the company's first venture in this sector of the market; it was hinted at this stage that the new car would be shorter than the average supermini but as spacious and practical inside as a large family car.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The A-Class was presented to the motoring press late in 1996, and 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 but yet short body and Avantgarde at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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.<ref>europe.autonews.com/article/19970303/ANE/703030836/a-class-sets-new-record-for-mercedes</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Between 1997 and 2004, 1.1 million first generation A-Class models had been sold.<ref name="daimler1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Overall, Daimler lost €1,440 per vehicle produced.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The A-Class was facelifted in February 2001, with minor alterations to the headlights, front and rear bumper design and the addition of a new Template:Convert longer wheelbase version. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Moose Test Issue/RecallEdit

The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "moose test"<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> performed by the Swedish automobile publication Teknikens Värld. According to the report, the W168 overturned when manoeuvring to avoid the "moose". 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The company spent DM 2.5 billion in developing the car, with a further DM 300 million to fix it.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

EnginesEdit

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. Also two AMG versions were produced, a 3.2 in 2001 and a 3.8 in 2000, though very few of these were made.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Model	Years	Configuration	Displacement	Power	Torque	Top Speed	Fuel Consumption/Efficiency (EU-Norm combined)
Petrol engines
A 140	1997–2004	M 166 E 14	1397 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,750 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 140 L	2001–2004	M 166 E 14	1397 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,750 rpm	Template:Convert
A 140 Automatic	2000–2004	M 166 E 16 red.	1598 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 2,500 rpm	Template:Convert
A 140 L Automatic	2001–2004	M 166 E 16 red.	1598 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 2,500 rpm	Template:Convert
A 160	1997–2004	M 166 E 16	1598 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,250 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert
A 160 L	2001–2004	M 166 E 16	1598 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,250 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert
A 190	1999–2004	M 166 E 19	1898 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 190 L	2001–2004	M 166 E 19	1898 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 210 Evolution	2002 – 2004	M 166 E 21	2084 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 210 Evolution L	2002 – 2004	M 166 E 21	2084 cm³	Template:Convert at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 32K AMG (Prototype)	2002	M 112 E 32 ML Supercharged	3199 cm³	Template:Convert at 6,100 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,000–4,600 rpm	Template:Convert
A 38 AMG (Prototype)	1998	M 166 E 19 (two engines—front and rear)	3796 cm³ (2x 1898 cm³)	Template:Convert at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert
Diesel engines
A 160 CDI	1998–2001	OM668 DE 17 A red.	1689 cm³	Template:Convert at 3,600 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,500–2,400 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 160 CDI	2001–2004	OM 668 DE 17 LA red.		Template:Convert at 3,600 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,500–2,800 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 170 CDI	1998–2001	OM 668 DE 17 LA		Template:Convert at 4,200 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,600–3,200 rpm	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
A 170 CDI	2001–2004			Template:Convert at 4,200 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,600–3,600 rpm	Template:Convert
A 170 CDI L	2001–2004			Template:Convert at 4,200 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,600–3,600 rpm	Template:Convert

SafetyEdit

citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Score	Points
Overall:	N/A	N/A
Adult occupant:	Template:Rating	27

ProductionEdit

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 US$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. By May 2004 production stopped in Rastatt plant. In September 2005 Brazilian Juiz de Fora factory stopped production of A-Class cars.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Template:Anchor Mercedes-Benz A-Class "F-Cell" (2004–)Edit

File:Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell--DC.jpg

Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell concept

Template:See alsoIt is a version of 5-door A-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with Template:Convert electric motor. It has a driving range of Template:Convert.<ref name=":0">The A-Class and the drive of the future: F-Cell and HyPer</ref>

Three A-Class F-Cell cars were used in the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show for press shuttle service. On 18 June 2004, 4 production F-Cell vehicles were delivered to Deutsche Telekom and BEWAG/Vattenfall Europe in Berlin.<ref name=":1">History of fuel cell development at Mercedes-Benz Template:Webarchive</ref>

In 2007, the A-Class F-Cell were delivered to Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy.<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

A DHL version of F-Cell was unveiled in FC EXPO 2008.<ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

ReceptionEdit

According to a 2008 British satisfaction survey by Which?, the A-Class came third from bottom out of 217 models surveyed with a score of 65 percent.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Template:AnchorSecond generation (W169; 2004)Edit

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Initial releaseEdit

File:Mercedes-Benz C169 A150 Heck.JPG

Pre-facelift A 150 3-door

File:Mercedes A 150 Elegance (W169) rear 20100405.jpg

Pre-facelift A 150 Elegance 5-door

The W169 is constructed with high-strength steel alloys with bonded joints. Standard equipment included front as well as combined head and thorax-protection side airbags. The front airbags are adaptive with two-stage gas generators operating according to the severity of accident. Optionally rear side airbags (for side-impacts in the backseats) and side-curtain airbags were available.

The force exerted by the seat belt system during a collision adapts dynamically to collision characteristics. The 'active' head restraints (standard for driver and front passenger) reduce neck injury, especially in rear collisions.

The cargo capacity of the W169 was increased by 15 percent over the W168.

Seven four-cylinder engines were available: 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 Template:Convert and Template:Convert of torque (rotational force); the diesel A 200 CDI has Template:Convert and Template:Convert.

The most powerful engine achieved 0-Template:Convert in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of Template:Convert. The newly developed direct-injection CDI diesel units use a common-rail direct injection system that improves fuel consumption and reduces exhaust emissions and engine noise.

All the engines meet the tight EU4 emissions limits. A particulate filter system is available as an option for the diesel units to reduce 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.Template: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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 5-door right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Due to the body width being larger than 1700 mm, it could not be registered as small car in Japan. (See Vehicle size class#Japan)

2008 updateEdit

File:Mercedes-Benz A 180 CDI Elegance (W 169) – Innenansicht, 30. März 2011, Wülfrath.jpg

Pre-facelift interior

The W169 Model facelift changes included redesigned front and rear fascias and lights, and optional stop-start function on A 150 and 170 models.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Active Park Assist enables the car to parallel park itself, with only throttle and brake inputs required from the driver.

The five-door Hatchback and the three-door Coupé vehicles debuted in spring 2008, alongside the refreshed 2009 M-Class and B-Class.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Early models include A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI, A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 TURBO.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Japan models went on sale in late August 2008. Early models 5-door versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Japan models of A 170 was renamed to A 180 in August 2009.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

A-Class Special Edition 2009 (2009)Edit

The Special Edition is a limited (5500 units) version for all model variants of the A-Class. It includes the 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Template:Anchor Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL (2010)Edit

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL was introduced in September 2010 and debuted at the October 2010 Paris Motor Show.<ref name=GCCECel0>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The E-Cell has a range of Template:Convert capable of developing a peak output of Template:Convert, a continuous power rating of Template:Convert 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 Template:Convert.<ref name=GCCECel0/><ref name=ABlog10>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tesla Motors, as part of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, built electric powertrain components for the E-Cell. The 36 kWh battery contains approximately 4,000 individual lithium-ion cells.<ref name=GCCECel0/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=NYT0810>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name=GCCECel0/><ref name=ABlog10/>

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.<ref name=GCCECel0/><ref name=ABlog10/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

A 180 Final Edition (2012)Edit

The Final Edition is a limited (300 units) version of 5-door righthand drive A 180 for the Japanese 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 headlights and headlight washer, cornering lights, fog lamps (front/rear), rain sensor, sun visor with illuminating mirror, anti-glare mirrors, 'Final Edition' emblem, and floor mats with 'Final Edition' silver logo plates.

The vehicle went on sale on 28 May 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Technical dataEdit


Specification	A 160 CDI	A 180 CDI	A 200 CDI	A 150	A 170	A 200	A 200 Turbo
Length	Template:Convert
Width	Template:Convert
Height	Template:Convert
Wheelbase	Template:Convert
Luggage (l)	435–1995
(3 doors)	435–1485
Empty weight (5-doors)	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert		Template:Convert
(3 doors)	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert		Template:Convert
Tank Capacity	Template:Convert
Tank Reserve	Template:Convert
Cylinders	diesel 4/in-line 4-valv/cyl - Gasoline 4/in-line 2-valv/cyl
Displacement cc	1991	1991	1991	1498	1699	2034	2034
Engine	2.0L Turbo Diesel			1.5L Petrol	1.7L Petrol	2.0 Petrol	2.0 Turbo Petrol
Fuel per 100 km	4.9L	5.2L	5.4L	6.2L	6.6L		7.2L
Rated Output kW/hp/PS (rpm)	60/80/82 (4200)	80/107/109 (4200)	103/138/140 (4200)	70/94/95 (5200)	85/114/116 (5500)	100/134/136 (5750)	142/190/193 (4850)
Rated Torque	Template:Convert (1400–2600)	Template:Convert (1600–2600)	Template:Convert (1600–2600)	Template:Convert (3500–4000)	Template:Convert (3500–4000)	Template:Convert (3500–4000)	Template:Convert (1800–4850)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (sec)	15.0	10.8	9.5	12.6	10.9	9.9	8.0
Top Speed	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
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	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
Width	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
Height	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
Wheelbase	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	Template:Convert
VDA boot capacity L	435–1370	470–1180	390–1040

ProductionEdit

As of 4 December 2006, 371,700 second generation A-Class units had been sold since September 2004, making it a total of 1,500,000 A-Class produced at DaimlerChrysler's Rastatt plant in ten years.<ref name="daimler1"/>

As of 26 June 2009, the 750,000th second generation A-Class vehicle was built at the Rastatt plant.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

As of 1 February 2012, 1 million second generation A-Class vehicles had been delivered since autumn 2004.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2021, the Mercedes A-Class achieved the title of 4th best-selling car in the UK having achieved a total of 30,710 registrations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Template:AnchorThird generation (W176; 2012)Edit

Template:Infobox automobile {{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The model was introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show officially as a subcompact executive / C-segment model for the first time after being a supermini / B-segment for fifteen years.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This model does not offer a 3-door model, due to the decreasing popularity of 3-door models and its larger size.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The W176 was available in some markets from September 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Models in the Japanese market went on sale in January 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The design for the third generation of A-Class was based on the 2011 Concept A-Class and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The facelifted model of the W176 was presented in Q3 2015. Orders for the facelifted model had started in July 2015, and mass production started in September. The facelift had added updated lights, technology, and models.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The model was initially built exclusively in Rastatt. However, from late 2013 it was also built in Uusikaupunki, Finland for certain countries.<ref name="Finland">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mercedes-Benz A 180 Urban (W 176) – Heckansicht, 30. November 2014, Ratingen.jpg

Rear view
Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport (W 176) – Innenraum, 13. April 2013, Düsseldorf.jpg

Interior

Fourth generation (W177; 2018)Edit

Template:Infobox automobile {{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The W177 hatchback was launched in 2018 as the successor to the W176 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and sales commenced in March 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It is available as a 5-door hatchback (W177 model code), 4-door sedan (V177),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and a long-wheelbase sedan exclusive to China (Z177).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In North America, the hatchback is available in Canada and Mexico, but in the US, only the sedan is available.

The fourth generation A-Class hatchback was unveiled to media in February 2018 in Amsterdam ahead of its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> At launch Mercedes-Benz revealed the vehicle's "predator face", which is also implemented in the C257 CLS and C118 CLA, which will not spread throughout the brand's entire range of cars.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mercedes-Benz A 180 Progressive (W 177) – h 16032019.jpg

Rear view
Mercedes-Benz A 200 Monrepos 2018 IMG 0081.jpg

Interior

SalesEdit

Year	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
1997	6,184
1998	118,058
1999	177,275
2000	168,897
2001	161,962
2002	149,327
2003	130,051
2004	126,294
2005	173,548
2006	148,001
2007	136,349
2008	125,671
2009	109,568
2010	106,983
2011	88,025
2012	70,108
2013	131,258
2014	121,231	4,676
2015	119,475	3,629
2016	141,800	4,335
2017	143,550	4,768
2018	153,882	4,175
2019	198,926	4,689
2020	158,955	6,054
2021	118,439	3,793
2022