On the outside the A is small enough to be a C-segment Golf-beater, but its nameplate, badge and available options put it
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| Ever since its debut Mercedes-Benz has struggled in its attempts to turn the A-Class into sales success. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
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 Europe's Elk avoidance tests (no I'm 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 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
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| There will no longer be a regular wheelbase and long wheelbase model, but instead one length will have to satisfy everyone. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
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 232 mm (9.1 inches) longer, 45 mm (1.8 inches) wider, with a wheelbase that's 145 mm (5.7 inches) longer. Marginally larger on the outside, the real benefits will be felt inside the car. Now, a total of 97 mm (3.8 inches) more shoulder room, 95 mm (3.7 inches) additional elbow room and 30 mm (1.2 inches) more rear legroom will accommodate driver and passengers in greater comfort.
