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| Mercedes-Benz
A170 |
Broadcast
dates : 3rd April 2005
9th April 2005 |
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The
new Mercedes-Benz A-Class manages to look more car-like
than the first version, and more up-market.
There’s a stronger Mercedes-Benz design language in the
corner-sensitive headlights and the nose. But the wide
stance is the most important aspect of the new A-Class.
Gone are the shopping trolley looks and econo-box
detailing. The accents are up-market.
The more substantial look also applies to the interior,
where unremarkable plastic has given way to a chic new
feel, rich in detail.
The basic A-Class package is the same, with a transverse
four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive, and sandwich
body construction to provide a safety crumple zone in the
event of an accident.
But Kass, with her busy workaday schedule, felt there was
at least one important detail lacking.
On the move, the new A-Class lives up to its more
substantial appearance.
There’s an impression of solidity, and indication that
Merc is addressing its quality issues.
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Performance
aside, space is still the priority in the A-Class.
The new A-Class comes with a choice of two petrol engines
and a diesel, and three transmissions, including a "CVT",
or continuously variable transmission.
This was fitted to our 1,7-litre petrol test-car, and Kass
really enjoyed it once she got used to the
"shiftless" technology.
Sluggish in the ‘comfort’ mode, the 85 kiloWatt A-170
has acceptable performance in sport mode. The CVT gearbox
uses a cone and belt drive system. And in some situations,
as the speed increases, the revs actually drop!
Kass was particularly impressed by the audio system fitted
to our Avantgarde model, as well as the speed-sensitive
steering and a host of safety features fitted to the test
car. Her verdict was an unqualified thumbs-up.
In second-generation, form the A-Class has come of age. A
good solid package at R200 000 with the Avantgarde and CVT
options.
Mercedes-Benz A 170
- Engine:
Four-cylinder petrol, 1 699 cc
- Power: 85 kW @
5 500 rpm
- Torque: 155 Nm
@ 3 500 rpm
- Transmission:
Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT),
front-wheel-drive
- 0-100 km/h:
12,5 seconds (estimated)
- Top-speed: 188
km/h
- Fuel consumption:
6,6 litres/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R179 000
(excluding options)
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