The first generation of Mercedes A class was introduced in 1997. Due to the length of only 361 cm the car was named 'Baby Benz'. 'The kid' had a serious teething problem and that was the overturning in the moose test. The test simulated the behavior of the vehicle in case of sudden swerving. Mercedes had responded quickly and installed the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) in all of the A-class cars as a standard.
Recently, the fourth generation of the Mercedes A class has been introduced. Baby Benz has grown to a length of 442 cm and has become one of the longest car in the compact car category. The new model is 12 cm longer than the previous- third generation and, as Mercedes says, has mucn more space for passengers and luggage.
The exterior of the new Mercedes A class has not changed significantly in comparison with the predecessor. Less informed could argue that this is a more profound redesign of the A class third generation. But there are many significant differences as the A class nose which is now lower and looks more aggressive. Furhermore, the front and the rear overhangs are shortened.
The new A class is packed with new high-tech and gadgetry. The instrument panel and two huge touchscreens offers 'widescreen experience' to a driver. To attract younger buyers, Mercedes has incorporated all of the available luxury infointment and high-tech from the its classes above into the new A class.
The numerous systems which help the driver are impressive . The Distronic System scans traffic ahead with radars and detects road signs while simultaneously monitoring GPS satellite information. In case of emergency, the Blind Spot Assist and Brake Assist systems will first alert the driver and if necessary speed up, slow down or stop the vehicle. All this features make the new A class a sort of semi-autonomous vehicle.
The new A class will be powered by the two new petrol engines with volumes of 1.4 (163 hp) and 2.0 (224 hp) and the new 1.5 (115 KS) diesel engine. The high performance AMG and the 4matic (4x4) versions are also on the way.
In its twenty years of existence the A class has risen in length about 80 centimeters. From the first generation which was competing with the small Peugeot, Renault and Fiat models up to the latest high-tech fourth generation Mercedes strives to be a step ahead of market rivals. Definitely, the new A class is the most technologically advanced compact, the iPhone on the wheels.
Mercedes is the world's best-selling premium brand, but Audi and BMW are not lagging far behind. The new high-tech A class visually and technologicaly fully follows the spirit of the time. Some will argue that it looks overdesigned and has a cockpit with too much high-tech bling. Others, most likely the younger ones, will cherish and applaud to the new A class. But, different tastes are not matter for discussion.
Prices start at € 25.000.
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