2010 New Mercedes A-Class Review
Not many cars change the rules when it comes to their design, but not many cars are designed like the A-Class. When launched in 1997, the A-Class was a totally new concept in car design. In the event of a serious frontal impact the engine and transmission slides back underneath the floor below the pedals, this minimises intrusion into the passenger compartment and therefore reduces injuries to the lower limbs. This "Sandwich" Chassis system not only gives greater safety but also increases interior room giving the A-Class almost TARDIS like qualities.
After some initial problems the A-Class has gone from strength to strength, the original car failed the Swedish "Moose Test" leading to 2600 cars being recalled and the suspension of sales of the A-Class, stiffer suspension and the introduction of electronic stability control (the first time this was used in a small car) rectified the problem and since then over one million units have been sold worldwide.
2004 saw the new face lifted A-Class, now available in a three door as well as a five door the new A-Class is longer and wider than the model it replaces, has more legroom and generally more room all round for its passengers. Add to that restyled headlights, a larger front grille and new contoured wings and the new A-Class seems to have a more purposeful stance along with much more sweeping lines. Other changes include a new rear axle and a new suspension system.
New and improved engines have also been developed by Mercedes, giving more power and more torque, yet with better fuel consumption, further reducing running costs.
Safety has also been improved for the new A-Class and as a result the latest model has improved its Euro ncap safety rating to a maximum five out of five stars. This has been achieved through the modification of the airbags and the seatbelt technology used, making the A-Class one of the safest cars in its class.
The introduction of the three door A-Class is aimed at the younger section of the population, sportier than the five door, the three door is positioned in the Mercedes range as an entry level model to the Mercedes brand.
Like the looks of the Mercedes A-Class why not check out the BMW 1 Series, the VW Golf, the Volvo S40, the Volvo V50 or the Audi A3.
Finance your new Mercedes A-Class on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.
