2001 July, right: The update Mercedes A-class now in Australia; the new grille and nose & tail details are most noticeable, but the brakes now have `brake assist' (as well as ESP). Window airbags are optional. The air conditioning is said to have an "additional air humidity sensor".

The model line includes an "entry level A 160 Classic, [...] with 15-inch alloy wheels, and A 190 Elegance."

A160 Classic: 1589cc, petrol, 4-cyl, 75kW, 5-speed manual +auto clutch, $34,000 (Elegance +$3000).
A190 Elegance: 1898cc, petrol, 4-cyl, 92kW, 5-speed manual +auto clutch, $40,900.

- 4wd.sofcom.com/Mercedes/Cars/A.html

2001 February: Mercedes-Benz has requested that owners of A-class models built between September 2000 and January 2001 visit their workshop. "A modified rubber seal in the master brake cylinder [used] from September 2000" can cause increased brake pedal travel "in individual cases, and only at temperatures below freezing point." Mercedes-Benz will replace the master brake cylinder at no cost.

2001 January: The Mercedes Benz A-class is to get a mid-term revision in spring 2001 (northern hemisphere). The look is slightly changed by a new front bumper cum spoiler with basically a bigger hole under the number plate. This, and changes to the rear bumper, increase the length by 31mm. The wheels also have thinner "spokes".

Safety features include "latest-generation ESP and optional windowbags." The new electronic stability program makes "the use of a hydraulic Brake Assist system" possible.

Options include a humidty sensing air conditioning system, and rain sensing windscreen wiper controls.

2000 January: The entry-level A140 to be priced at $32,900 ($au). This includes air-conditioning, central locking, dual airbags, ABS brakes and ESP as standard.

1999 September: Mercedes-Benz (au) added the A190 with a 1.9 litre 4-cylinder engine to the local A-class range. Its power, 92kW, is well up on the A160's 75kW. The A190 comes in the Avantgarde (top) level of trim. A top speed of 198km/h and acceleration of 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds are claimed. Closer gear-ratios are fitted to the 5-speed manual gearbox to go with the sporty image; ditto 195/50R16 tyres on 16" alloy wheels. Prices are "$43,900 for the auto-clutch manual and $45,400 [$au] for the 5-speed automatic with tip-shift manual control."

Mercedes-Benz report that over 157,000 A-class have been sold in Europe since the start of 1999, and over 1000 in Australia, to August 1999.

Front: A-class. Rear: M-class 4wd.sofcom.com/4WD.html

The diminutive Mercedes-Benz A-class has a clever design to maximize the use of space: The front-mounted engine & gearbox unit slopes forwards partly underneath the passenger compartment - which also increases safety as it is pushed down and backwards in an impact. A dual-skin floor further improves crashworthiness. The rear seats can be folded or even removed to enlarge the load carrying area.

ABS anti-lock brakes, BAS brake assist system, and ESP electronic stability program are active safety features. BAS generates more brake pressure if the brakes are suddenly applied, as in an emergency. ESP modifies brake pressure at wheels selectively to reduce under- or over-steer (skids). (An embarrassing roll during a pre-release "Moose-test" caused MB to widen the track and fit ESP.)

Passive safety features include front and side airbags, seat-belt tensioners & load limiters, and the body design mentioned above.

A-class 1998...

• A160, sedan/hatch, 5-seats, 4-doors, airbags front & side for driver & front passenger
• loa: 3575mm, width: 1719mm body, 1941mm mirrors, height: 1575mm
• wheelbase: 2423mm (95"), track: 1503mm/1452mm, grnd clearance: 92mm
• turning radius: 5.35m
• weight: 1095kg - 1160kg (unladen), GVM: 1480kg-1545kg
• 1598cc, petrol, 4-cyls, efi
• bore: 80mm, stroke: 79.5mm, c.r.: 11.0:1
• power: 75kW at 5250rpm, torque: 150Nm at 4000rpm
• transmission: 5m/5a, optional automatic clutch on the manual gearbox
• suspension: McPherson struts / trailing links & coils, brakes: disc/disc, ABS, ESP electronic stability program
• tyres: 195/50R15, fuel-tank: 54L
• standard: electric front windows, front and rear fog-lamps, dual airbags, dust/pollen filter, engine immobilizer
• rivals: Audi A2 y2k on

• A140:
  • petrol, 1397cc, 80mmx69.5mm, 60kW at 5000rpm, 130Nm at 3750rpm
  • weight 1095kg, GVM 1480kg
  • transmission: 5-speed manual / 5-speed Tiptronic
  • price: from $32,900 (5m), Tiptronic +$1.5 ($au 1/2000)
• A160, see above
• A190, 1999:
  • petrol, 1898cc, 2-valves/cyl, 84mmx85.6mm, c.r. 10.8:1, 92kW at 5500rpm, 180Nm at 4000rpm
  • weight 1155kg, tyres: 195/50 R16 on 5.5J x 16
  • 5m: 3.27:1, 1.92:1, 1.34:1, 1.03:1, 0.83:1 (rev 3.29:1) diff 3.72:1;
    5a: 3.76:1, 2.09:1, 1.31:1, 0.90:1, 0.72:1 (rev 3.67:1) diff 3.76:1
• A160 CDI:
  • diesel, 1698cc, 16-valve, 80mmx84mm, 44kW at 3600rpm, 160Nm at 1500-2400rpm
  • weight 1145kg, GVM 1530kg
• A170 CDI:
  • diesel, 1689cc, 16-valve, 80mmx84mm, 66kW at 4200rpm, 180Nm at 1600-3200rpm, turbo-charged and inter-cooled
  • weight 1160kg, GVM 1545 kg
• The diesels use a `common rail' injection system

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