W169 A-Class Sedan/Sports Hatch (Current)

The replacement for the W168 was the W169. Introduced in 2004, the W169 was very different. Build quality was excellent. Dimensions grew in every way, making the car more spacious.

The exterior design of the W169 A-Class was the current theme of Mercedes-Benz; sharp angles and lines, clean crisp creases and muscular wheel fenders. The A-Class also followed this principal. At first sight, the sharp sleak headlights catch your eye. Then, the you see the grille, matte black highlighted in chrome. Very sporty and aggressive front. You then step to the side and the first thing that catches your eye are those sexy AMG 18" alloys(optional). Your eye then glances up and sees the elegant curves and creases. Then, you walk to the back. The rear is equally sporty. The window, tailgate and the rear lights merge to form as one. This is perfected with an elegant spoiler to show sportiness. Sporty, yet tastefully elegant. Available as an option is a louvring sunroof. All this combined, the exterior is striking. On the base Classic model, a matte black grille is featured along with matte black plastic lower skirts. The mirrors are also matte black. The Elegance model features an elegant matte aluminium grille highlighted by chrome accents. It also features body coloured side mirrors and lower body skirts. The Elegance uses 9-spoke alloy wheels. At the top is the Avantgarde model. The Avantgarde uses a smoked grille highlighted with chrome. Lower body skirts and mirrors are body colour. It uses sporty, 5-Spoke alloy wheels.

The interior is fantastic. From the front, the first thing you notice is the superb comfort the seats offer. You then glance around you. The whole interior is designed with TAF(Touch And Feel) in mind. All the keys are designed to be convenient and easy to use. Also, they are designed to feel great to touch. Therefore, all the materials used are chosen with great care. On the Avantgarde edition, both sides of the centre console are flanked by aluminium strips. The Avantgarde is upholstered in sporty Maastricht fabric and Artico Leather. Some might opt for the Elegance model. The Elegance model replaces the aluminium strips with elegant wood trim. The Elegance model is upholstered in Antwerp fabric. Leather is available as an option. On the base Classic version, seats are upholstered in Luxemburg fabric. Trim is removed.
The drivetrain of the A-Class is very advanced. ESP(Electronic Stability Program) is fitted as a standard along with ABS(Antilock Brake System) and BAS(Brake Assist System). This is combined with a Parabolic Rear Axle for improved handling. ASR(Anti Slip Regulation) improves traction control. A Selective Dampening System is also standard. This stiffens the suspension during cornering. When on straight stretches, suspension softens to provide a comfortable ride. 6 engines are offered for the A-Class. This chart should help you understand the classification.

A160 CDI 1.6litre Inline-4 Diesel
A180 CDI 1.8Litre Inline-4 Diesel
A200 CDI 2Litre Inline-4 Diesel
A150 1.5Litre Inline-4
A170 1.7Litre Inline-4
A200 Turbo 2Litre Inline-4 Turbo

The W169 was a great improvement from the previous model. The new A-Class is high in quality and extremely reliable. Styling is aggressive and sporty. It's a fresh design. The W169 was much more profitable than it's predecessor. No longer were they recalled for quality issues. The A-Class is currently looking towards a facelift.