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A few months ago, when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced the compact sedan, many found its long list of specs impressive, as well as the fact that some of the S-Class features had been shared with this starter Benz sedan.
Yes, “starter” Benz as it is the lowest priced Benz sedan (the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 SUV sells for RM223,000) in Malaysian showrooms.
This is the second generation A-Class sedan, as the first generation arrived a few years ago as the Mercedes-Benz CLA and now it’s called Class A sedan.
This A-Class Saloon was launched with a Cd value of 0.22 and a frontal area of 2.19 m², giving it the lowest aerodynamic drag of all production vehicles worldwide and therefore allows you to defend the world record for the CLA Coupé.
The A-Class established Mercedes-Benz’s current compact car segment in 1997 and since then more than six million models have been delivered worldwide.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon as the seventh model further expands the range of compact Mercedes-Benz vehicles. A logical addition, because with the C, E and S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has more competition in premium saloons than most other manufacturers.
The A-Class Saloon offers great utility. That includes above-average head, elbow and shoulder room, plus easy access to the rear. It ranks at the top of its segment in rear clearance (944mm).
The trunk has a capacity of 420 liters and was designed for practical usability. The boot opening is very large with a width of 950 mm and a diagonal of 462 mm between the lock and the lower edge of the rear window. This allows larger pieces of luggage to be conveniently loaded and unloaded.
Delivering sportiness and luxury
The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon has the proportions of a compact, dynamic saloon with short front and rear overhangs.
The far rear greenhouse and compact rear end give the vehicle a formal dynamic boost. Thanks to the 457.2 mm wheels and pronounced wheel arches, the A-Class Saloon has a sporty stance on the road.
The front design looks very progressive. The long, low bonnet, the slim headlamps with chrome element, the lantern-shaped daytime running lights, as well as the single-slat radiator grille with chrome pins (optional) and the central star contribute to this impression.
The muscular and sensual vehicle shoulder with a precise character line running underneath it emphasizes the perfectly contoured side volume. The side mirrors are placed on the belt line.
The two-part taillights underline the clear rear end that emphasizes the width. The rear reflectors were moved to the two-part modular rear bumper. Depending on the equipment selected, this rear bumper is available with a black diffuser or with chrome trim and chrome exhaust tips.
Inner revolution
The interior of the new A-Class is completely redefined with its modern and avant-garde look. Mercedes-Benz has taken a completely new approach, revolutionizing the compact class from the inside with a new sense of spaciousness.
The unique interior architecture is determined in particular by the avant-garde design of the dashboard: the designers completely dispensed with a hood over the cockpit.
As a result, the wing-shaped main body of the dash extends from one front door to the other without visual discontinuity. The widescreen display is completely independent. The sporty turbine-look air vents are another highlight.
The 64 colors of ambient lighting make five times more colors available than before.
And it is not just the variety that has increased, as the emotional presentation also sets standards in this segment: the different colors are composed in ten color worlds to allow a state-of-the-art lighting display with spectacular color changes.
The new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the all-new MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system, which also ushers in a new era for Mercedes me connectivity at the same time.
As a result, it also comes standard on this Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX is customizable and adapts to the user.
Its strengths include augmented reality technology plus intelligent voice control with natural voice recognition, which is activated by the keyword “Hey Mercedes”.
The touch screen is part of the comprehensive MBUX touch control concept, which is a triad consisting of the touch screen, the touch panel in the center console, and the touch control buttons on the steering wheel.
MBUX is a revolution in in-car user experience. Emotionally engaging display characteristics underscore the understandability of the control structure and thrill through brilliant full-resolution 3-D graphics that are rendered, that is, calculated and displayed, in real time.
Driving the salon
From the start it is silent. The cabin offers the same Mercedes-Benz experience that any new Benz driver has experienced. It’s well crafted and offers entertainment options that will keep drivers ages 18-80 happy.
The engine returns a calm and unpretentious note when starting up and as it progresses the engine hesitates little.
From standing still, if you accelerate hard, there is a second or so delay and then you quickly release. The reason for the delay is simply this. This is a 1332cc engine. A small compact four-cylinder powerhouse that has a turbocharger so you can get going when you need to be fast.
This engine is codenamed M282 and it is a small capacity gasoline engine that is used by both Renault and Mercedes-Benz to achieve the necessary low-emission ratings that European nations are pushing for all automakers.
You probably didn’t know. Mercedes-Benz and Renault have been working together for some years in various areas. Furthermore, a few years ago they decided to further strengthen ties by jointly developing two new four-cylinder petrol engines. This gave rise to the M282 gasoline engine.
This compact and efficient engine produces an impressive 163 hp and has a kill cylinder when needed. It works with a 7G-DCT transmission. This means that compared to the previous 1.6-liter engine that was in the older A-Class, the output per liter of the all-aluminum engine has increased by 25%.
The Mercedes-Benz engine is the brand’s first four-cylinder to feature a cylinder lock. In the partial load range between 1250 rpm and 3800 rpm, and depending on the power requirement, the intake and exhaust valves of the second and third cylinder are closed by adjusting the valve clearance.
Driving down the highway at 110km / h, this engine runs smoothly and when you need overtaking power, just let go of the throttle and feel the 1332cc engine tick while hitting 180km / h with ease.
Yes, we were driving alone and it was late at night, but even with three other adults on board, we’re confident this compact saloon will keep its driver sensibly entertained.
Final word
SCENARIO 1: If you need a family sedan with a premium image and low monthly payments, then this saloon is worth a look.
SCENARIO 2: If you are looking for a second car for the house and you just need to move the children from one side of your private school to the other, then this room will be easily delivered.
SCENARIO 3: If your business forces you to drive a premium car and you rarely draw customers, take a closer look at this salon.
Mercedes-Benz A200 Sedan 1.3 (A)
- Motor: 4 cylinder in line 16v turbocharged
- Capacity: 1332cc
- Transmission: 7G speed automatic DCT
- Maximum power: 163 hp at 5500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 250 Nm at 1620 rpm
- 0-100 km / h: 8.0 seconds
- Maximum speed: 225km / h
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