Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 A 160 CDI (60 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 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~6 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 18.8 s). The top speed reaches 150 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 160 CDI (60 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very sluggish performance, particularly with the automatic gearbox, making it struggle significantly outside of urban environments.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy due to its low power output, making it a very cheap car to run in terms of fuel.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W168: 1997 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | A-class |
| Generation: | W168 |
| Modification (Engine): | A 160 CDI (60 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 35.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 1500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 668.941 More details about the engine OM 668.941 |
| 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: | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 18.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 18.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 18 kg/Hp, 55.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 148.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1080 |
| Max. weight: | 1540 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1700 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 390 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3575 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1719 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1590 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2423 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1523 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1472 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 [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 | 155/70R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Mercedes-Benz A-class live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!