Test drive Mercedes Benz A-class W169 since 2008 hatchback
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In 2008, sales of Mercedes-Benz cars A, B and C were launched. Recently, journalists were given the opportunity to test new models on the tracks near Moscow. Class a
Cars of this family are positioned mainly as female. For many buyers, this is the first in the life of Mercedes-Benz.
When designing the model, the developers paid special attention to safety, supplementing the arsenal of protective equipment with adaptive lanterns of the stop signal and the emergency lighting system of the salon.
In addition, the company's specialists applied the unique construction of the case, thanks to which, in the case of a frontal blow, the engine goes under the body, and the salon remains intact. NOU-HAU also provides a high landing of the driver and, as a result, a good review. Such a layout, close to a single -volume, involves a spacious interior with small external dimensions. This car is produced in both 3-door and 5-door design. Externally, the models of updated A-class did not undergo significant transformations. The front part of the body was equipped with new headlights, a radiator grille and bumpers, the back of the lanterns and bumpers. In addition, the latest version has changed the design of external mirrors and wheel discs.
As an option on the model A 150 and A 170 with a mechanical transmission, the ECO start / stop system installed the ECO system. This device automatically turns off the engine when car stops, thereby allowing to significantly save fuel in urban conditions. The technical support of the machine has improved significantly. Perhaps the most interesting novelty is an active parking system available as an option. With its help, the car can be parked in a limited space almost without the participation of the driver: he only needs to press the brake pedal in time, while the steering wheel turns to the desired angle automatically by the signals of the sensors of the parking sensors. There are also new options for the information and entertainment system with many additional functions; Acoustic system of volumetric sound, available as an option; Comand APS system with satellite navigation on hard disk and voice control; Multimedia interface for connecting external audio devices.
As before, the line of power units A includes seven 4-cylinder engines: four gasoline and three diesel with direct injection. But only gasoline versions are supplied to Russia. For the test, modifications A 170 and A 200 were presented. Even a less powerful motor provides good dynamics. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a car equipped with a 1.7-liter power unit takes 10.9 s, in a 2-liter engine, this indicator is not much higher than 9.8 s. At the same time, due to the optimized characteristic of the torque, A 200 is significantly better than receiving, at any speed, a power reserve is felt. As a result, it is more interesting to lead such a car. As for the soundproofing and smoothness of the course, everything is in order here. A-class real Mercedes-Benz, although small. Manageability is also at a height: modern active security systems do their job. However, such driving does not cause excitement, apparently, a large weight and a high center of gravity of the model are affected. However, no one was going to make her hot hatchback, this machine has different tasks, another target audience.
Class in Another representative of the CD-premium segment. In 2005, the B-class was created as a more universal version of the A-class. Structurally, these machines are close: they have the same engines, but the B-class has a wheelbase 21 cm longer. As a result, the model has become much more spacious. Many consumers buy it as a family vehicle, and in Europe they are widely used in a taxi.
In 2008, the B-class family, like A-class, was restored. The main changes are updated optics and bumpers, the design of external mirrors and wheel discs. As a result, the car now looks more sporty. The B-class models, unlike predecessors, are offered only in a 5-door version. The updated version has significantly improved basic equipment. From now on, the function of automatic switching on the headlights, which is activated when entering the tunnel or underground garage, the anti-stittering function that prevents the car is driving back, when you need to start moving uphill, flickering lanterns of the stop signal, effectively warning drivers from behind about the threat about the threat 
clashes, available in the basic configuration. Also in the standard, the model is equipped with electric windows, adjustable steering column and emergency lighting system. The line of B-class engines, along with gasoline and diesel engines, is supplemented with a gasified modification built on the basis of B 170. This car is equipped with a power unit with a working volume of 2 liters, with a capacity of 85 kW/116 liters. With. When burning both gas and gasoline. By pressing the button located on the steering wheel, the driver gives the command to change the type of fuel entering the 4-cylinder engine, and a special electronic device produces
switching, gently and without jerking, changing gasoline to natural gas, and vice versa. For the test, versions B 170 and B 200 were presented. Since they are equipped with the same engines as the A-class cars, the impressions of the ride are practically not different. Unless a car with a 2-liter engine rides more lively. In addition, there was a feeling that the B-class has a more energy-intensive suspension. And of course, these models are much more spacious: the salon is not inferior in volume to the Mercedes-Benz universals.
Class C. Class C car, although the smallest among the classic Mercedes-Benz, can not be called close, especially the station wagon version presented in the Russian market since January 2008. The station wagon combines the safety, maneuverability and comfort with such obvious advantages as increased space and transformation of the salon characteristic of the sedan. So, the tank compartment capacity is 1,500 liters.
As for safety, thanks to innovative technologies (PRE-SAFE electronic stabilization system and Intelligent Light System, the Intelligent Light System), the model sets new standards in the segment. Seven inflatable airbags, seat belts with restraints of tension force, as well as active headrests Neck-Pro are elements of serial configuration.
The manufacturer presents the following options for the execution of the model: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. The choice of the buyer depends on what he wants to focus on: on greater comfort or better dynamics. Thus, the energetic character of Avantgarde is emphasized by a large Mercedes star located right in the center of the radiator lattice. Specialists from Stuttgart first decided to use this traditional sign of sports cars Mercedes-Benz for the first time in the design of the station wagon. The Elegance option has such features characteristic of the brand as comfort and luxury. And the modification of Classic is designed in a strict classic spirit. Thanks to new or modernized engines that provide even greater power and torque, the C-class universal compared to the previous generation reduced consumption
fuel up to 12 %. The greatest changes are made to the design of 4-cylinder engines. In gasoline versions C 180 Kompressor and C 200 Kompressor due to the use of a modified power unit control system, a more powerful supercharger and an improved piston group, 10 kW/13 liters were added. With. And 15 kW/20 l. With. respectively. At the same time, fuel consumption decreased to 10.3%, that is, 7.7 and 7.8 liters, respectively, for every 100 km. During the test, it was possible to ride on the universal C 180 Kompressor. Even this modest engine is more than enough for a dynamic driving. The suspension provides an optimal balance between energy intensity and comfort. Thus, the C-class once again proved that he is a worthy heir to the classic cars Mercedes-Benz. And it does not matter what kind of body is a sedan or station wagon. Moreover, in our opinion, the station wagon is more practical and no less stylish.
