The new A-Class distinguishes itself from other cars through its unique sandwich concept and striking one-box design. The sweeping lines of the body reflect its individualistic character and at the same time symbolise the outstanding properties of the A-Class: dynamism, intelligence and emotional appeal. Newly designed headlamps, a striking radiator grille, muscularly sculpted wings and a bold sweep along its side profile accentuate the compact, dynamic and self-assured image of this car. The modified body dimensions and proportions also ensure that the A-Class looks more powerful as well: when compared with its predecessor, the new compact Mercedes car is 232 millimetres longer and 45 millimetres wider.

The new three-door model variant provides all the outstanding safety and comfort attributes of the A-Class and then adds flowing lines to the mix to underline the vitality and charm of this car. From the end of 2004 onwards, the three-door model will be offering both an attractive and low-cost entry point to the world of Mercedes-Benz.

Intelligent safety package for comprehensive passenger protection

The second generation A-Class remains true to its reputation as a technological trendsetter: ground-breaking innovations again make their premiere performances in this vehicle, further improving driving safety and drive comfort; a total of more than 200 patents are used in the new Mercedes model.

In addition to the unique sandwich concept which delivers front and side impact advantages, the newly developed efficient belt and airbag system in the A-Class ensures the level of passenger safety we have come to expect from Mercedes. This includes, for example, adaptive two-stage front airbags, seat belt tensioners for front seat passengers and passengers sitting in the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters and newly developed head/thorax-side airbags in place of the former sidebags.

Premiere for new rear axle and selective damping system

The new A-Class also offers a range of new features in terms of driving safety and roadholding. The main technical chassis innovation is the parabolic rear axle which is characterised by precision tracking and good anti-roll support when cornering. The rear axle therefore makes an important contribution to the exemplary driving safety, dynamic handling and high levels of drive comfort experienced in the new A-Class.

The chassis of the compact Mercedes car features another special innovation fitted as standard: a new kind of selective damping system which is celebrating its world first in automotive construction. Thanks to this system, the shock absorber forces are adapted to the current driving situation.

Significant improvement in performance and torque with exemplary fuel consumption levels

More performance, more torque, increased driving pleasure and enhanced fuel economy - these were the objectives laid down when developing the engines used in the new A-Class. The new range will also feature seven four-cylinder engines - including three newly developed CDI direct fuel injection models and one new 142-kW/193-hp turbocharged petrol engine. When compared with their predecessors, the performance of the petrol and diesel engines used in the new A-Class has increased by up to 38 percent and torque levels have improved by up to 46 percent. Even with these higher performance levels, the fuel consumption of the petrol models has fallen by up to ten percent. All engines satisfy the stringent EU-4 exhaust gas limits and a particulate filter system can be supplied on request for the diesel engines.

The three newly developed CDI diesel engines are based on second-generation common-rail technology which operates with dual pilot fuel injection and a higher fuel injection pressure (1600 bar). This and other measures result in a considerable increase in performance and torque, a drop in exhaust gas emissions and audible improvements in noise comfort.

Fuel consumption of the CDI models in the NEDC cycle is 4.9 to 5.4 litres, thereby equalling the exemplary level achieved in the former compact Mercedes car. The A 160 CDI can travel around 1100 kilometres on one tank (54 litres).

On request, all models of the new A-Class can be supplied with the newly developed AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission. This is the first Mercedes transmission to function following the principle of a "Continuously Variable Transmission". The ratios are modified on a continuously variable basis using a pulley variator and thrust link belt. The A-Class can thereby be accelerated without interrupting traction and the engine reaches its maximum performance output faster than with a standard automatic transmission. The AUTOTRONIC also delivers higher levels of driving and noise comfort.