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| Mercedes-Benz
A200 |
Broadcast
date : 25th February 2007 |
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When the Mercedes-Benz A-Class
was launched in the late 1990’s, the Mini MPV segment wasn’t
even invented. So in a way the Mini Merc created a whole new
segment, although some still feel it’s more of a hatch-back,
size-wise.
The A Class comes in three variants, starting with a 1,7
petrol model at well under R200 000, a diesel model in the
middle, and this top-of-the-line petrol two-litre
people-mover.
With the rear seats upright there’s a fairly small boot,
less than 250 litres in capacity, but this expands to over
1100 with the seats flat, taking advantage of the Mini Merc’s
van-like profile.
When the A-Class made its South African debut in 2000, it was
criticised for rather iffish cabin fitments and other trim
bits and pieces, as well as its very utilitarian styling.
The second-generation is more of the same in a conceptual
sense, but Mercedes-Benz has made a huge effort to upgrade
trim to traditional Merc levels, and this shows, both inside
and outside the vehicle.
Structurally, the unique aspect to the A-Class is its double
sandwich body construction, which houses some of the
mechanicals beneath the floor pan. It’s designed to deflect
the engine downwards beneath the cabin, in the event of a
front-end crash.
The two-litre engine used in the A-Class is typically middling
Merc fare – 100 kilowatts and 185 Newton metres are produced
with a rather un-charismatic delivery that borders on being
harsh.
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Nevertheless it’s also typically Merc in that it has a good
torque spread, and its well-chosen ratios enable brisk
acceleration through the gears.
The handling remains rather top-heavy in feel like many MPVs,
and the ride is a bit harsh over some surfaces for a family
orientated vehicle. But it does have a solid feel.
The fact that you can place yourself and your family behind a
three-pointed star for under R200 000 has made the A-Class a
sales success.
Revisiting the A Class in two-litre form after the
second-generation launch in 2005, we can see why it’s a
consistent top-twenty seller.
This A200 goes for R217 000 and, apart from extra punch, it
comes with the top line Elegance trim which includes extra
bright-work, leather and the like. A good car, but more image
than substance, is pretty much our overall opinion of the Mini
Merc.
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