Mercedes-Benz A-Class

| Germany: Rastatt | Brazil: Juiz de Fora (Mercedes-Benz Brazil) | Thailand: Samut Prakan () }} | Petrol: | 1.4 L M166 I4 | 1.6 L M166 I4 | 1.9 L M166 I4 | 2.1 L M166 I4 (turbo) | Diesel: | 1.7 L OM668 I4 CDI (turbo diesel) }} | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automated manual | 5-speed automatic }} | | (LWB) }} | | (LWB) }} }} History 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. Between 1997 and 2004, 1.1 million first generation A-Class models had been sold. Overall, Daimler lost €1,440 per vehicle produced. 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 longer wheelbase version. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show. Moose Test Issue/Recall The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "moose test" 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. The company spent DM 2.5 billion in developing the car, with a further DM 300 million to fix it. Engines 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. Safety Production 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. A210 EVOLUTION AMG originally considered a highly dynamic, supercharged flagship for the first-generation A-Class, but ultimately chose a more balanced concept that met the demands for comfort, everyday usability, and reliability. The result was the A210 EVOLUTION, derived from the A190 and offered exclusively in silver or black. As only the second Mercedes model to bear the “EVOLUTION” name and limited to 2,629 units, it is a rare and distinctly sporty-luxurious variant. It combined an enlarged M166 engine with extensive equipment—including leather/Alcantara upholstery, an AMG-style body kit, sports suspension, stainless-steel pedals, wide tyres, exclusive 17-inch wheels, and a unique dual-exit stainless-steel exhaust. Available in both short and long versions, the A210 EVOLUTION paired enhanced driving dynamics with the A-Class’s flexible interior concept, while many of its components could also be ordered individually and the Designo programme offered additional high-end customisation options. Mercedes-Benz A-Class "F-Cell" (2004–) concept It is a version of 5-door A-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with electric motor. It has a driving range of . 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. In 2007, the A-Class F-Cell were delivered to Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy. A DHL version of F-Cell was unveiled in FC EXPO 2008. Reception According to a 2008 British customer satisfaction survey by Which?, the A-Class with manufacture years between 1998 and 2004 came third from bottom out of 217 models surveyed with a score of 65 percent. == Second generation (W169; 2004) ==