Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse
Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse
ABM "A" and "B"
Forget everything you knew about the Mercedes A-Class! Get out of your head! There are no longer those funky compact (shorter than 4 m long) monocovers with a high roof. The third generation of the "A-class" does not resemble the first two in any way - the car is tailored to completely different patterns. Now this is a traditional hatchback of the usual height. The same as the main competitors - Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.
The appearance of the debutant makes a strong impression. A long time ago, “Mercedes” did not have a car with such a bold and bright design. Particularly attractive look plastic, like a sculpture, the sidewalls of the body - a sight for sore eyes! The new style is so good that they want to extend it to other models of the brand. For example, a sedan designed on the basis of the “A-class” will soon be released. But it will be later, but for now - I sit down inside a salon that has become hot in the Slovenian sun.
Despite the elongated (compared to its predecessor) body, the interior has become more crowded. Sit in it now is not so convenient - not even an hour, hit your head. The former “A-class” entered almost without bending down. Space in height has become less. Closer and behind. “This is a car for youth. If you want space and practicality, take a look at our “B-class”, the representative of the German company retorts. - He has a lot in common with the A-class in terms of technology. And the interior design is similar.”
The interior is luxurious. The build quality and materials used in the decoration of the A-Class are not inferior to the older brothers
The interior is luxurious. The build quality and materials used in the decoration of the A-Class are not inferior to the older brothers. The interior is luxurious. The build quality and materials used in the decoration of the A-Class are not inferior to the older brothers.
Indeed, I look at the front panel and find it difficult to find differences from the "B-class" - everything is very similar. But this does not bother. Cool design does not conflict with ergonomics, you feel comfortable in just ten seconds. In a chair with an integrated headrest, you immediately find a comfortable position, the beautiful steering wheel is adjustable in two directions. Build and finish quality is highest. Leather, metal, soft plastics - a real Mercedes. You feel no worse than in an expensive sedan with a three-beam star.
“A-class” equipment is not deprived: here you have an active cruise control, and a parking assistant (helps not only to enter the parking lot, but also to get out of there), and gorgeous “music”, and a system that reads traffic signs and broadcasts them symbols on the dashboard. A puck appeared on the central tunnel, managing an infotainment complex with the ability to access the Internet, just like the elders.
Visibility is mediocre. Exterior mirrors are beveled to the edge, the rear window is a narrow embrasure. Well at least, the body racks are not very wide. The trunk, alas, is small. While under the floor there is only ammunition. And the opening of the fifth door is narrow. But in the best German traditions, the compartment walls are even, and on them, as well as on the floor, are comfortable mesh pockets.
Visibility through the cabin mirror is unimportant: unremovable headrests and a narrow rear window interfere
Visibility through the cabin mirror is unimportant: unremovable headrests and a narrow rear window interfere. Visibility through the cabin mirror is unimportant: unremovable headrests and a narrow rear window interfere.
WARM AND HOT
The previous “A-class” in terms of engines was modest, the debutant had stronger engines. So, even the base A 180 has 122 forces. And at his disposal a 1.6-liter “four” with a turbine. The A 200 has exactly the same engine, but boosted to 156 hp. With him I started dating.
Acceleration is good! The car goes zealously uphill. At the same time, there is no jolt to you, no hitches - the new 7-speed gearbox with two clutches knows its job. Unshakable stability on a straight line, confident cornering, small rolls - this is largely due to the center of gravity reduced by 40 mm. And the driver now sits 178 mm closer to the ground, which allows you to better feel the car.
Slovenia, perhaps to a lesser extent than other fragments of the former Yugoslavia, has retained reminders of the socialist past. Western architecture, decent roads. According to these, the “A-class” simply spreads, - the ride and the overall level of comfort are very high by the standards of C-class hatchbacks. In general, I relaxed … and did not notice how a simple reset of the front car speed flowed into emergency braking. Fortunately for me, the Mercedes is prepared for such a situation. Seeing that the driver presses the brake insufficiently to stop, the car enters emergency braking mode on its own. In general, I have avoided the worst.
This system is not the only advanced option that was invented for the "A-class". The electric sunroof, for example, is no less surprising. I lifted it to the maximum (the weather had it) and suddenly I saw on the highway that the hatch had slightly lowered. Added to the move - he again changed position. It turns out that in order to maintain acoustic comfort, Mercedes taught him to automatically hide when they reach 100 and 120 km / h. Not a single manufacturer has ever offered this before.
The monitor sticking out in the center of the front panel can easily be mistaken for an abnormal navigator. Thieves can be overpowered
The monitor sticking out in the center of the front panel can easily be mistaken for an abnormal navigator. Thieves can be overpowered. The monitor sticking out in the center of the front panel can easily be mistaken for an abnormal navigator. Thieves can be overpowered.
For dessert, left the flagship A 250, which already has 211 hp at its disposal. This is the most powerful A-Class in history. Thanks to the AMG package, it even looks hotter. Outside, 18-inch “rollers”, massive for such a baby, through which red brake mechanisms are visible, and behind the rear, in the most visible place, are two exhaust pipes. Plus additional slotted air ducts in the bumpers.
The salon is also decorated differently. Red stitching, red rims around ventilation deflectors, red seat belts. The machine tunes to the combat tune with sound: it is much more growling here. I put the box in sports mode - and go! Acceleration is dramatic thanks in large part to the soundtrack. The set speed compared to the A 200 is noticeably more energetic, although it certainly does not impress you in the chair - it's still not a supercar.
Nevertheless, with many hot hatchbacks this "A-class" may well compete. And not only in dynamics. After all, here there are increased brakes, and a stiffer suspension with a clearance reduced by 15 mm - thanks to it, the flagship is perceived much sharper than ordinary versions. He turns quickly, with a twinkle, on the verge of a foul. At the same time, it always remains safe, since the stabilization system does not turn off and comes into play if the driver went too far with speed or made a mistake in the trajectory.
Embossed sidewalls, low roof, long hood - a radically different design compared to its predecessor
Embossed sidewalls, low roof, long hood - a radically different design compared to its predecessor! Embossed sidewalls, low roof, long hood - a radically different design compared to its predecessor!
Well, for those who find this not enough, it makes sense to wait for a full-fledged AMG version, which has over 300 hp at its disposal, as well as all-wheel drive. But such cars will not reach us soon, not before the spring of next year.
WAITING FOR SEDAN
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In the coming months, the premiere of the sedan based on the new "A-Class". How it looks can be judged by the CLA concept car. Its length will be greater than that of the "C-Class", and the price, promise, is lower. It is tempting!
INSTEAD OF SIMILAR TO THE BOXES OF THE PRESIDENT “MERCEDES” CREATED A TRADITIONAL Hatchback FOR THE S-SEGMENT. HE IS CLOSER, BUT MORE STYLISH AND DYNAMIC. JUST THIS AND LIKE YOUNG PEOPLE - THE BASIC TARGET AUDIENCE OF A-CLASS
The sports modification is easy to identify by two exhaust pipes and slots in the bumper
The sports modification is easy to identify by two exhaust pipes and slots in the bumper. The sports modification is easy to identify by two exhaust pipes and slots in the bumper.
