The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is known as the Baby-Benz because it is a supermini car. The first generation, the W168, was available in 1997 and with an updated appearance in the W169 in 2004. The
Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available in both three and five door hatchback varieties. While some love the Mercedes-Benz A-Class others believe that the A-Class has taken some of the prestige away from the Mercedes-Benz name.
The W168 A-Class began in 1997 and became the first front wheel drive passenger car from Mercedes-Benz. More than one million vehicles have been sold to date. The W168 offered the frontal-impact absorption system which would keep the engine from sliding into the passengers in a serious front crash, instead it would slide under the floor. The W168 became famous because in a test the vehicle actually overturned, prompting Mercedes-Benz to recall all of the units sold at that time. Mercedes-Benz eventually added stability control and the car was re-released. The new tighter suspension provides the W168 with a very firm ride and it can be very bumpy at times.
The second generation of the A-Class rolled off the assembly lines in 2004 in the form of the W169. To avoid another safety test failure the car was constructed with steely alloy and bonded joints. The W169 also offers airbags which includes optional rear side airbags. The seats in the W169 can also be moved for more cargo space, if needed which is a great feature for some consumers.
There are seven types of motors available for the A-Class vehicles. Four of the engines are for gasoline and the other three are disel. All of the engines are four cylinder and have either five or six gears. The engines in the 169 are said to provide a 40% increase in power and a 10% decrease in fuel consumption compared to the W168 engines. Though the second generation was much improved, the A-Class ceased being produced in 2005.
