Mercedes-Benz A170 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1997 – 2013 Mercedes A-Class.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1997, 1998, 2005, 2007 and 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class as a used buy.

Upgrades include some exterior visual tweaks to freshen the A-Class and B-Class, revised interiors and the addition of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel in the A-Class.The A180 CDI costs $39,990 and is available with either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic.For the first time an active parking assist reversing system is also available in the both the A and B Class.The system is $4680 option on the A170 and A 180 CDI as part of a `metro' pack that includes CVT automatic, cruise control and 12-volt socket in the luggage compartment.The system is standard on the A200 three and five-door and turbo.On the B Class the same system costs $4160 on the B180 CDI and B200 as part of the same option pack but comes standard on the B200 turbo.The parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to identify suitable parking spaces and then automatically guides the car into the space.It is similar to that available in some Volkswagen models.Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman, David McCarthy, expects a strong take up of the new parking system as well as the new turbo-diesel in the A-Class.“We think the A180 CDI will attract more people to the brand,” he says.Both A and B-Class sales have dipped this year by more than 30 per cent in the lead up to arrival of the newer models.Although the C-Class remains the volume Mercedes seller here, McCarthy says he expects both the A and B to lift volumes, particularly with the availability of the turbo-diesel in the A-Class.He believes the A180 CDI will at more than 300 sales to a yearly sales expectation of about 1000 A-Classes.The new 80kW/250Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel A-Class is the sixth model in the brand's entry lineup and shares its engine with the B-Class.In the A180 CDi it hits 100km/h in 10.8 seconds and delivers peak power at 4200 revs and peak torque between 1600 and 2600 revs.The frugal diesel has a combined fuel economy figure of 5.2 litres/100km.Like all A-Class models, the A180 CDI boasts a comprehensive safety story with electronic stability control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, acceleration skid control, eight airbags, and a full-sized spare wheel.Comfort features include climate control air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel and display, AUDIO 20 sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a split-fold rear seat.Moving up a notch, the B-Class gains minor cosmetic updates like its smaller brother, from the bumpers and headlights to the interior seat trim and upgraded audio systems.The front bumper gets a larger air intake and more aggressive treatment.The visual upgrades also include body coloured exterior mirrors, door hands and lower side skirts on all models.Inside, the B-Class, already well known for its roomy interior gets new materials with brushed aluminium highlights on the dashboard.A reach adjustable steering and hill-start assist also make an appearance.In common with both the A and B are new flashing brake lights that activate if the driver hits the brakes in an emergency when travelling more than 50km/h.In the B-Class the hazard warning lights also come on in emergency braking manoeuvres above 70km/h.Prices for both A and B have risen slightly with the equipment upgrades and fresher looks.The A-Class is up between $500 and $800 depending on the model and the B-Class has risen $400 across the board.The entry 1.7-litre A170 coupe costs $35,500, rising to $49,500 for the top-range A200 turbo.ON THE ROADWe've never been a huge fan of the A-Class and the changes to the latest model have only reinforced this thinking.That said, there are plenty of pluses.It's a great commuter car, nippy around town, frugal and easy to park.However, at higher speeds on the highway the car's short wheelbase and upright stance shows up some shortcomings that are inherent with building a car like the A-Class.The little hatch can be buffeted by cross-winds and road noise intrudes rather too much for a Mercedes, even if it's an entry Merc.The ride is also geared to comfort rather than handling but it must be remembered that this is not a sportscar.Although the driving position is good, with a broad panorama of the road, the electro-mechanical power steering is numb and feels disconnected to the road.However, on the plus side, the A-Class has impeccable safety credentials with a five-star crash rating and impressive arsenal of active and passive safety gear.It is well build and provides a feeling of being carved from stone while the interior ambience is appropriate to the brand.The new 80kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel works well in the A-Class. It provides plenty of low and mid-range response and a combined fuel figure of 5.2 litres/100km.As peak torque of 250Nm is delivered from 1600 revs the little hatch is reasonably perky off the mark and can keep up with freeway traffic.The CVT auto works well with the diesel too, providing just the right response at any speed.Given the price points of the range the A-Class makes a reasonably alternative.But there are still many other small European hatches that deliver more driver involvement, equally impressive amounts of room and also have that crucial Euro badge to impress the neighbours. 

It still has a sandwiched chassis which allows the motor and transmission to slip slightly back and under the cabin front. Other bits such as the battery and fuel tank are under the cabin.The Benz engineers reckon this allows 67 per cent of the body length free for people.This second generation A-Class is a little longer and wider than before — it now sits at 3838mm long and 1764mm wide, casting a road shadow that's 6.7 metres square. Shoulder room is better, rear knee room is up and there's more luggage space. It looks good outside, there is a little more muscle to the style these days, a little more street fighter, particularly for the three-door version which scores a different profile treatment. And it feels good inside, feels like a Benz should.The three-door A-Class starts at $29,900 for an A150 Classic, pretty cheap for a Mercedes-Benz and that three-pointed star and all the gear from airbags galore to airconditioning and Electronic Stability Program.The three-door A150 arrives with 1.5-litre engine and 70kW. Move along to the 85kW A170 and the price moves to $34,400.Then there's the A200 Avantgarde, the 2-litre, 100kW machine at $40,400.Along with the extra power, plus 185Nm of torque, the A200 three-door arrives with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and cruise control, fancy (with speed limiter), climate control airconditioning and upgraded stereo system. All very swish.This particular A200 was sitting on optional 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 rubber. Very smart.But there was a little body pitching and a little bit of suspension noise around the suburbs.Not one thing wrong with the handling though, sharp as a tack; the grip is good and there's no body roll.It turns in quick and, in normal driving, with little trace of any front-wheel-drive idiosyncrasies. Plus there all those Benz bits of motor magic such as traction control, ABS, brake assist and electronic stability program to keep the Mercedes A-Class on the right and proper track.This is a very handy machine for getting around town, all class.There is that business of giving the 100kW a chance to build up a little steam off from the lights, a lazy start can lead to a stutter or a stall. Once up and running through the five-speed gearbox and no dramas, the A200 is pretty flexible; fuel consumption should come in under 9 litres per 100km.The only thing here is the big tachometer on the right attracts the eye easier than the big speedometer on the left. So the 40 is probably 4000rpm rather than 40km/h and can be closing on speed limits.As with bigger Mercedes-Benz, the dashboard and controls are all neat, tidy, logical and legible.Driving with a little bit of seat height (but not a deal of headroom for taller types with the optional sunroof installed) and that big, panoramic windscreen plus compact body is an easy business around town.Back seat access is pretty good, long doors and an easy tip-and-slide function. Head and legroom back here is OK for most adults.So this three-door A200 is some $10,000 extra over the A150 but with a few extra cosmetics, a couple of extra kilowatts and alloy wheels over the smaller-engined machine it stacks up well as a smart-looking, comfortable and handy compact car.The badge out the front, the technology and that tailored fit, finish and design to the cabin makes the A-Class Mercedes-Benz that much more special. (Another $2500 will buy the other two doors.)

There is no hard and fast scientific reason why 46 per cent of the 6900 A-Class compact cars sold here since October, 1998, have gone to women.That compares with the global figure of 40 per cent of the 1.1 million sales since 1997 going to females.A large majority of the Australian sales have gone to people entering the Mercedes-Benz ownership experience for the first time.So in terms of loyalty and repeat business the A-Class is hugely important even if it is a low volume niche player.The first generation A-Class suffered somewhat unfairly from being radical and for not being as dynamically switched on as you would expect from the Stuttgart-based car giant.It featured the sandwich design whereby in a frontal collision the engine and transmission would drop downwards and avoid penetrating the passenger safety cell.This design is carried over to the new model which is a very different driving experience against the trend-setting first generation A-Class.On entering the cabin there is an immediate feeling of space.Glance to the rear and there are impressive levels of leg room, unlike some compacts which masquerade as four-door models but only really have practical space for two occupants.The five-door A170, which should be the best-seller of the comprehensive range, delivers enough performance from its 85kW, 155Nm 1.7litre four cylinder engine.It coasts along at the speed limit and copes nicely with the hills and hollows.Steeper climbs require the Autotronic six-speed sequential box to drop a few cogs back to third or fourth depending on the situation.The A170 as driven came with larger 17-inch wheels and sports suspension and felt extremely confident over surface changes which at times were greasy at best.These new A-Classes provide a smart ride over bumps and pock-marked bitumen.It is perhaps the ride that is the most endearing feature of the A-Class.Steering at the straight ahead and just off centre is a little dull, taking away slightly from the driving experience.In terms of grip, stability and handling qualities the A-Class is streets ahead of its predecessor.Whereas the original model would be nervous the newcomer holds flat and doesn't squirm around corners.It offers confident, sure-footed cornering when pushed to the threshold of breaking traction.The key is in the new rear suspension which gives it the driving dynamics it was sadly lacking in the past.In the entry level A150, the 70kW engine is willing, capably tackling the B-roads of rural areas as equally as it does built-up roads in town.The five-speed manual gearbox is well suited to the 1.5litre engine.It's probably not as sporty in its application on road as the BMW 1-series but the new A-Class has grown smarter.While it remains a compact there are substantial gains in the cabin.What has helped leverage more internal space is a gain in overall length of 232mm with 45mm added to its width.All the controls and dash dials are neatly laid out for easy interpretation and functionality.What is a major plus for Benz is the inclusion of a full-size spare tyre which is housed underneath the floor of the rear cargo bay.The boot will swallow a fair degree of carryalls with an increase of 15 per cent to 435 litres.These A-Classes, all three-and five-door versions and the different engine choices are on the pace practically and from a driving perspective.What was once a radical and in some ways flawed model from the world's oldest car maker now has better road manners to match a roomier cabin in what remains a compact shell.

The Mercedes-Benz baby has grown up and offers noticeably improved handling and ride comfort over the previous model.The A 150, A 170 and A 200 were tested at the launch this week were five-speed manuals and an automatic version of the A 200.The drive program consisted of tight and twisty roads and even a nice little dirt track with plenty of off-camber corners and slippery patches to give the ESP a real workout.On the freeway all models offered a comfortable ride. Wind noise was minimal but tyre noise from the A 170 and A 200's bigger 16-inch wheels was noticeable. Despite high winds, the new A-Class did not get blown over the road like the previous model did on test and definitely inspired more confidence behind the wheel.On the open road both the A 170 and A 200 cruised easily and effortlessly, the smaller A 150 needing a little bit more work on some of the bigger hills.Through the tight and twisty roads the cars kept their line over some harsh irregularities and while the ESP did show its presence it was only when a deliberately overactive right foot caused some sliding through corners.The dirt section gave a great indication of the ESP.While the little yellow exclamation light was extremely active through this section it was being pushed quite hard. It did not back the driver out too early but was able to be used to push that little bit harder.Inside, the quality of the finish has been upgraded and refreshed and further adds to what was an already stylish and funky interior.