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Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 A 140 (82 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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz A-class (W168). With 130 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1020 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 167 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.
The W168 A-class received 3 stars in its 1999 Euro NCAP test. While adequate for its time, it was notably impacted by early stability concerns (moose test) which Mercedes-Benz addressed with ESP as standard.
A 140 (82 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Entry-level petrol performance, suitable for city driving but struggles to maintain pace on faster roads due to limited power and automatic gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel economy for a petrol automatic, not as efficient as the diesels but acceptable for urban use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Compact exterior with surprisingly spacious interior due to 'sandwich floor' design
- • High seating position offers excellent visibility and easy entry/exit
- • Economical diesel engine options available
- • Unique and distinctive design for a compact car
- • Good manoeuvrability in urban environments
Cons:
- • Early models had stability concerns (moose test), though addressed with ESP
- • Ride can be firm, especially on poor road surfaces
- • Some known reliability issues, particularly with electrics and suspension components
- • Interior plastics can feel less premium than other Mercedes models
- • Complex engine-out service for some major repairs due to compact packaging
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | A-class |
| Generation: | W168 |
| Modification (Engine): | A 140 (82 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 82 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 58.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 130 Nm @ 3750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 166.960 |
| Engine displacement: | 1397 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 69.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 167 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 127.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1020 |
| Max. weight: | 1480 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1700 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 350 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3575 mm mm |
| Width: | 1719 mm mm |
| Height: | 1590 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2423 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1503 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1452 mm |
| 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 |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz A-class!