Test drive Mercedes Benz A-class W169 since 2008 hatchback
"A" and "B" for those who "on the pipe"
Having gained well-deserved popularity in Europe, Mercedes-Benz A- and V-class cars have not yet been able to find the way to the hearts of Russian motorists Photos of the company-producing guilt of single-volume compacts are not there. Accustomed to more status models of the concern, our compatriots simply do not consider them for Mercedes. Although with the advent of updated versions, the situation may change.
I must say that the affairs of the B-class go in Russia somewhat better than that of his younger brother. Still, this single-crew is larger and more practical, it appeared on the market relatively recently and generally looks like a R-class in miniature. But if a large all-wheel drive minivan luxury, available relatively little, then in the person of the B-class fans of the brand offered a more democratic means of transportation. Moreover, the main idea of \u200b\u200bthe creators was to make this car not only functional and adapted for family holidays and travel, but also very dynamic and even sports. Capable of bringing true pleasure from driving.
Well, the B-class is really good. Especially if we talk about the most powerful modification of B 200 Turbo, which develops 193 horsepower. The engine that accelerates the car from a place up to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and providing a maximum speed of 225 km/h is quite elastic and perfectly combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the Autotronic variator. A good and 2-liter 140-horsepower turbodiesel version on a shelf of 16003000 revolutions per minute the motor gives delightful 300 nm of torque. At the same time, to a hundred, the car accelerates in 9.6 s and is able to develop 200 km/h. True, you are unlikely to want to check the last statement: after 140 km/h, the B-class begins to significantly scour even German autobahns, and the trips with waists cause rather unpleasant air strikes on a high body.
In general, the family-sports universal of the Mercedes family and sports unit does not reach the Grand of Tourism. Although A-class has even less chances to call a racing car (although the motors described above are available here). But he does not pretend to do so. Like the predecessor, who debuted in 1997, a second generation (it saw light in 2004) is a typical city child. His elements are trained by transport of a megapolis with inevitable traffic jams and problem parking. There is a compact Mercedes at ease. And the high -tech options received by the model during spring restyling are designed to facilitate the life of the driver even more. Yes, perhaps others. Indeed, thanks to the Eco Start/Stop function, which automatically turns off the engine when transferring the transmission into neutral and pressing the brake (the reverse launch occurs when clutching clutch), the car not only saves fuel, but also poisons the atmosphere less. And the car will find a place for parking at all. Ten ultrasound sensors of the Park-SSIST system begin to scan the surrounding space, as soon as the speed drops below 35 km/h. Having chosen the window suitable in size (1.3 m longer than the body), the electronics ask for the driver’s decision and, having received confirmation by pressing the key on the steering wheel, parks the car almost independently, and it brings along the optimal trajectory. It remains only to press the gas and brake pedals.
True, these wonderful systems (by the way, are also offered to B-class buyers) may not reach the domestic consumer. But along with Europeans, Russians will receive many other useful functions that have not previously been included in the basic configuration of compact Mercedes. Among them is a machine gun, an anti -stitter system, automatic windows, etc.
Against the backdrop of other models of the concern, compact Mercedes single -collapses are reluctant in Russia: according to the results of last year, none of them could overcome the thousandth barrier. Abroad, there is hundreds of thousands. Moreover, contrary to the obvious advantages of the B-class, customers give preference to the model with Litera A. So, since 1997, more than 1,700,000 A-class cars have found their buyers, and only 350,000 fans who debuted in 2005, which had debuted in 2005.
Andrey Tsybulsky
Source: MKOMBILA magazine [June/2008]
