Premium

Youngtimer Mercedes-Benz A-Class - 20 years after the moose test

Name: Mercedes-Benz A 140 1997
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on October 27, 2017

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Daimler AG

Auto Motor und Sport

Daimler AG / Archiv Zwischengas

Daimler AG

Auto Motor und Sport

Daimler AG / Archiv Zwischengas

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Driving dynamics tests

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - almost taller than it is wide

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz NAFA (1981) - study for a local transport vehicle, behind it Study A from 1993 and the A-Class from 1996

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A concept car (1993) - Presented at the IAA 1993, concept car with sandwich floor, forerunner of the A-Class

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1993) - Design study

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1994) - as a drawing on the cover of Auto Motor und Sport

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1994) - 1/5th scale design model

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1994) - Design model

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1994) - 1 to 5 scale model, still close to the A study

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1994) - two-door design model on a scale of 1 to 5

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1996) - Classic version with alloy wheels at extra cost

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1996) - as a standard model on the cover of Auto Motor und Sport

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1996) - a kind of minivan

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1996) - due to the large cross-sectional area, a low drag coefficient was mandatory

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 Turbodiesel (1996) - according to manufacturer 0.3 cw

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1996) - Crash test shows effectiveness of the sandwich concept

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1996) - Offset crash test - 50 safety tests were carried out in 32 months

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - from the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1997) - when cars were still allowed to be colorful

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - Classic version, in beautiful green

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1998) - agile little saloon

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1996) - with louvred sunroof

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1996) - with louvred roof

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - different versions and colors

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - the three different "lines" - Elgance, Avantgarde and Classic

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1996) - Presentation for journalists almost a year before market launch

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - dynamic on the road

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - Avantgarde version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1997) - on a long journey

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1997) - on a test drive in a difficult environment

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1997) - the TÜV also inspected the revised A-Class

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1997) - with ESP, the A-Class manages even the worst evasive maneuvers

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - the Swedish magazine tipped an A-Class during the moose test

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 140 (1997) - World premiere of a unique model series

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI (1998) - diesel version of the 168 model series

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1996) - Alpine test drive from Graz to Geneva

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1996) - at the airport

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1996) - in dark blue

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - Avantgarde version with alloy wheels as standard

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - without equipment designation in front of the door cut-out

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - model series 168 in red metallic

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Components made from renewable raw materials

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - with plenty of space thanks to variable space concept

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - cutaway body - space like in much larger cars, and this with a length of 3.57 meters

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Space for the whole family

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 190 (1999) - the more powerful version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 190 (1999) - on the road

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 190 Twin (1998) - Study with more powerful engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A Elektro (1998) - prototype with electric drive and electricity from a high-performance sodium-nickel chloride battery

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - 168 model series, beach scene

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - in front of the Eiffel Tower

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Sport and leisure

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - was often associated with leisure activities

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - French way of life

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - plenty of space for man's best friend

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - in Brussels

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - Interior of the Avantgarde version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - Interior of the Elegance version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 190 (1999) - Interior of the upgraded version of the W168 model series

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Interior with information center for the driver

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - with four-cylinder engines from 1.4 to 1.7 liters displacement initially

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - transverse-mounted engine with an unconventional shape

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - up to six suitcases and a garment bag fit into the 350-liter luggage compartment

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - See-through drawing of the innovative small sedan

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - see-through drawing shows the sandwich concept

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - addition of ESP after the moose-quake debacle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - 350 to 1700 liter capacity for luggage

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - the rear seat can be moved along the longitudinal axis

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2000) - Transparency drawing - Components of the standard ABS

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Schnitttkarosseire shows the safety concept of the small car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Common rail injection for the diesel

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - Drive unit, optimized for the special installation eye

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - automatic paint shop

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Density test in artificial continuous rain

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Priming in an immersion bath

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Production - Marriage of chassis and body

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1996) - the plastic tailgate (25 % weight saving!) in the cold test

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - the passenger compartment and the sheet metal parts

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A 160 (1997) - Helmut Petri at the wheel of the 168 model series

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Interior dimensions

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - Dimensions, mass

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1997) - manageable color palette

You have only

1 out of 88

images seen in high resolution

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will become a youngtimer in 2017. It was first presented in its final form in 1996, with deliveries to customers starting in October 1997. However, preparations for the compact class had already begun over a decade earlier. With its revolutionary space and safety concept, the A-Class was to set new standards. However, the high price and initial difficulties prevented greater success. However, with over 1.1 million units of the first generation sold, the compact four-door model fulfilled expectations, at least in part, and turned Mercedes-Benz into a complete automotive supplier. This report looks back at the creation of the A-Class and shows it in almost a hundred pictures as well as in the sales brochure of the time.

This article contains the following chapters

Long prehistory
The A study
From the A study to the A-Class
Presentation in 1996
Official launch in 1997
Friendly welcome for the newcomer
Victim of the moose test
Endurance runner
In the youngtimer age
Pleasant companion
Further information

Estimated reading time: 12min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Preparations for Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact class took over a decade. And then this debacle! During a handling test conducted by a Swedish newspaper, the A-Class tipped over. Production had to be stopped and the model had to be improved. The retrofit was successful, but despite its innovative design, the A-Class did not succeed as expected. And today, the small Mercedes models are already veritable youngtimers. The engineers at Mercedes were already thinking about introducing an even more compact car below the "Baby Benz" (190E) in the 1980s. In 1981, they presented a local transport vehicle called the "NAFA" as a study.

Welcome to Zwischengas!