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Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 A 170 CDI (90 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 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1100 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.7 s). The top speed reaches 172 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 170 CDI (90 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily driving, though the automatic transmission can make it feel somewhat sluggish, especially from a standstill.
Fuel Economy
As a diesel, it provides good fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective option for mixed driving.
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 170 CDI (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 4200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 53.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 180 Nm @ 1600 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: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 172 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1100 |
| Max. weight: | 1560 |
| 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: | 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 [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 | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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