Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2005 - 2008) used car review

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BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introduction

History has been extremely harsh on the Mercedes A-class. Yes, the original model fell over on the infamous 'elk test' but less widely known is that Mercedes then implemented a belt and braces safety provision and the car went on to sell over a million units worldwide. Unfortunately, in making that innovative car ultra-safe, the German giant also made it rather dull to drive. The second generation A-class aimed to add a little sparkle and a more upmarket look and feel. Used examples are some of the most overlooked of all premium vehicles and bargains are out there if you're prepared to do a little detective work.

Models

Models Covered: 3dr/5dr hatch A150, A200, A200T petrol, A160CDI, A180CDI, A200CDI diesel [Classic, Classic SE, Avantgarde SE, Elegance SE]

History

Few expected a great deal of the all-new Mercedes A-class when it was introduced in Europe in September 2004 and early in 2005 in the UK. This version, dubbed by Mercedes anoraks the W169 as opposed to its predecessor, the W168, wasn't so much a evolution of the old car as a complete root and branch development. A wider range of diesel engines were offered and three-door models also gave the A-class a more dynamic and aspirational image. UK cars started arriving in January 2005 and sales were steady with the unveiling of a turbocharged A200T model giving enthusiast drivers cause to examine the A-class, probably for the first time.

In mid-2008, the range was slightly facelifted - and slimmed down to the derivatives that buyers really wanted, mainly the smaller engines. There were now only two petrol options - the A150 with its 1.5-litre 95bhp unit and the A170 with its 1.7-litre lump producing 116bhp. The diesel options were more vocal than the refined petrol units but had extra strength at low revs for launching the A-Class about town. The A160 CDI was an 82bhp 2.0-litre affair while the A180 CDI had that same capacity and 109bhp. Mercedes introduced a package of eco-friendly 'BlueEfficiency' tweaks across the range to try and rival BMW's 'EfficientDynamics' package. This led to improved fuel consumption figures and lower emissions on all models.

What You Get

The first and most obvious change over the MK1 version was that Mercedes were offering a three-door version of the A-Class in second generation form, designed to appeal to younger, more sports oriented buyers. Despite the presence of the old A210 Evolution model, nobody could really take the MK1 car seriously as an exemplar of dynamic excellence. The stance of the MK2 car was a good deal more conventional, not to mention purposeful, with a 45mm increase in width and a whopping 232mm increase in length. Its dimensions were now more akin to a regular supermini than its predecessor's tall, short and narrow measurements. Short and long wheelbase models were replaced by a one-size fits all policy, the three and five door cars riding on the same chassis.

Despite this more conventional sizing policy, a number of A-Class trademarks were carried over. The second generation car was built on an all-new platform but structural features such as the innovative sandwich floor remained. Owners of the original model wouldn't take long to appreciate the quality advances of this car, once inside it. The dashboard looks like a scaled down version of the E Class fascia - think premium not Palitoy - and was developed with the help of a shiny Berlin customer clinic where everything from materials to switch feel to door slam and indicator sounds were exhaustively tested. Although there are some who claim that customer clinics crush genuine innovation, such an approach has made a difference with this car. That's in stark contrast to the MK1 A-Class, a model that was launched hoping the market would see things its way.

Those first generation A-Class models were woefully short of Mercedes Benz look and feel inside, although facelifted variants rectified this to a certain extent. The second-generation car features soft touch fascia surfaces, sleek switchgear, and a glove compartment lid that closes like an Asprey's jewellery box rather than a CD case. About the best compliment you can pay it is that it actually feels like a Mercedes.

Although its exterior dimensions are a good deal more sporting than its predecessor, the MK2 A-Class features a host of MPV style interior features. The rear seats may not slide but they tumble forwards to leave a long flat floor and the Easy Vario Plus system allows the cushion of the rear seat to be hidden under the boot floor. As an option, Mercedes also offered passenger seats that could be completely removed, leaving scope for the driver to be alone with a whole lot of fresh air and thus carrying capacity. It's all very clever and means that if the car you're looking at is well specced, you might need to allow a little extra time for the vehicle handover as there's quite a bit to learn.

The MK1 model's Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels were carried over into the MK2 range and air conditioning was standard on all models. A Luxury Climate Control system was offered as an option and uses data recorded by temperature, humidity, sun position and outside pollutant sensors. Other desirable options to look for include xenon headlights and a dash-mounted LCD display linked to Mercedes' excellent COMAND control system.

What You Pay

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What to Look For

A full Mercedes dealer service history is absolutely essential, especially for the most recent models whose lengthy warranty - effectively for the life of the car - is dependent on proper servicing by an authorised agent.

Check that all the accessories work and watch out for cosmetic damage which can be expensive to correct. These are popular family cars, so check for wear and tear in the rear. Also look for the usual signs of wheel kerbing and poorly repaired accident damage.

Replacement Parts

(approx. Based on A150 model) Allow around £55 for a set of front brake pads and £35 for the rear and about £175 (excluding catalyst) for a factory exhaust system. A full clutch replacement would cost around £195, a radiator is about £145 whilst a starter motor can be up to £250. A new alternator would be in the region of £495.

On the Road

With the MK2 A-Class, the engines grew that little bit more powerful to grow into the car's increased capability. The petrol line up opens with the 95bhp A150, then there's a 115bhp A170 and a punchy 136bhp A200. Mercedes even offered a 193bhp turbocharged version of this engine, something that would have been unthinkable in the original A-Class. The diesel engine range shows even greater innovation. All units are Euro IV compliant and start with the 82bhp A160CDI, the mid range being marked out by the109bhp A180 CDI and the premier diesel powerplant is the 140bhp A200CDI, a car that you should find an absolute blast - by diesel standards anyway. You'll find a six speed manual transmission to be the default gearbox but a surprising number of original customers went for the optional Autotronic CVT gearbox. Its 'manual' mode features seven gears, although like a proper automatic, it has a torque converter.

As well as more power, the MK2 A-Class has a better suspension system. Pry back the aerodynamic underfloor spoiler and a parabolic axle is evident. This curved tube joins the rear wheels and is mounted to a central pivot point with a linkage providing lateral guidance. It's not a new idea but Mercedes refined the system so that it was a good deal more tuneable than the MK1 car's trailing arm set-up. The second generation car also featured an adaptive damping system. Most such systems use electronics to alter the characteristics of the dampers but in this case, engineers at Daimler Chrysler developed a valve that allowed the oil inside them to move freely when the car negotiates small surface irregularities, thus giving a composed ride, When more is asked of the damper, the valve closes, firming up the ride during enthusiastic cornering. The power steering does rely on electronic trickery, a motor replacing the original A-Class's pump system. As you might well expect, this 'A' comes complete with a legion of electronic safety systems.

Overall

In MK2 guise, the A-class was rehabilitated. Get one before too many people realise.