IN4RIDE: A-CLASS GOES UNDER THE KNIFE

Saturday 22 November 2008

A-CLASS GOES UNDER THE KNIFE

Editor: Thami Masemola

Following an extensive facelift, the successful compact car is younger and more attractive. The redesigned bumper reinforces this impression, its air intake at the bottom is noticeably larger, emphasising the width of the body. The radiator grille has also been redesigned to reinforce the progressive character of the A-Class.

Design elements at the front help differentiate the A-Class lines even more clearly than before. The AVANTGARDE line features a specially designed bumper that further emphasises the arrow shape of the front and symbolises even more agility. Individual wheel designs help differentiate the side view of the A-Class lines. While the ELEGANCE model comes with 16-inch light alloy wheels with 10-twin spoke design, the AVANTGARDE model comes with 16-inch light alloy wheels with a sporty 5-spoke design. The new, larger exterior mirror housings and the door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour on all model variants.

The rear of the A-Class is dominated by a modified bumper and new-look tail lights that extend well into the flanks. Both features ensure that the body looks wider and even more powerful.

Interior: large stowage compartments and new fabrics further upgrade the interior

Particular attention was paid to revamping the interior with a new range of high-grade upholstery fabrics and door trim to the A-Class.

Parking assist: ultrasound and electric steering make parking easier

A-Class owners will have assistance looking for a parking space and when reverse parking, courtesy of active parking assist, which is an option on all models. The car ‘finds’ parking space for the driver. The driver then simply needs to press the accelerator pedal and use the brake while the car steers itself into the parking spot.
A-Class now comes with automatic hill-start assist, which prevents the compact car from rolling backwards if the driver moves his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal when moving off on an uphill slope.

Panoramic sunroof

The optional, non-tilting nor opening panoramic sunroof makes the A-Class even lighter thanks to its large, grey-tinted laminated glass pane.

Audio: new units offer Bluetooth

As with all Mercedes-Benz models the Audio 20 is standard. This infotainment system is fitted with CD radio with 6 disc CD changer, radio with dual tuner, 5-inch colour display, Bluetooth interface with hands-free function, CD player, telephone keypad, AUX-in connection in the glove compartment, MP3 compatible and controls via the multifunction steering wheel.

The optional COMAND navigation system with hard-disc navigation has a 6.5-inch colour display with high-resolution map display and significantly enhanced LINGUATRONIC voice operated control system for navigation, radio, DVD player and telephone operation, music register, 4 GB hard disc space for storing audio files (MP3 and WMA). Files can be copied from a CD, DVD or memory card.

An optionally available media interface – the Universal Consumer Electronic Interface (UCI) – connects devices such as the iPod, USB sticks or hard discs to the A-Class audio and telematic systems, enabling them to be operated via the head units.

The new A-Class engines remain unchanged. The petrol line-up comprises the A 170 (85kW) and the A 200 (100kW). Or if you're looking for an agile diesel, there is the newly developed A 180 CDI (80kW) to choose from; the latter producing a decidedly impressive power curve.

All the engines are frugal when it comes to fuel consumption. The A 170 achieves a combined consumption rate of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, while the A 180 CDI is also economical with a combined rate of 5.2 litres. The secret is reduced friction losses in the engine, a high compression ratio and improved in-cylinder flow.

The standard 5-speed manual transmission is closely matched to the petrol engines. On the A 180 CDI, the standard fitted 6-speed manual transmission provides more involving driving.