Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class (1997)
One of the most radical introductions from one of the most conservative of automakers - the 1997 A-Class. The A-Class market a transition to a much smaller Mercedes-Benz model, the deployment of front-wheel-drive, and hatchback profile.
The A-Class was also highly innovative within its configuration, a dual-level sandwich floor prefigured the fitment of hybrid batteries or hydrogen fuel cell, neither of which technologies evolved to a commercial level within the seven year lifecycle of the W168 range.
Commercially, the A-Class was viewed as an entry into the dominant VW Golf class, but within the footprint of the smaller Polo class. The additional space realised by a wide cabin and a tall profile. A longer wheelbase variant, increased by 170mm was made available at the time of the 2001 facelift.
Powertrains were new, development of a 4-cylinder gasoline family ranging from 1.4L to 2.1L, and a 1.7L diesel engine.
The W168 range was replaced in 2004 by a similarly configured W169, which rode on the longer of the W168 wheelbase length.
Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class (1997)
One of the most radical introductions from one of the most conservative of automakers - the 1997 A-Class. The A-Class market a transition to a much smaller Mercedes-Benz model, the deployment of front-wheel-drive, and hatchback profile.
The A-Class was also highly innovative within its configuration, a dual-level sandwich floor prefigured the fitment of hybrid batteries or hydrogen fuel cell, neither of which technologies evolved to a commercial level within the seven year lifecycle of the W168 range.
Commercially, the A-Class was viewed as an entry into the dominant VW Golf class, but within the footprint of the smaller Polo class. The additional space realised by a wide cabin and a tall profile. A longer wheelbase variant, increased by 170mm was made available at the time of the 2001 facelift.
Powertrains were new, development of a 4-cylinder gasoline family ranging from 1.4L to 2.1L, and a 1.7L diesel engine.
The W168 range was replaced in 2004 by a similarly configured W169, which rode on the longer of the W168 wheelbase length.