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Mercedes-Benz A-class W168, facelift 2001 A 160 CDI (75 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz A-class:
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a car manufactured by German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz. It has been marketed across four generations as a front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger, five-door hatchback, with a three-door hatchback offered for the second generation, as well as a saloon version for the fourth.
As the brand's entry-level vehicle, the first generation A-Class, internally coded W168, was introduced in 1997, the second generation in late 2004 and the third generation in 2012. The fourth generation model , which was launched in 2018, marked the first time the A-Class was offered in the United States and Canada. This fourth generation A-Class is also the first to be offered both as a hatchback and sedan....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W168, facelift 2001 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz A-class (W168, facelift 2001). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1080 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.8 s). The top speed reaches 157 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
A 160 CDI (75 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Performance is notably sluggish with the automatic transmission, making acceleration a leisurely affair. Best suited for relaxed driving.
Fuel Economy
Despite the low power, the fuel economy is decent for an automatic diesel, offering reasonable running costs for city driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Surprisingly spacious interior for its compact footprint
- • Premium badge and quality feel for its segment
- • Excellent fuel economy from CDI diesel engines
- • Unique 'sandwich' floor design offers good safety and practicality
- • Maneuverable in urban environments
Cons:
- • Ride can be firm, especially on larger wheels
- • Some early models had stability concerns (addressed with ESP)
- • Engine access can be challenging for DIY maintenance
- • Not the most engaging driving dynamics (except A210 Evolution)
- • Interior plastics can feel dated compared to later models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W168: 1999 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | A-class |
| Generation: | W168, facelift 2001 |
| Modification (Engine): | A 160 CDI (75 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 75 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 44.4 Hp/l [31mm more] |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 1500-2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 668.940 More details about the engine OM 668.940 |
| Engine displacement: | 1689 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 4.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 157 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.4 kg/Hp, 69.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 148.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1080 |
| Max. weight: | 1540 |
| Max. roof load: | 50 kg |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1740 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 390 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3606 mm mm [31mm more] |
| Width: | 1719 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1575 mm mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2423 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1950 mm |
| Front track: | 1503 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1452 mm |
| Front overhang: | 602 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 581 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.75 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/50 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
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