Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2005 Review

What we liked
Marked quality boost
Handling and ride improved
Faster and more economical

Not so much
Rear-end styling undistinguished
Very pricey options
Standard trim won't wear well 


OVERVIEW
The unconventional A-Class is in its second generation; in adulthood, says Mercedes-Benz. The fact it's made it to maturation is as much evidence of the company's tenacity as it is consumers' changing values and rising petrol prices. Well over its gawky 'teenage' stage, the new model serves it up to the knockers of the first generation A-Class and makes a tempting proposition in the competitive compact car class. We're being forced to do more with less but Mercedes, and fellow high-marquers like Alfa Romeo, Audi and BMW, want us to aspire to a little luxury.

The original A-Class, launched in 1997, was Mercedes' first foray into small cars. It proved a worthwhile move in terms of sales (6900 models in Australia and 1.1m worldwide) but wasn't without its hiccups. Some unflattering test results in Scandinavia (the dreaded, dubious, elk test) saw sales halted and the company's share price in freefall. An electronic stability control solution got the car back on four wheels (literally) and into the marketplace. All that aside, importantly, the A-Class brought newbies to the brand -- Mercedes says around 80 per cent of Australian A-Class purchasers were first-time buyers. The story was not much different worldwide.

The company's mantra of a "premium product in every segment" has produced an entry-level model for those potential owners previously priced out. The more efficient, well-equipped 2005 A-Class has been designed to hold the original converts and win over those formerly unimpressed by the baby Benz.

FEATURES
For the first time two body styles will be offered with both three and five door A-Class models coming Down Under.

The three-door A150 Classic kicks off the all-four-cylinder A-Class line-up at $29,900. The rest of the fleet comprises: the A170 Classic three-door ($34,400) and five-door ($36,900), A170 Avantgarde three-door ($37,400) and A170 Elegance five-door ($39,900).

The A200 Avantgarde three-door ($40,400) and A200 Elegance five-door ($42,900) will be joined in late 2005 by three and five-door A200 Turbo models (prices to be announced). A diesel option may be offered, dependant upon customer demand.

The new A-Class is wider (by 45mm) and longer (232mm) than the first gen car yielding more room front and rear and a wider rear seat. Boot capacity has increased to 435lt and can expand to 1995lt (five-door, three-door 1485lt) with the Easy-Vario-Plus option. Available for five-door models (approx $950) this enables the removal of both rear seat cushions and backrests to create a flat load floor.

The vehicle's handling and road stability has improved with the addition of a selective damping system, which adjusts shock absorber forces according to driving conditions. Body roll support has been enhanced with the use of a parabolic rear axle. Both the rear axle and selective damping system are new offerings from Mercedes.

The revised engine range available for the new A-Class affords better output and torque ratings, and reduced fuel consumption. All models are available with continuously variable transmission, 'Autotronic', as an option, or five-speed manual. A200 Turbo models get a six-speed manual box.

Classic models are equipped with 15-inch steel wheels; the Elegance gets 15-inch light-alloy wheels and the Avantgarde comes with 16-inch, five-spoke light-alloy wheels. A full-size spare wheel, heated side mirrors and tinted windows are standard.

COMFORT
Revised dimensions for the new A-Class means occupants are treated to a big-car feel, with good headroom and generous front passenger room. Rear passengers will be comfortable enough, even in the three-door model.

The interior is trimmed with materials considered worthy to make Mercedes' 'Touch And Feel' list and high-grade finishes such as wood and leather, depending on spec-level.

Cabin ambience was significantly enhanced by the louvered sliding sunroof fitted to some of the launch testers. It's available as an option ($2400). And for some users there's also the intangible almost SUV-style appeal of the A-Class' high-seating position.

The dash is sensible and driver instrumentation clear, incorporating large, black-faced gauges with white details and chrome trim. The driver's seat is adjustable, so too the standard-fit multi-function steering wheel.

Elegance and Avantgarde models are equipped with courtesy lamps, and leather steering wheel and handbrake lever. All models come standard with air-con and power windows and mirrors with some higher spec models also gaining Benz's Thermotronic automatic climate control system.

Other standard-fit items include speed-sensitive power steering and single in-dash CD-player. Of course, Mercedes offers a substantial option list from Parktronic parking sensors to Bi-Xenon lamps -- just be prepared for the $$$ to add up, eg: metallic paint is a hefty $1100.

SAFETY
The new A-Class uses more high-strength steel than the outgoing model, strategically placed in zones that Mercedes' testing has identified as crucial for occupant safety.

The evolution of the construction of the front section and passenger compartment sees new side members and cross sections used to create a 'frame' for support of the engine, transmission, steering and front axle, and adding strength to the vehicle's floor.

Mercedes maintains the 'sandwich floor' construction technique pioneered in the original A-Class. This encourages the engine and transmission to slide downwards and away from occupants in the event of a frontal collision. Mercedes says the construction method has also proven beneficial in reducing the severity of side impacts.

Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program, adaptive front airbags, front side airbags and windowbags, and adaptive seat-belt force limiters are standard items on all A-Class models.

The 2005 A-Class also gets disc brakes all round across the range. A tyre pressure loss warning system comes standard on models fitted with 17 and 18-inch wheels and/or sports suspension, and as an option for the other models.

MECHANICAL
The Australian market gets four petrol engine models. The A150 1.5lt rated at 70kW/140Nm; A170 (1.7lt, 85kW/155Nm); A200 (2.0lt, 100kW/185Nm) and turbocharged A200 good for 142kW/280Nm.

Lightweight materials are used in the construction of some of the vitals: aluminium for the crankcase, pistons, sump and rocker arms; plastic for the intake manifold. The 1.5lt engine weighs just 92kgs, and Mercedes says the 117kg unit in the turbo has a power to ratio of 0.82kg/kW.

Transmission options include the standard five-speed manual, new six-speed for the Turbo model and Autotronic, Mercedes' first ever continuously variable transmission (CVT). Autotronic offers three shift programs: comfort, standard and a manual-style with seven 'virtual' ratios. Benz claims it is the world's most compact CVT. Available on 170 and 200 models, it will set you back $2500.

Mercedes has spent considerable effort on improving the A-Class' stability and handling and is very proud of its new 'spherical parabolic-spring rear axle'. This it credits with precise wheel location and anti-roll control, and more comfortable ride for a vehicle that would normally require harder settings to manage its high centre of gravity.

Up front, the A-Class uses conventional Macpherson struts.

Also notable for the new A-Class is the addition of selective damping control for the shock absorbers. These feature a hydromechanical valve system that offers variable damping control determined by wheel movement. A control system splits the valve body into two areas: in normal driving conditions, this control system stays central allowing part of the oil through for softer ride characteristics. In hard cornering the valve sits lower, closing the bypass channel for full damping effect.

COMPETITORS
Mini Cooper, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Alfa 147, Peugeot 307, VW Golf...  Where do you want to stop? The new A-Class cements Mercedes-Benz presence in the premium small car segment and opens up myriad 'competitors'. Not that Benz spokespeople were necessarily happy to concede the A-car is directly competing for buyers with our above list of vehicles.

The reality is premium badge shoppers will compare the three-pointed star offering to the other German brands and Euros alike. Priced from $30-$45K, the A-Class is right in the meat of the 'user-chooser' marketplace.

We see the new A-Class appealing to a range of 'new-to-Benz' consumers. The upright driving position and individual looks will see it winning sales from everything from small SUVs through to fancied Japanese and local product. Pop over to CarPoint's new car comparator and bang in a selection of the cars above and see just how varied (and close!) the choice is...

ON THE ROAD
Mercedes wants us to believe the ills that initially beset the first generation A-Class have gone and pitched a demanding drive program at the local launch of the 2005 model. The route incorporated nearly 500km of twisty, hilly and sometimes gravel roads in the tropical hill country around Byron Bay and Murwillumbah (NSW).

The second-generation A-Class managed it all with poise and its new-fit fixes live up to the promise. For example, testing the selective damping system, both by choice and from interrupted navigation, returns a tangible response and helps the tall car feel steady into, through and out of corners. Steering is lighter and more agile than might be expected for a wide-stance, front-wheel drive car.

Engine response is good throughout the range. Even the 1.5-litre is spritely and all emit very cool-sounding grunt, a la Mini Cooper. The 2.0lt model offers good performance and in our estimation will likely attract the lion's share of buyers.

The five-speed manual gearbox is precise and is the only transmission available on the entry level engine.

Both the three and five-door models are spacious and comfortable over long distances and the optional louvered sunroof creates a lovely cabin atmosphere without hindering headroom. Rear seat passengers aren't disadvantaged as they are in some small German cars - even with two six-footers upfront.

Interior finishes are classy to the touch and the dash and fixtures on this A-Class look well-assembled and befitting of the prestige badge -- something that couldn't always be said of the first-generation model.

Our final verdict on the new A-Class will have to wait for our 7-day test, but initial impressions are very promising. Stay tuned...