Mercedes-Benz A 140 W168
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Power: 82 hp
Engine Displacement: 1,397 cm3
Number of Cylinders/Valves: 4/2
Weight: 1,090 kg
Condition: excellent
Catalog Number: 16
Introduction
With the introduction of the A-Class in 1997, Mercedes-Benz entered the compact car segment with a vehicle that featured innovative design, a fresh look, and all the qualities that belong to a Mercedes. Nothing smaller has ever been produced under this brand, and it probably never will be again.
Development
The desire for a car with very small exterior dimensions but all Mercedes-Benz values began to take shape in the early 1990s. Mercedes-Benz introduced the so-called sandwich principle, where the body is divided into two horizontal layers: the powertrain is placed in front and below the floor panel, so in the event of a collision it moves downwards and does not intrude into the interior.
Technical Specifications
Two models, the A 140 and A 160 with petrol engines, were the first A-Class variants introduced in October 1997. The A 140 had a 1,397 cm3 engine producing 82 hp (60 kW), while the A 160 with a 1,598 cm3 engine generated 102 hp (75 kW). Top speeds were 170 km/h and 182 km/h, respectively.
The A-Class lineup followed the proven concept of different design and equipment lines. In 1997, three variants were available – Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde. These three design and equipment lines were presented at the 57th International Motor Show in Frankfurt several weeks before the market launch.
All series shared a comprehensive standard equipment package. Compared to the basic Classic version, the Elegance offered a number of optional extras related to the interior and exterior: alloy wheels, radiator grille and exterior mirror covers painted in the body color, chrome inserts on door handles, and two-tone rear light covers. Avantgarde was the technically progressive model variant, featuring alloy wheels with wide tires, a silver-painted radiator grille and exterior mirror covers painted in the body color, and monochromatic rear light lenses.
More than 20 technical innovations were incorporated in the model range that were previously unavailable in this category of cars. The newly developed and implemented unique sandwich body concept, where the engine and transmission are placed in front and below the passenger space, had many advantages. In the event of a frontal collision, the powertrain unit submerged beneath the passenger compartment in the A-Class. The model achieved safety levels of larger Mercedes sedans despite a vehicle length of only 3.57 meters (about 50 centimeters shorter than comparable competitors) and a weight of just 1,090 kilograms.
In terms of passive safety, the model line reached practically the same level as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Besides the sandwich principle, standard installed restraint systems specially adapted to the A-Class concept with short deformation zones contributed to this result. These included full airbags for the driver and front passenger, seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters on front and outer rear seats. Since February 1998, electronic stability program (ESP) and automatic brake assist system (BAS) have been standard equipment in the A-Class, placing the model at the top of its market segment.
The choice of powertrain systems for the A-Class was expanded in 1998 with two diesel models. The A 160 CDI and A 170 CDI, with fuel consumption of 4.5 and 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (according to NEDC methodology), respectively, were among the most environmentally friendly cars worldwide. The diesel A-Class models featured new common rail direct injection (CDI), which significantly reduced fuel consumption combined with dynamic handling and smooth operation compared to older diesel engines. The Öko-Trend Institute in Wuppertal, Germany, awarded the A 160 CDI the title “Most ecological German car.”
The year 2001 was characterized not only by the introduction of the long-wheelbase version but also by improvements to the A-Class. This upgrade enhanced the true bestseller: since production began in 1997, Mercedes-Benz had sold over 550,000 units of the model series, and the A-Class was among the best-selling cars in its category in Germany and other European countries.
From spring 2001, the model was available at dealers with new body elements, new interior materials, more powerful CDI engines, and ESP with hydraulic brake assist. The facelift was especially noticeable in the revised front and rear design. Fresh design elements emphasized the model’s dynamics. The new design included updated bumpers front and rear and a radiator grille with four slats instead of three. Thanks to these changes, the body appeared wider and more athletic, and the A-Class also received clear glass headlights.
The interior featured a redesigned cockpit equipped in part with new materials, some borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Engineers and designers modified or redesigned about 980 components of the innovative vehicle. The fourth generation of ESP® collaborated for the first time with an even more powerful hydraulic brake assist. The A-Class thus provided the latest and most effective dynamic driving system as standard at that time.
More than 1.1 million first-generation A-Class cars were produced in total.
