Mercedes Benz A Class

Mercedes Benz A Class price tag is yet not decided but according to market speculations and the growing competition in hatchback segment provided by BMW, Audi and the in line Volkswagen Beetle the expected price range of Mercedes A Class would be around Rs 15 - 20 lakh. The ever increasing Indian economy will definitely set a profitable market after its launch. As this segment is by now untouched by Mercedes, hence a lot of homework is required before production could actually begin in India. 

 

2013 New A-Class is in the making and was recently unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This new A Class is altogether different from the earlier two generations and is expected to go on sales in Europe later this year. The following review is as per the details of the second generation car as the details of the new A Class are still unavailable.

Being a small car, the Mercedes A Class mileage is also better than its other siblings. The Mercedes Benz A Class diesel has the highest mileage of 23.8 kmpl on the highways, 16.3 kmpl in the city and a combined mileage of 20.4 kmpl. While the petrol driven model A 180 has a city mileage of 11.76 kmpl, highway mileage of 18.18 kmpl and a combined mileage of 15.15 kmpl. On the other hand the other more powerful 2034 cc engine A 200 has a city mileage of 11.49 kmpl, 17.85 kmpl on the highways and a combined mileage of 14.9 kmpl.

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Models	Mileage (City)	Mileage (Highway)
Mercedes Benz A Class Diesel	16.3 kmpl	23.8 kmpl
Mercedes Benz A Class Petrol	11.7 kmpl	18.2 kmpl
Mercedes Bena A Class Petrol 2.0L	11.4 kmpl	17.8 kmpl

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Models and features

Mercedes Benz A Class Models	Special Features
Mercedes Benz A 180	This is the entry level Mercedes car and it is powered by a 1.7 L petrol engine. This car will be the most affordable car in the A Class series in India and is expected to have a lot of features as standard including window airbags, cruise control and adjustable power steering besides power windows and a lot of other comfort and convenience features inside.
Mercedes Benz A 180 CDI	This is the diesel model of the A Class. This will be powered by a 1991 cc diesel engine with exceptional mileage of 23.8 kmpl on the highways. It will be available in a six speed manual transmission with an option to upgrade it to seven speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes Benz A 200	This will be the more powerful trim with a 2034 cc petrol engine under the hood. In addition to the powerful engine, this A Class car is expected to have an array of other features as well such as AVANTGARDE styling package, Alloy wheels 5-spoke design and ARTICO man-made leather/Bastogne fabric black on the inside. This will be the high end trim in petrol and will be offered with a variety of exterior and interior features besides a lot of safety features as well.

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Engine, Power and Performance

The Indian version of the Mercedes A Class is expected to be available in three engine options. The entry level offering is expected to be the A 180 petrol which will be powered by an 85 kW, 155 Nm engine. The engine is highly efficient and returns a combined mileage of 15.15 kmpl. Besides this engine is also low on pollution and confirms with Euro 5 emission norms. The average CO2 output of the 1699 cc engine is 157 g/km.

The other petrol option is the 2034 cc engine that outputs a peak power of 100 kW between 3500 – 4000 rpms and a maximum torque of 185 Nm. This engine is the most powerful in the A Class and outputs only 156 g/km of CO2.

The diesel engine that will be powering the A 180 CDI will be a 1991 cc engine that will output 80 kW at 4200 rpm. This engine will have a maximum torque capacity of 250 Nm and it is the least pollution car in its segment with only 128 g/km emissions.

The A Class is expected to be available in India in three transmission options. The A 180 and A 200 will have a 5 speed manual gearbox as standard while the A 180 CDi will have a six speed manual gearbox fitted in it. There is also an automatic seven speed gearbox optional and car buyers will have an option to switch to it at an extra cost.

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Pick Up and Acceleration

Two petrol and one diesel engine option will be available on the Mercedes Benz A Class hatchback. In the petrol engine option, the A 180 will be the entry level car and will have a decent power delivery with the 1699 cc engine under the hood. The A 180 is expected to have acceleration from 0 kmph to 100 kmph in just 10.9 seconds and will have a top speed of 188 kmph. On the other hand the more powerful 2034 cc powered A 200 petrol car will have an acceleration rate of 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 200 kmph.

The diesel engine of Mercedes Benz A Class which is a 1991 cc 80 kW will also have a decent pick up and acceleration. As per the similar models in sale in South Africa, the A 180 CDi as an acceleration of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 186 kmph.

Engine Type	Max. Power(kw / rpm)	Max. Torque(Nm / rpm)	Transmission	Pickup(0-100 in sec)	Top Speed(Km/ h)
1.7L, Pertol Engine	85	155	Automatic	10.9	188
2.1L, Pertol Engine	100/3500 – 4000	185	Automatic	9.8	200
2.0L, Diesel Engine	80	250	Automatic	10.8	186

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Exterior and Features

The A Class has a typical 5 – door hatchback styling and is the smallest of the Mercedes cars. This car is in operation since 1997 and initially it was sold as a multipurpose vehicle following its larger than hatchback proportions as well as big size apart from powerful engine line up. The A Class styling has evolved over the years and now it has entered the third generation recently with the unveiling of the new A Class at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Mercedes Benz A Class is completely different from the existing generation. It is expected that it is the new generation A Class that will be launched in India.

The present age A Class is a symbol of spacious nature and utility. The comparative small size than other Mercedes cars is deceptive as the A Class has lots of space for the occupants. Designed to appeal the senses, the exterior appearance of the A Class is a stand apart in class. The design fascinates and leaves a strong impression. The front of the car has a rising stature and the roof is curvy while the tailgate has a steep angle. The A Class exteriors are a combination of rounded as well as pronounced edges.

Overall the stance is upright and it seems to present a wide presence on the road despite of its relatively smaller proportions. The new A Class on the other hand has an extended wheelbase with a larger bonnet and roof. Designed in a one-box shape, the new A Class is completely different from the current generation car. The new Mercedes Benz A Class has restyled headlamps, new grille and new fenders and side lines. Interiors and Features The interiors of the A Class guarantee comfort in mobility. The interior has a seating for five people with lots of storage space at the rear. Even a long journey in the MPV like hatchback is as comfortable as the shorter one. The Mercedes Benz A Class interiors are made all the more pleasing with the presence of an array of equipments which include comfortable seats, powerful air conditioning and a steering wheel that has lots of controls on it.

The thermotronic automatic climate control air conditioning in the Mercedes Benz A Class takes care of the weather inside and keeps the environment inside cozy and comfortable for the occupants. In addition to this, there are dust and hazardous gas sensors that activate the system and thus keeps the inside of the car free from pollutants.

The A Class will also come with a comfort package that will have leather upholstery and front seat heating. The A 200 comes with Avantgarde comfort and styling package that makes it a must have. The steering wheel of the A Class is an all in one functional station in itself. Adorned by buttons that are used for controlling audio, making and receiving calls as well as for controlling the speed of the car; they help handling of the car far more easier than conventional manually operated cars.

The Mercedes Benz A Class interiors can seat 5 people comfortably and there is ample room for the head, leg and shoulder inside. With the ergonomically designed adjustable front seats and the steering, driving is a pleasure in A Class. For those who wish to store some tidbits, there is more than sufficient space inside the A Class.

 

Safety Features in Mercedes Benz A Class

The Mercedes Benz A Class is class apart in terms of safety. It has Adaptive brake lights to warn the traffic that the car has undergone panic braking. Brake Assist (BAS) on the other hand mitigates the risk of accidents in times of emergency braking. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) makes sure that brakes do not lock and wheels spin as soon as the brake pedal is released. Electronic Stability Program on the other hand keeps the car on track.

There is also an array of other safety features of Mercedes Benz A Class such as acceleration skid control (ASR), Tyre pressure loss warning system, high level of safe crumple zone, Airbags, Active head restraints, engine turns off automatically in an accident, the doors automatically unlock and the fuel supply is cut off and hazard warning lights and emergency interior lights are automatically activated.

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Driving and Handling

The second generation car is even more easier to drive and handle than the first generation was. Similarly, the third generation car that will be on sale this year end in Europe is also expected to be far more easier to handle and drive following its longer wheelbase and other improved features in it. Made to tackle any road condition, the Mercedes Benz A Class hatchback has a spring/damper system that takes care of bumps and improves handling. Besides there is also a speed sensitive power steering that comes with Steer Control system that is as sensitive at low speeds as it is at high speeds. In addition to this, the all disc brakes with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and BAS (Brake Assist) are standard on all A-Class models ensuring that the car brakes well.

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Accessories

There are lots of accessories available for the Mercedes Benz A Class. However, the A Class in itself is equipped of so many standard equipments that there is seldom a need for accessories. But for the sake of styling and convenience the A Class has a variety of interior Accessories available namely, Coolbag, Concertina load sill protector, Boot tub, Back Cushion, Non-slip mat, Stowage crate, Velour floor mats, DUO plus child seat, Additional interior mirror. The interiors come fitted with Audio 20 CD radio with 6 disc CD changer, MP3 playback, 5" color display, Bluetooth interface with hands-free function, Aux-in connection, phone keypad and 8 speakers.

 

Mercedes Benz A Class Conclusion

The A Class is only the smallest offering for the name only as it has practically practical and spacious interiors. The overall running cost of the car is low as per the Mercedes Benz A Class car user reviews. Safety is certainly at the priority with airbags, ABS, EBD and lots of other factors. The A 180 CDi diesel model that returns 23.8 kmpl is a worth buy when even diesel prices are ready to take a flight. These features certainly make it stand apart in comparison to its global rivals – Audi A2 and Volkswagen Golf Plus. In India at a price of Rs 15 lakh, the A Class will be an excellent option to Volkswagen Beetle and Mini Cooper Countryman.