2005 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Preview

There are two major advancements to take note of with the W169's chassis, both of which have to do with the car's

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

suspension. In order to prevent getting egg on their collective faces by losing valuable money and reputation, Mercedes engineers revised the suspension system with mechanical active dampers. In back, the trailing arms have been replaced with a 'parabolic axle'. A curved tube links the rear wheels together, and it's all attached to a center point in front of the wheels. Watts links take care of any lateral movement of the suspension.

The aforementioned active dampers use no electronics or computers, but rather are "stroke sensitive" meaning that the larger the bump is, the more firmly the suspension system will damp. The result: high speed cornering should be flat while minor bumps on the road shouldn't be felt. Together with the stronger chassis and wider tires, body roll has reportedly been reduced, while stability has been improved

The new A-Class is an evolution in style rather than the revolution the first generation made. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

without sacrificing ride comfort. Steering is executed via a pure electric system for fuel efficiency and easy of driving.

The new A-Class is definitely an A-Class, there's no mistaking it. The previous seven year run has reflected on the new car without skipping a beat, especially noticeable in its monobox body style. It's true, there are some changes in detail, such as the continuous line which traces the front end to the windshield (mainly there to allow this shape of vehicle to pass mandatory EuroNCAP pedestrian crash protection ratings) and sharper-looking headlamps, but it's an evolution in style rather than the revolution the first generation made. Around back, triangular taillamps have made their comeback, but don't mistake the black segment that mirrors the top of the light is glass as it's only moulded plastic.