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The Mercedes-Benz A-Class: A class apart
March 1997: Launch of the new premium A-Class model Bodywork concept employing sandwich design Innovative solutions and high-grade appointments with safety systems Stuttgart. The Mercedes-Benz ideals in a compact car that is what the A-Class, launched in 1997, is all about. The vehicle is highly innovative: for instance, its bodywork structure with sandwich floor, together with a comprehensive safety system, set new engineering standards. The successful combination of youthful styling, state-of-theart technology, and a clever spatial concept put the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in a class of its own. Mercedes-Benz engineers developed the A-Class as a premium model in its market segment, creating a recipe for success. The new model, which was incorporated in Mercedes-Benz strategic product drive from the outset, has earned the traditional Stuttgart brand a particularly large number of young new customers. The second generation has been in production since 2004. To date, more than 1.5 million units of the two model series, the W 168 (1997 to 2004) and W 169 (from 2004), have been sold. The A-Class is a great step forward, a 1997 brochure for the new Mercedes-Benz model announced. Mercedes-Benz engineers and their A-Class have more than met this challenge with innovative ideas, the courage to break new ground in the automotive industry, impressive
DaimlerChrysler Communications, Stuttgart (Germany), Auburn Hills (USA)
safety levels, high efficiency, and, not least, the considerable charm of a small Mercedes.

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The A-Class - technical highlights
168 series (1997 to 2004) Bodywork based on the sandwich principle, with major assemblies situated below and in front of the passenger compartment, at the same time ensuring particularly high crash safety Innovative spatial concept with plenty of space in the interior, despite small external dimensions Equipped as standard with the ESP Electronic Stability Program, BAS brake assist system, and other safety systems, setting new standards in this vehicle category A prototype marked the world premiere of the modern diesel engine implementing the CDI (common rail direct injection) principle 169 series (from 2004) AUTOTRONIC automatic transmission with CVT (continuously variable transmission) technology Parabolic rear axle for precision wheel location and excellent antiroll characteristics when cornering Selective damping system that adjusts the shock absorber forces according to the driving conditions Use of recycled and natural materials

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The model history of the A-Class A summary
168 series The first generation of the A-Class was launched in 1997. In the sedan, Mercedes-Benz engineers developed many ideas from innovative studies to production standard and created an automobile that appropriately reflected the brand values in this vehicle category. The 168 series featured small external dimensions combined with a generous interior. The most important feature was the bodywork structure, based on the sandwich principle. This means that the engine, transmission, and other drive system components were arranged under and in front of the passenger compartment. In the event of a frontal impact, the entire drive system unit was intended to slide out beneath the passenger compartment. This provided an extremely high level of safety in a crash, the likes of which had not been seen before in this car category. The A-Class set new standards in its market segment, with ESP, BAS brake assist system, and other safety systems installed as standard. In addition to the five-door version with a short wheelbase, a sedan with a long wheelbase, also with five doors, was launched in 2001. The 168 series A-Class was available with six different engines: in addition to the diesel-engined A 160 CDI and A 170 CDI models, there were the gasoline-engined A 140, A 160, A 190, and A 210 EVOLUTION models. In total, more than 1.1 million first-generation A-Class cars were built.

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169 series In 2004, the 169 series took over from the first A-Class generation. The model once again features bodywork based on the sandwich principle. In addition to the five-door version, there is now also a threedoor A-Class coupe, both with the same wheelbase. The design emphasizes the sporty appearance of the model. The exciting technology premiered in the model includes the AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission, and also a selective damping system that adjusts the shock absorber forces to the driving conditions. The chassis features a parabolic rear axle. The 169 series is available with a total of seven different engines: the diesel models A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, and A 200 CDI, together with the gasoline models A 150, A 170, A 200, and A 200 TURBO.

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The background to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Future-oriented and innovative: From Benz Velo and Study A to A-Class The inventiveness of the engineers creates new possibilities Fascinating innovation and ingenious disregard for convention: using modern technology to produce such a groundbreaking vehicle has always been the engineer's desire. In the history of Mercedes-Benz this vision has been realized time and again. Since 1997 also the A-Class has represented this engineering achievement and ambition. Before the A-Class there was the Vision A 93 in 1993 and the Study A based on it in 1994. Both vehicles already demonstrated the concept to a large extent. Looking further back in DaimlerChrysler's history shows that the ideas which were most important in the design of the A-Class have always inspired inventors. The Benz Velo and Mercedes-Benz 130 models given as examples in the following do not serve as actual precursors, however they are the best illustration of the inventiveness of the design engineers. The Benz Velo set the car world on its head in 1894 just like its great-grandson did a good hundred years later - the world had never seen such a compact and simultaneously state-of-the-art automobile at the end of the 19th century. And the Mercedes-Benz 130 of the 1930s with its rear-mounted engine is an example that engineers get off the beaten track in order to achieve completely novel concepts. The Benz Velo initiated a paradigm change Carl Benz wanted to develop an inexpensive and preferably lightweight motor car. To do this the design engineer looked beyond current

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Mercedes-Benz 130 (W 23): An innovative design In February 1934, at the Berlin Automobile Show, Mercedes-Benz presented the 130 model. This car was a sensation and with various innovative designs it showed the way of the future: the sedan, known in-house as W 23, was the first Mercedes-Benz with a rear-mounted engine as standard and the first Mercedes-Benz of the small-car class. The model stood out with its aerodynamically optimized bodywork and small exterior dimensions (2500 millimeter wheelbase, 4050 millimeter vehicle length). Hans Nibel began designing the 130 model in 1930. Once again the engineers followed unconventional paths to produce the new automobile. One prototype was the W 17 of 1931 with an air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine (1200 cubic centimeter displacement) in the rear. In 1933 a diesel variant was also tested, the 175 model (W 25 D) with a three-cylinder diesel engine. The 130 model was therefore a radical contrast to anything else in the world. Rear-mounted engine, small exterior dimensions, aerodynamically optimized bodywork the combination of technical innovations was impressive. At the same time Mercedes-Benz indicated that with this car new customer groups were to be addressed below the previous traditional clienteles for all car categories upwards of, and including, the upper medium-size category. The 130 model was joined in 1934 by the 150 model, whose engine was situated in front of the rear axle known today as the mid-engine concept and which was designed to be more powerful and sporty. It was soon found that the compact rear drive unit in the 130 model was in fact favorable for the aerodynamic design of the bodywork, but was not advantageous for handling as a lot of the weight rested on the

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Page 10 rear axle. The engineers developed the concept further. In 1936 the 130 became the 170 H with improved cornering behavior. The "H" stood for rear-wheel drive ('Heckantrieb' in German) and served as a differentiation. When Daimler-Benz decided to produce this rearengined car in series, nobody was able to predict how buyers would react to the unusual model. So the Stuttgart-based company developed in parallel an equivalent 1.7 liter car with a front-mounted engine. The 170 V came onto the market at the same time as the 170 H and was so successful that it soon eclipsed the 170 H. The desire to obtain new customer groups by means of a vehicle with an unconventional design was thus put on hold. And yet it paid off: the 170 V was the small Mercedes-Benz which the brand needed in difficult economic times to boost unit figures. The Mercedes-Benz rearengined car of the 1930s had the considerable merit of encouraging fresh thinking in order to break new ground. Sandwich for safety The desire for a car with very small exterior dimensions but with all of the Mercedes-Benz values began to take shape in the early 1990s. Mercedes-Benz introduced the sandwich principle where the bodywork is separated into two horizontal planes: the drive system unit is situated in front of und under the floor plate so that in a crash it dives downwards and does not penetrate the interior. This concept had its world premiere in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class at the start of 1997. 1993 Vision A 93 and Study A Mercedes-Benz gave the public a foretaste of the A-Class in September 1993 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Here the Stuttgart-based company presented their Vision A 93, a car with frontwheel drive and a novel bodywork concept, in which the engine,

Page 11 transmission, tank and axles were situated beneath the passenger compartment. The sandwich principle had become reality the combination of small exterior dimensions (3350 millimeter length) with a large and variable interior as well as the Mercedes-Benz standards of safety was impressive. The Vision A 93 incorporated for example elements of the F 100 research car. The bodywork of the design study was still constructed completely from aluminum. The concept of intelligent lightweight design was developed later on for the A-Class. This is a combination of different materials such as steel, plastic, aluminum and magnesium. The vehicle design was thus optimized with regard to weight and environmental-compatibility factors as well as from a cost perspective. The versatility of the concept was demonstrated by the Vision A 93 with its three different engines. In addition to an economical gasoline engine with 75 hp (55 kW) and a direct-injection diesel with 60 hp (44 kW), there was also a model with electric drive, which developed 44 kW. The study also showed variability in the interior. The car could be modified to suit the situation, from comfortable four-seater to flatbed with a load volume of 1000 liters. The basis for this revolutionary spatial concept was once again the novel raised floor assembly which provided a level of crash safety which had not been attained in this car category before. In 1994 Mercedes-Benz showed the concept car, modified in details, under the name ' Study A' at the Geneva Motor Show. The American magazine "Motor Week" awarded the Study A the title "Best Concept Car 1994". And the production start-up was drawing ever nearer.
The A-Class: Built in Rastatt
Production start-p following the positive response to the Vision A 93 and the Study A Outstanding safety: The sandwich concept proves its worth in various crash tests The "A-Motion Tour" a unique campaign for the market launch The excitement of the Mercedes-Benz engineers about their innovative car was infectious: public reaction to the Vision A 93 at the 1993 Frankfurt International Motor Show was extremely positive around 80 percent of participants in a poll were in favor of a small Mercedes-Benz along the lines of the concept car. The response resulted in a swift decision by the Mercedes-Benz Board of Management. In December 1993 the Stuttgart-based company made the decision to produce the A-Class. The project was assigned the model series number W 168. That the experts and the public reacted with unrestrained enthusiasm to the Study A, which was presented in Geneva in 1994 as a slightly revised version of the Vision A 93, was merely a formality after that. The A-Class is produced in the Rastatt plant. Sites in France, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic were also considered. However, the order was finally given to the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt passenger car plant. The team there was young: the average age of the team members in the A-Class project in Rastatt was just 33 years. When large-scale production of the A-Class began in June 1997, the Rastatt plant employed just under 4000 people, almost twice as many as in October 1996.

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1994 A-Class winner in polls While the preparations for the production of the A-Class were well underway, Mercedes-Benz asked customers and journalists about the new car concept. The reason for this was the two concept cars. The support for a Mercedes-Benz model in this car class was once again overwhelming. At the large motor shows in Frankfurt, Tokyo and Los Angeles, the A-Class received great praise from the respondents. This new model was a special car which should be launched on the market as soon as possible - that was the general message from the responses. The future A-Class was admired the most in the public perception for its environmental compatibility, the first-class Mercedes-Benz quality, the innovative spirit and its originality. The poll also gave the engineers and designers a special insight into the customer's desires. The A-Class could thus be developed to closely match customer expectations. The most important factors were motoring pleasure, small exterior dimensions, plenty of space, efficiency and variability, occupant safety, environmental compatibility, low fuel consumption and the use of alternative propulsion systems. Mercedes-Benz did not involve the public during the process of A-Class creation only through these polls. The public was in fact informed very early about all stages of development. As early as August 1994, international trade journalists were able to test the 1.5-milliondeutschmark prototype under everyday operating conditions. 1995 Presentation of the A-Class interior concept At the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 1995, two years after the world premiere of the Vision A 93, the interior concept of the A-Class was presented. The total length of the vehicle had

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increased by 225 millimeters compared with the design study. And the space provided, which was already respectable, had increased still further, in particular in the luggage compartment. Parallel to the presentation of the interior concept in 1995, Mercedes-Benz launched the "New Automobile Forum". This program regularly provided interested parties with information about the A-Class. 1996 Impressive crash safety The sandwich concept proved its worth in 1996 in various crash tests at the Sindelfingen development center. The tests showed that even a vehicle with small deformation paths can achieve the high standards of safety of Mercedes-Benz. The sandwich bodywork was separated into two superposed levels with the passenger compartment occupying the upper area. The newly developed drive assemblies were arranged obliquely in front of and under the intermediate floor. In the event of a frontal impact the drive system unit slid on an oblique end wall underneath the passenger compartment and thus represented no risk of injury for the occupants. The A-Class however not only complied with future EU directives on frontal impact, but also satisfied the strict safety requirements of the USA and the European Union for lateral collisions. Advertising campaign for the A-Class 1996 marked the start of the A-Class advertising campaign, in which Mercedes-Benz set new standards. The Stuttgart brand created a new aesthetics and language as the advertising was intended to simultaneously suggest engineering excellence, unconventional innovation and legend: the A-Class is positioned at this interface

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commercials and events we have for the last year been actively approaching people and involving them in our activities. Because we know only too well that the future lies not in the area of impersonal but of personal communication." The success of the campaign could be seen at the market launch at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1997 not only in the high levels or recognition after 18 months of advertising, but also in concrete figures: already there were around 100,000 purchase orders for the A-Class.

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The first generation of the A-Class (168 series)
More than 1.1 million cars from 1997 to 2004 The small Mercedes-Benz established itself firmly in the market Long and short wheelbase as well as many engine variants The two A 140 and A 160 models with gasoline engines were the first variants of the A-Class to be launched onto the market in October 1997. The A 140 had an engine with 1397 cubic centimeter displacement, with which it developed 82 hp (60 kW), while the A 160 with 1598 cubic centimeter displacement generated 102 hp (75 kW). The top speeds were 170 km/h and 182 km/h, respectively. Within the model range more than 20 technical innovations were incorporated which were previously not available in this car category. The unique sandwich concept for the bodywork had been fully developed and implemented: engine, transmission and axles were housed in front of and below the passenger compartment. This had many advantages. In the event of a head-on crash the drive system unit dived underneath the passenger compartment of the A-Class. The model achieved the safety levels of larger Mercedes-Benz sedans with a vehicle length of only 3.57 meters (50 centimeters shorter than comparable competitors) and with a weight of only 1000 kilograms. Thanks to the sandwich principle the A-Class also attained the levels of spaciousness of a medium-size sedan. The innovative rear seat assembly and optionally removable front passenger seat provided the variability of a mini-van. In total 72 different seat variations were possible, and in terms of load volume the A-Class achieved the level of large station wagons: between 390 and 1340 liters depending on the position of the rear seat, or even 1740 liters with the front passenger

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seat removed. The flat floor, the large tailback and the low loading edge facilitated loading of the luggage compartment. The stable floor assembly made up of a network of straight longitudinal and cross members was an integral element of the innovative safety concept. At the front end of the longitudinal members there was a novel front module made of aluminum with two lateral crash boxes. These were bolted to the longitudinal members and could be replaced quickly and relatively cheaply after an accident. For the first time in Mercedes-Benz large-scale production, plastic was used for the front fenders which resumed their original shape again after a light collision without requiring repair or paintwork. In order to save on weight the tailback was also made of plastic. The easy-to-repair structure of the A-Class not only reduced the cost of repairs after an accident but also resulted in a low insurance classification. In terms of passive safety the model series achieved practically the same level as the exemplary Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Besides the sandwich principle the restraint systems installed as standard and which were specially adapted to the A-Class concept with its short crumple zones contributed to this result. They included full-size airbags for driver and front passenger, inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners on the front and outer rear seats, as well as belt force limiters on the front seats. Intelligent solutions for the A-Class The Mercedes-Benz engineers broke new ground in the development of the drive system. For the engine and transmission of the A-Class represented elementary components of the spatial and safety concept like in no other car. Not only the targeted displacement class but also the dimensions and the location of the engines ruled out the use of

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production network with six other domestic plants: sheet steel panels Page 24 were obtained from Sindelfingen, engines, transmissions, front axles and drive shafts from Untertrkheim, oil and water pumps, crankshafts and camshafts from Berlin, differentials from Kassel, steering systems from Dsseldorf and finally rear axles, jacket tubes, exhaust manifolds and lever-type parking brakes from Hamburg. In body-in-white assembly, a complete A-Class body was produced from 290 individual sheet steel panels with 3,700 welding spots, and then painted in a globally unique process with high levels of environmental compatibility, efficiency and quality. The principal elements of this fully-automated process, which was developed in collaboration with partners BASF and Drr Systems, were the integrated painting concept which allowed the omission of the filler layer, the powder-slurry method for the solvent-free clear coat as well as a novel corrosion protection concept which did without cavity conservation. 1998 ESP and BAS as standard equipment From February 1998 onwards the ESP Electronic Stability Program and the BAS automatic brake assist system were part of the standard equipment of the A-Class. Mercedes-Benz thus positioned the model at the top of its market segment. With ESP, BAS, side airbags in the front doors, seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters, the A-Class is equipped as standard better than any other vehicle in its category. In total the Stuttgart engineers accommodated 25 new technical developments in the A-Class, which were previously not available in this category of cars. The upgrading of the A-Class was also a reaction to a road test in Sweden, in which a W 168 flipped over in October 1997. The so-called
"moose accident test" consisted of two lane changes in succession and was not standardized. It was later replaced by the German Association of the Automotive Industry's (VDA) lane-change test conforming to international standards. In further tests by TV (Technical Inspection Authority) and ADAC (German Automobile Club), the A-Class proved to be stable. However, at the end of October Mercedes-Benz decided that it would in future equip all cars in this series with the ESP Electronic Stability Program as standard. The ESP controlled the brakes at each of the wheels individually in critical driving conditions in order to stabilize the car. During a twelve-week delivery stop of the A-Class the modification was carried out across the series. Furthermore, the model received new stabilizers and modified spring-and-damper tuning on the axles. The lowering of the bodywork and the use of wide tires completed the changes. Mercedes-Benz also retrofitted the 18,000 vehicles already delivered. With the integration of ESP in the standard equipment of the A-Class, the Stuttgart brand set a new standard in this category of cars. In early 1998 representative polls showed that the brand's likeability had increased considerably thanks to the swift reaction to the "moose accident test". The safety image was compromised only temporarily and to a minor degree. The market success also showed that the trust in the brand and the small Mercedes-Benz had not been affected. CDI in the A-Class The selection of drive systems for the A-Class was expanded in 1998 with the addition of two diesel models. The A 160 CDI and A 170 CDI, with a fuel consumption of 4.5 and 4.9 liters on 100 kilometers (NEDC consumption), respectively, were among the most environmentally compatible automobiles on a global scale. Like the gasoline models they were equipped with ESP as standard. The A-Class models with

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compression-ignition engines featured the new common rail direct injection (CDI), which, compared with older diesel engines, allowed considerably improved fuel economy in combination with dynamic handling and smooth-running characteristics. The "ko-Trend" Institute in Wuppertal, Germany, therefore awarded the A 160 CDI the title of "Germany's Most Environmentally Compatible Car". The A-Class diesel engines with 90 hp (66 kW) and 60 hp (44 kW) were characterized by four-valve technology, turbocharging and electronically controlled direct fuel injection based on the common rail principle. Both variants had a displacement of 1.7 liters. In the model with reduced output and optimized consumption, the amount of fuel to be injected was reduced, the turbocharger was adapted to the changed conditions, and the charge air cooler was omitted. For the sake of differentiation between the models with the same displacement, the reduced-performance variant was offered under the name A 160 CDI. At their first public appearance in Geneva in 1997, the two diesel models were still presented using the model designations A 160 Turbodiesel and A 170 Turbodiesel. The common rail technology developed by Mercedes-Benz in collaboration with Bosch celebrated its world premiere in these vehicles. While conventional systems generate the pressure for each injection operation anew each time, CDI engines operate with a common rail in which the pressure is stored and distributed to the injection nozzles by means of solenoid valves. The high injection pressure of up to 1350 bar which was available even at low engine speeds, as well as the variable control of the injection process resulted in considerably improved mixture formation. This provided high torque, low fuel consumption and low exhaust gas

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emissions. Where the incorporation of the CDI engines was concerned, Page 27 however, the A-Class was beaten by the C-Class in December 1997: the Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI was the first production car available with this state-of-the-art diesel technology. Formula One look for the A-Class In 1998 Mercedes-Benz celebrated winning the Formula One World Championship, and the A-Class celebrated with them. At the 1998 Essen Motor Show in November, the Stuttgart-based company presented a special A-Class with two variants: the Hakkinen Edition and the Coulthard Edition. In honor of Formula One drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard, 125 units of each edition were built. The special models were identified by the respective Formula One start numbers: the A-Class Hakkinen Edition sported a red-orange 8, the Coulthard Edition hit the road with the number 7. In painstaking manual work, lavish paintwork was applied to the cars using airbrush technology. Fascinating color patterns were thus produced from the base color brilliant silver to shades of black and red-orange accents. With this special model, Mercedes-Benz emphasized the dynamism and innovative nature of the A-Class. The Hakkinen Edition and the Coulthard Edition were presented in fourteen European countries. Continuing the motor sports theme, the A-Class was shown with an AMG styling package in Essen for the first time. This included special light-alloy wheels, side skirts, special front and rear aprons, and a twinpipe exhaust.

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The performance of the CDI engine in the A 160 CDI was improved to 75 hp (55 kW) through the use of a charge air cooler fitted as standard, and the output of the A 170 CDI was increased to 95 hp (70 kW). The A-Class was also optionally available with a revised air conditioning system which was controlled by a dew point sensor. This high-tech equipment for a comfortable in-car environment was unique in the market segment of the A-Class. 2002 The top-of-the-line A 210 EVOLUTION model A new top-of-the-line A-Class model appeared in March 2002: the A 210 EVOLUTION displayed its power even on the outside with AMG styling and 17-inch light-alloy wheels, and inside the driver was greeted with high-quality man-made Alcantara leather. The performance lived up to the cars appearance: from 2.1 liters displacement the four-cylinder engine generated 140 hp (103 kW) at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 205 Newton meters at 4000 rpm This allowed a top speed of 203 km/h and a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. Yet consumption was just 7.9 liters of fuel according to the NEDC formula. Sports suspension with specially tuned spring and damper elements and a special rear-axle stabilizer allowed dynamic handling. 2003 One million A-Class cars produced By February 2002, 750,000 A-Classes had already rolled off the production line in Rastatt. And the success of the model continued: in 2003 Mercedes-Benz produced the one-millionth A-Class. Professor Jrgen Hubbert, responsible for the Mercedes Car Group on the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management, had this to say: "One million vehicles that is a great achievement for the A-Class as well as a milestone for the Rastatt site and the Mercedes Car Group. The

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A-Class has long been a solid pillar in the range of the Mercedes-Benz brand as well as in the compact car market segment. It represents the potential and capability of an innovative car concept, and in its first product cycle, sales will already clearly exceed the one million mark." The A-Class had thus become the iconic example for a young generation of vehicles whose values include innovation and emotion, intelligence and charm. In 2003 alone Mercedes-Benz sold more than 150,000 cars from this model series. The largest sales market was Germany, followed by Italy, the UK and France. More than 40 percent of the A-Class cars were purchased by women; the long-wheelbase version launched in 2001 was chosen by over 40 percent of the customers; the most popular engine variant was the A 170 CDI. Particularly important for the future of the brand was the fact that more than 80 percent of the buyers were new Mercedes-Benz customers. While the one-million mark was being celebrated, Mercedes-Benz was already preparing the Rastatt plant for the production of the second generation of the A-Class. In 2003, Hubbert attributed it high significance: "We are undertaking the preliminary steps so that through the A-Class successor the model family strategy can be implemented and the success story of this model series continued." In 2003 around 4,700 employees were working in Rastatt.

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The 168 series as reviewed by the press "A shining example." (auto motor und sport of December 13, 1996) "The A-Class offers the effective load space and the safety of much larger vehicles." (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung of December 9, 1996) "The vehicle is a car of Mercedes standard, which is not ostentatious but generously large inside, coupled with superior crash performance and excellent seat positions." (Auto-Zeitung no. 15/1996) "A Mercedes in its most youthful form." (Auto Bild of December 9, 1996)

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2004 - Arrival of the new edition (169 series)
Further development of a distinctive concept Available from the beginning as three- and five-door models Premiere of the AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission The second generation of the A-Class arrived in 2004 as an even more attractive and innovative interpretation of the idea of a compact car to Mercedes-Benz standards. In its seven-year production period, the first A-Class had convincingly underscored its role as a successful model with more than 1.1 million units sold. In summer 2004 Mercedes-Benz opened a new chapter in this success story with the launch of the second A-Class generation, the 169 series. In the fall of 2004, the new car was available at the dealerships. The designers had further developed the distinctive one-box concept. Like its predecessor, the second-generation A-Class also has a sloping front section which connects with an arched roof area and a steeply sloping tailback. Mercedes-Benz demonstrates continuity in the engineering of the A-Class: the basis of the 169 series is once again the unique sandwich structure which affords the A-Class superior occupant safety, exemplary space utilization and great variability. The space provided in the interior has been increased compared with its predecessor and now outclasses comparable vehicles even further. A considerable advancement is also achieved by the A-Class with regard to value appeal. It thus emphasizes its premium status and once again raises the Mercedes-Benz standard which was set by its predecessor in this market segment.

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Star Tour for the market launch Mercedes-Benz celebrated the start of the second-generation A-Class with the Star Tour. In 2004 this program had the slogan "Follow your own Star": 800 selected drivers from 24 countries were given the opportunity to get to know the A-Class intensively before the official market launch over four day-long stages through the most beautiful regions of Europe. The Star Tour concluded in Milan's Castello Sforzesco. Christina Aguilera appeared and gave the first-ever presentation of her song "Hello" which she composed exclusively for the launch campaign for the new A-Class. Design and styling using digital technology When developing the 169 series A-Class, the design engineers relied heavily on digital processes. Even the initial drawings were created on the computers graphics tablets. From these drawings the computers then generated data sets which became the basis for threedimensional representations of the design concept. This approach, which also involved working with full-size projections and representations, allowed a fast pace and simplified amendments to the designs with a high level of precision. Even the improvement of aerodynamic efficiency to a Cd value of 0.29 was carried out by the engineers on the computer and in the model wind tunnel, long before the manufacture of the first full-scale models. Working with three-dimensional full-scale projections on the so-called powerwall in particular made the formal assessment of designs easier. After selecting six designs, model designers created clay models applying conventional methods and three of these designs were

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finally set up as life-size models. Any amendments made to these fullscale models were transferred by the digitization experts directly back into the data set. It was thus constantly updated with the current state of development at every stage of the design process. Three or five doors The A-Class is now offered with one wheelbase, but with two bodywork versions each of which has an individual character. In addition to the versatile five-door W 169 Mercedes-Benz offers for the first time in this model series a three-door model whose sporty and particularly youthful image placed it in the tradition of the Mercedes-Benz coupes. Accordingly this bodywork version is also known in-house as C 169. The difference between the two bodywork variants is particularly apparent in the side view. With its unique bodywork design and the striking one-box design, the Mercedes-Benz stands out from other cars. The line of the bodywork suggests the values of dynamism, intelligence and likeability. Redesigned headlamps, a more distinctive radiator grille, muscular fenders and a sweeping side-line reinforce the compact, dynamic and self-assured image. Changed proportions make the second-generation A-Class visually stronger. Compared with the predecessor model the car is now 232 millimeters longer and 45 millimeters wider. The 169 series also has a generous interior layout: the car surpasses its predecessor in every dimension relevant for interior comfort. Room at shoulder level increased by up to 97 millimeters, width at the passengers elbow level by up to 95 millimeters, and knee room in the rear by 30 millimeters. The distance between the front and rear seats is 805 millimeters and thus the equivalent of a medium-size sedan. The luggage compartment increased to 435 liters; the cargo space can

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be increased to 1370 liters thanks to the variable interior design. Even more space is created with the optional EASY-VARIO-PLUS system, thanks to which the A-Class holds a maximum load of 1995 liters. Thanks to the load compartment floor which can be adjusted for height by 90 millimeters, a flat cargo area is created in the rear when the rear-seat backrests are folded away. Since the A-Class is now fitted as standard with the innovative TIREFIT sealant, the spare wheel well serves as storage space. Depending on the height of the floor, the load compartment now has a volume of 67 or 118 liters. An additional stowage compartment is located behind a flap in the right-hand side cladding of the luggage compartment. At the forefront of technology The second-generation A-Class also remains true to its reputation as a technological trendsetter this is assured by the engineers striving to create the best car in this market segment. In total more than 200 patents are implemented in the model. The ground-breaking innovations include a newly developed, efficient seat belt and airbag system. This includes for example adaptive, two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners on the front and outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters and newly developed head/thorax side airbags instead of the previous side airbags. The increased use of higher-strength and ultra-high strength steel alloys, high-strength adhesive bonds as well as additional carrier profiles in the bodywork structure help ensure that the occupants are well protected even in serious accidents. As regards handling safety and stability, Mercedes-Benz sets new standards in the A-Class with a range of new developments. At the

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forefront of the chassis technology innovations is the parabolic rear axle which is characterized by precision wheel location and good antiroll characteristics when cornering. The new rear axle thus plays an important part in the exemplary handling safety, the dynamic handling characteristics and the excellent ride comfort of the A-Class. The chassis includes a new selective damping system as standard a world premiere in automotive engineering. Thanks to this technology the shock absorber forces are adjusted according to the driving conditions: in the normal driving style soft shock absorber characteristics ensure that there is very little road roar and tire vibration, while in dynamic cornering the full damping power is available and the A-Class is stabilized to the greatest possible extent. More output, less consumption The engines and transmissions of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class now offer more output and torque with exemplary fuel consumption and comfort. This ensures great motoring pleasure with environmentallycompatible fuel economy. The engines were designed in such a way that they can be installed at an angle of up to 59 degrees behind the front axle. The four-cylinder engines thus become crucial components of the intelligent safety concept: in the event of a serious head-on collision they slide downwards, without damaging the passenger compartment. The range of engines for the second generation consists of seven fourcylinder engines, including three newly developed CDI direct injection units and a gasoline engine with turbocharging. Compared with the predecessor models, the output of the gasoline and diesel engines for the A-Class increased by up to 38 percent; torque was boosted by up to 46 percent. All four-cylinder engines comply with the strict EURO IV

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emission limits; for the diesel engines a particulate trap is optionally available. Despite the high output, the fuel consumption of the gasoline engines is considerably reduced. Second-generation CDI The engine of the A 160 CDI generates 82 hp (60 kW), the A 180 CDI is driven by a 109 hp (80 kW) diesel engine, and the engine of the topof-the-line model, the A 200 CDI, develops an output of 140 hp (103 kW). The essential differences compared with the predecessor models include the displacement which increased from 1689 to 1991 cubic centimeters, higher ignition pressure and the second-generation common rail injection which operates with double pilot injection, higher injection pressure (1600 bar) and newly developed seven-hole injection nozzles instead of the previous six-hole nozzles. These and other modifications ensure that output and torque are significantly increased which exhaust emissions are reduced and noise levels lowered appreciably. The optional particulate trap reduces the already low particulate emissions by a further 99 percent. Powerful gasoline engines Compared with the W 168, the four-cylinder gasoline engines offer an increase in output of up to 38 percent as well as up to 36 percent higher torque. At the same time fuel consumption, exhaust and noise emissions are reduced. The increased output and the higher torque of the new models A 150 with 95 hp (70 kW), A 170 with 115 hp (85 kW) and A 200 with 136 hp (100 kW) are based on a 100 cubic centimeter larger displacement in each case and the use of a variable intake manifold, with the aid of which accelerating power increases in the lower engine speed range.

MERCEDES CLASSE A 150 1.5 I ELEGANCE CERCHI IN LEGA
Category: Condition: Number of seats: Gearbox: Cylinders: Mileage: Colour:
Utility car Used car 5 Manual 4 76.356 Km Cyan -------
Year: Supply: Number of doors: Engine: Power: Emission class: Int. colour:
01/2006 Gasoline 5 1.500 cc 70 Kw Euro 4 Dark gray
Manufacturer color code/name: Urban fuel consumption: Combined fuel consumption: List price: VAT reclaimable: Warranty:
Extra-urban fuel consumption: CO2 emissions: Price: Financiable: Location:

-- 11.800,00 Yes Faenza

--No 12 months
OPTIONALS ABS, ESP, Electric windows, Clima, Power steering, Immobilizer, Driver airbag, Passenger airbag, Fog lights, Radio, CD player, Centralized lock, Remote control, Light alloy wheels, Metallic painting, Steering wheel controls. NOTES
Moreno Motor Company SRL - Via Celle, 1 - 48018 Faenza (RA) - Italy - Tel: - Fax: Web: www.moreno.it - Cap.soc. Euro 1.200.000,00 i.v.- REA RA n.118610 27/6/1988 - P.I. 01074690395