Mercedes-Benz A-class

   

Face-lifted Mercedes-Benz A-class matures

DaimlerChrysler Press release

01 August, 2001

With an updated design, the high-quality aura typical of the brand and even more technical innovations, the successful Mercedes-Benz A-class will reaffirm its status as a trendsetter and premium automobile in the compact segment from July 2001.

A redesigned front end accentuates the dynamic appearance of the A-class with a strikingly contoured bumper which lends an even more powerful expression to the design.

The extended air intake in the lower section of the new front apron gives the body a wider and decidedly athletic look. The new radiator grille, which has four transverse fins instead of the previous three, and the more pronounced arrow shape of the front end reinforce this impression. The smoothly integrated, replaceable rub strips in the front bumper are another new feature. The most eye-catching features of the new front-end design for the A-class are without doubt the newly developed headlights. The transparent lenses allow a view of the sophisticated lighting technology and turn the highly polished reflector surfaces into effective stylistic features, lending additional shine to the appearance of this, the most compact Mercedes model.

Standard rub strips on the doors of the A-class subdivide the side view of the bodyshell more strikingly than before and reinforce the dynamic, arrow-like lines of the design. Like the new rub strips on the sides, the door handles of the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models are painted in the vehicle colour and are also embellished with a discreet chrome inlay. The modified design of the standard light-alloy wheels is also more in keeping with the individual character of each of these lines. The wheel trims on the CLASSIC model have also been redesigned.

The rear bumper has received a makeover on the same principles as its front counterpart: integrated rub strips and the subtle lines of the spoiler edges in the lower section of the bumper lend the rear end a wider and therefore more dynamic appearance. The rear lights make a markedly more brilliant and therefore particularly elegant impression. In the AVANTGARDE line the lenses of the rear lights are in part dark-tinted, so that even the appearance of the tail end underscores the independent character of this line.

As a result of the design changes to the front and rear bumpers the body length of the A-class is increased by 31 mm to a total of 3606 millimetres. The vehicle width and height remain unchanged.

The redesigned front radiator grille and bumper trim with air intake have a positive effect on the aerodynamics.  After comparison with the previous model a 3% improvement was achieved resulting in a Cd value of 0,30.

 

Interior: higher quality looks, feel and improved ergonomics

The interior of the A-class welcomes its occupants with numerous new or redesigned features. The most striking impression is that of high quality.  Owing to the use of special foamed sections and high-quality materials, the instrument panel now has a soft surface which is pleasing to the touch.

By virtue of a more modern shape and carefully selected materials the centre console is fully in keeping with the new, sophisticated interior design. The upper section is slightly wider than before and extends into the interior at a gentler angle so that the driver and front passenger have an even better view of the controls. The arrangement and design of the switches reflect ergonomic findings from day-to-day practice.

Accordingly, the most frequently used keys and the radio now occupy the higher positions in the centre console, while the heating and ventilation controls have been relocated to the lower section. 

All the elements in the centre console are integrated into a decorative fascia with a structured metal-effect surface (CLASSIC), exotic wood veneer (ELEGANCE) or high-quality aluminium (AVANTGARDE). The lower section of the centre console forms a single visual unit with the likewise redesigned and carpeted tunnel cladding.

In addition to the redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, which is now adjustable for height as standard, the interior of the A-class also features restyled interior door panels which have decorative wood trim in the ELEGANCE and aluminium in the AVANTGARDE models.   

The A-class will be available with a choice of two petrol engines, of 1,6 litre and 1,9 litre capacity. These four-cylinder engines have a power spectrum ranging from 75 Kw for the A160 to 92 kW for the A190.

With a fuel consumption of 7,2 to 7,7 litres per 100 kilometres (total fuel consumption measured in accordance with the new European driving cycle), the A-class models are among the most economical cars in the world. The engines also present excellent environmental credentials, with low exhaust emissions up to 40% below the applicable EU limits ("Euro 2").

 

Safety: latest-generation ESP®

 Another new feature is the latest generation of the Electronic Stability Programme. This further development of the ESP® technology has made the use of a hydraulic Brake Assist system (BAS) possible for the first time. This ensures that the maximum brake pressure is built up under emergency braking, resulting in the shortest possible braking distance.

The highly-effective side impact protection in the A-class, which includes the sandwich concept, robust support members and pillars, include sidebags in the front doors as standard.

Comfort: air conditioning with an innovative humidity sensor

Mercedes engineers have perfected the climatic comfort in the A-class with a newly-developed air conditioning system which is controlled by the air humidity registered by what is known as a dew point sensor. 

The sensor monitors the temperature of dew point as a gauge of atmospheric humidity and triggers the compressor when appropriate to dehumidify the interior air if the windows are misted over.  The more powerful evaporator ensures lower output temperatures a the ventilation nozzles The Mercedes A-class is the first car in this market segment to be equipped with a high-tech system of this kind, which has previously only been installed in the top Mercedes-Benz models.

Continuing our philosophy …. value for money

The A-class is the most innovative vehicle concept in its segment and presents the classic Mercedes-Benz values in compact dimensions.  With more appeal, greater comfort and greater practical utility, the A-class facelift is a means to make a lifestyle statement.  This new youthful, fresh and unconventional true member of the Mercedes-Benz family retails as follows: 

            A160 + Manual CLASSIC                    R139 500

            A160* Auto ELEGANCE                R154 500

            A190 * Manual ELEGANCE                R164 500 

            * AVANTGARDE package optional at no extra cost

            + AVANTGARDE package                 R   6 950

 

The A-class is covered by a one year /unlimited kilometers warranty.  Furthermore, the normal Mercedes-Benz six year/120 000 km Maintenance Plan that requires staggered customer contribution as the mileage increases will also be included as standard in the South African execution.  This is a unique offering in this segment of the market and adds tremendous value to the overall purchase package for customers.   Also offered at no extra cost is the Touring Guarantee which takes care of your every need in terms of mobility and 24-hour roadside assistance.
   

The most obvious differences at a glance:

 Exterior  design

·        Headlamp with clear polycarbonate lenses

·        Redesigned front apron with specific air intake styling for each line

·        Light or dark bichromatic rear lights with brilliant-look lenses (depending on design line)

·        Tailgate with redesigned closing kinematics

·        Radiator grille now with four fins

·        Revised paint range

·        Light-alloy wheels in new design with chrome star on caps (for ELEGANCE & AVANTGARDE)

·        New wheel trim design (CLASSIC)

·        Rub strips all round which look different for each line

·        Recontoured front and rear bumper trim painted in body colour

·        Door handles of the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines in body colour with chrome inlay

·        Redesigned door trim at the B-pillar in the AVANTGARDE line

 

Interior design

·        Redesigned instrument panel featuring textured surface

·        Instrument panel covers in slate grey

·        Redesigned armrests in the doors with integral ergonomically shaped door pull

·        Astray with sliding lid and chrome-inlaid handle at the front of the centre console

·        Handbrake lever guide channel with blind-type cover

·        New glovebox construction with redesigned lid and opening mechanism

·        Parcel shelf/luggage compartment cover in folding, solid design, removable

·        Steering wheel in new 3-spoke look with thicker rim

·        Windscreen defroster nozzles redesigned in new, more efficient extended shape

·        Centre dome with redesigned decorative cover, different for each line, and with newly arranged controls

·        Centre console – with integral switch block, open stowage compartment and double cup holder at the rear – with improved contours forming a single unit with the centre dome

·        Centre console with single cup holder at the rear in combination with integral armrest

·        Leather/fabric combination with AVANTGARDE option

·        Pillar trim from the window line upwards trimmed in textile material matching the colour of the roof liner

·        Seat backrests in AVANTGARDE with higher side bolsters

·        Soft-coated polycarbon trim and controls in the instrument panel area, for centre dome and centre console

·        Door trim with new textile lining in appointments colour

·        Braking system – ABS/BAS/ESPć

 

Expanded Standard Equipment

·        Heating/ventilation with buttons for electric air recirculation function and automatic reset to fresh air mode

·        Steering column manually adjustable (160M CLASSIC upgrade)

·        Rub strips all round

·        Warning display “Fasten seat belt” in the instrument cluster

·        Audio system with front load CD

·        Cargo cover (160M CLASSIC upgrade)

 
   

Summary of Classic standard features 

·        3rd brake light

·        Additional turn singal indicators

·        Front and side airbags for driver and front seat passenger

·        Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

·        ASSYST service interval indicator

·        Audio system with single front load CD

·        Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for driver and front seat passenger; rear belt tensioners (outer seats)

·        Brake Assist (BAS)

·        Brake pad wear indicator

·        Buzzer when lights are left on or handbrake is not released

·        Central locking with interior switch

·        Child seat recognition in front passenger seat – only with Mercedes-Benz approved seat

·        Childproof safety locks (rear doors)

·        CLASSIC logo on mirror triangle

·        Coin pen and card holders in glove compartment

·        Coolant level indicator

·        Driver’s seat with height adjustment and backrest angle adjustment

·        Electric front windows

·        Electronic Stability Programme (ESPć)

·        Exterior mirrors, heated, electrically adjustable, with curved mirror glass

·        First aid kit

·        Front foglamps and single rear foglamp

·        Hazard warning triangle

·        Heated rear window with time relay

·        Heated windscreen washer nozzles

·        Heating with dust filter and air recirculation switch

·        Holder for 3rd rear head restraint (under the rear seat)

·        Hooks (2) for securing nets in luggage space

·        Immobiliser

·        Instrument cluster with black dial

·        Load anchorage points with 6 lashing eyes

·        Matt black pillar trim

·        Outside temperature display

·        Power steering

·        Radiator grille, exterior mirrors and door handle in black

·        Rear bench seat 1/3:2/3 split, folding, removable, individually adjustable fore/aft

·        Rear compartment lighting

·        Rear cargo cover

·        Rear windscreen wiper

·        Rev counter

·        Rub strips all round in black

·        Seat occupancy recognition in front passenger seat

·        Seatbelts, height adjustable in front, automatic height adjustment in rear

·        Steering column manually height adjustable

·        Sunvisors on driver and front seat passenger side

·        Tinted windows

·        Warning indicator for oil

·        Windscreen with laminated glass

 

 

ELEGANCE Design and Equipment line:  Additional features to the CLASSIC line

Interior

·        Cockpit panels in interior colour

·        Door sill panels with stainless steel inserts with Mercedes-Benz lettering

·        Electric windows in the rear

·        Front fold-down armrest with compartment/console

·        Leather covered steering wheel and gear lever

·        Parcel nets behind each front seat

·        The Hague slate grey fabric

·        Trim panels on dome and doors in wood

·        Underseat storage trays (driver/front seat passenger)

 

Exterior

 ·        Air inlet in bumper with highlight in body colour

·        Alloy wheels:  10 hole design

·        Bichromatic tail lamps, light-coloured

·        Door handles in body colour with chrome inserts

·        ELEGANCE logo on mirror triangle

·        ELEGANCE pillar trim design

·        External mirrors and radiator grille in body colour

·        Rub strips all round, painted in body colour with chrome highlights

 Additional basic standard equipment for the ELEGANCE line

 ·        ELEGANCE design and equipment line

·        5-speed Automatic with touchshift (A160A)

·        Manual Sports gearbox (A190M)

 

For customers opting for the A160A ELEGANCE or the A190M ELEGANCE, the AVANTGARDE package is an option offered at no extra cost.  For customers purchasing the A160M CLASSIC, and opting for the AVANTGARDE package there is an additional cost of R6 950.

 The AVANTGARDE package at a glance consists of:

 

Interior design

 ·        Cockpit panels, door linings and door closing handles colour matched

·        Instrument cluster with light coloured dials

·        Leather covered steering wheel and gear lever

·        Luggage compartment cover

·        Spa leather/fabric, slate grey, seat trim

·        Trim panels on dome and doors in aluminium

 

Exterior design

 ·        Air inlet in bumper with highlight in body colour

·        Alloy wheels: 5-hole design

·        AVANTGARDE logo on mirror triangle

·        AVANTGARDE pillar trim design

·        Bichromatic tail lamps, dark-coloured

·        Door handles in body colour with chrome insert

·        Exhaust tail lamps, dark coloured

·        Door handles in body colour with chrome insert

·        Exhaust  tailpipe in stainless steel

·        External mirrors in body colour

·        Rub strips all round, painted in body colour with chrome highlights

·        Tinted windows with blue filter band