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2005 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Preview

Would Canada Embrace the A-Class?

With Americas fuel prices much higher this year than at any time previous, most new car buyers have added fuel economy onto their shopping lists beside styling, interior seating capacity and performance.

To address this need automakers such as Mazda and Honda are in the process of bringing subcompact models to market, while premium compact brand MINI continues to do well. Currently most entry-level brands have announced or at least are talking about entering new models into the North American subcompact segment, this while large SUV sales are gradually decreasing. Its news enough to make a militant environmentalist fire a few rounds in the air as a token symbol of victory. Well... maybe not, but its a move in the right direction.

Being that

With gas prices the way they are, every manufacturer is looking at entering the ever growing subcompact market. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Mercedes-Benz is already preparing to launch the smart brand in the U.S. with the introduction of the forfour, the A-Class most likely wont be coming across the Atlantic. While its about as far away from any Americans idea of what a Mercedes-Benz should be, the premise of a truly high-end, luxuriously equipped subcompact is interesting to consider. While it might not fit into the three-pointed star brands North American image yet, there may come a time when something similar will be exactly

While it probably wont ever show up in North America in its current iteration, the premise of a truly high-end, luxuriously equipped Mercedes subcompact is interesting to consider. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

what the market is craving.

Even in Europe where the A-Class has been on the market for one generation already, its styling, shape and general purpose doesnt really fit inline with its Mercedes-Benz siblings. Its powertrain, chassis and just the fact that it uses front wheel drive separate it even further from the rest of its family members.

On the outside the A is small enough to be a C-segment Golf-beater, but its nameplate, badge and available options

Ever since its debut Mercedes-Benz has struggled in its attempts to turn the A-Class into sales success. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

put it clearly above the popular peoples car. Still, ever since its debut Mercedes-Benz has struggled in its attempts to turn the A-Class into sales success. Its bout of infamy upon failing Europes Elk avoidance tests (no Im not joking) gave it a negative name, while its odd styling and layout brought mixed reviews from the general public. For its second incarnation, Benz has taken the time to get things right, curing all with a brand new A-Class (model name W169, one up from the last-generation W168) for 2005.

With 1.1 million A-Classes sold since its introduction, Benz has had some serious time to rethink and reengineer

There will no longer be a regular wheelbase and long wheelbase model, but instead one length will have to satisfy everyone. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

its smallest vehicle (not including the smart fortwo). The second generation A starts out with a brand new design, which features very similar characteristics to the first generation car. Having assigned its best to the task of engineering a safe, compact chassis, it would make little sense for Mercedes to put aside the brilliant sandwich floor that helped improve passive safety and enhance cabin room in the first place. Different with the new A-Class is its standardized proportions. There will no longer be a regular wheelbase and long wheelbase model, but instead one length will have to satisfy everyone. The new car works out to be slightly larger than the outgoing standard model, at 9.1 inches longer, 1.8 inches

Mercedes engineers revised the A-Class suspension system with mechanical active dampers. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

wider, with a wheelbase thats 5.7 inches longer. Marginally larger on the outside, the real benefits will be felt inside the car. Now, a total of 3.8 inches more shoulder room, 3.7 inches additional elbow room and 1.2 inches more rear legroom will accommodate driver and passengers in greater comfort.

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