- Innovative packaging makes for spacious and versatile interior
- Comprehensive safety equipment
- Suspension lacks compliance and is noisy
- Poor dynamics
- Jerky semi-automatic transmission
Review: Mercedes-Benz W168.I A-Class (1998-01)
Overview
Released in October 1998, the Mercedes-Benz W168 Series I (W168.I) A-Class was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Rastatt, Germany, the front-wheel drive W168 A-Class range initially consisted of the A 160 but was subsequently expanded with the introduction of the A 190 (September 1999) and A 140 (February 2000). The full range is given in the table below.
| Years | Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 140 | 2000-01 | Classic, Avantgarde |
1.4-litre petrol I4 (M166 E14) |
5sp auto, 5sp semi-auto |
60 kW at 4800 rpm | 130 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| A 160 | 1998-01 | Classic, Avantgarde |
1.6-litre petrol I4 (M166 E16) | 5sp auto, 5sp semi-auto |
75 kW at 5250 rpm | 150 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| A 190 | 1999-01 | Avantgarde | 1.9-litre petrol I4 (M166 E19) | 5sp auto, 5sp semi-auto |
92 kW at 5500 rpm | 180 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
The Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class was 3575 mm long, 1719 mm wide, 1575 mm tall and had a 2423 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the W168 A-Class had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with trailing links.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, seatbelt pre-tensioners for the front and outer rear seats and front seatbelt load limiters.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Mercedes-Benz W168 A 140 received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.26. In the frontal offset test, the driver’s head struck the steering wheel late in the impact and protection for the driver’s legs was rated as marginal.
Features: Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W168 A 140 Classic included a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, front fog lamps, removable 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, central locking, power mirrors, power-operated front windows and an immobiliser. The A 160 and A 190 were further equipped with a removable passenger seat.
The Avantgarde variants were distinguished by their 16-inch alloy wheels, partial leather trim, remote central locking and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.
Review: Mercedes-Benz W168.II A-Class (2001-04)
Overview
Released in July 2001, the Mercedes-Benz W168 Series II (W168.II) A-Class introduced a revised range, upgraded safety equipment and additional features. The A 140 was discontinued and, in November 2001, long wheelbase models were introduced. With the wheelbase extended by 170 mm (to 2593 mm), the long wheelbase models provided 60 mm more rear seat legroom and an additional 80 litres of luggage capacity.
Visually, the Mercedes-Benz W168.II A-Class could be identified by its clear glass headlights, new contoured bumper, extended lower air intake, radiator grille with four transverse fins (previously three), side rub strips, more angular front end and transparent lenses. Inside, the interior featured higher quality materials and a revised instrument panel and centre console.
| Variant | W/base | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 160 | Classic | Standard | 2001-04 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (M166 E16) | 5sp auto, 5sp semi-auto |
75 kW at 5250 rpm | 150 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| LWB | 2003-04 | ||||||
| Elegance | Standard | 2001-03 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (M166 E16) | 5sp auto, 5sp semi-auto |
75 kW at 5250 rpm | 150 Nm at 4000 rpm | |
| LWB | 2001-04 | ||||||
| A 190 | Elegance | Standard | 2001-03 | 1.9-litre petrol I4 (M166 E19) | 5sp auto, 5sp semi-auto |
92 kW at 5500 rpm | 180 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| LWB | 2001-04 |
Safety equipment
Compared to its W168.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W168.II A-Class was largely unchanged, although the brake assist and electronic stability control systems were upgraded. The A 160 was also equipped with rear disc brakes, while full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants) were introduced as an option.
Features: Mercedes-Benz W168.II A-Class
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W168.II A-Class were extended to include 15-inch alloy wheels, heated door mirrors and a three-spoke height-adjustable steering wheel.
The A-Class Elegance variants were further equipped with remote central locking, storage compartments under the front seats, powered rear windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, luggage nets on front seat backs, rear luggage cover, stainless steel door sill inserts and interior wood veneers. Visually, the Elegance variants could be identified by their body-coloured radiator grilles, door mirrors, door handles and rub strips (the latter with chrome inlays).
August 2003: A-Class update
In August 2003, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class underwent a minor update. Classic variants received new alloy designs wheels, remote central locking and a luggage compartment cover. Elegance variants were available with metallic paint as a no-cost option, while all models with metallic paint were fitted with rain-sensing wipers and a removable and height-adjustable front passenger seat.
An ‘Exclusive’ options package was also offered for Elegance variants, which added leather upholstery, heated front seats and rear parking sensors (‘Parktronic’).
2004 Mercedes-Benz A 160 Classic Piccadilly
In April 2004, a limited-run Piccadilly edition of the A 160 Classic was released. Compared to the standard A 160 Classic, the Piccadilly edition featured 16-inch five-spoke light alloy wheels, velour floor mats and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever.
Related links
