Mercedes-Benz A190 Car Review

Mercedes-Benz has added two new models to its A-Class range to join the existing A160; a price-leading A140 and a more powerful A190.

Equipment grades are the Classic and Avantgarde in A140 and A160, and Avantgarde only in the A190. The mid-range Elegance grade is not available locally in the A-Class.

As their model tags indicate, engine capacities are 1.4 litre, 1.6 litre and 1.9 litre. All three are available with an auto-clutch manual or a full automatic transmission.

Prices for the A-Class range now start at $32,900 for the auto-clutch manual A140 Classic and top at $45,900 for an automatic A190 Avantgarde. The auto-clutch manual A160 Classic costs $37,900. This test was conducted on an auto-clutch manual A190 which has a suggested retail price of $43,900.

All A-Class models boast high levels of safety and luxury equipment. For example, even the A140 Classic comes with dual front and front side airbags, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, BAS (brake assist system) ESP plus ASR (electronic stability program with integral acceleration skid control), central locking, power steering and power front windows.

Additional items on the A190 Avantgarde include 16 inch alloy wheels, leather interior trim items, disc brakes front and rear, and sports front seats with deeper bolsters.

The unusual and very 'tall' styling of the A-Class doesn't draw as many startled looks as it did when the car first appeared on our roads back in October 1998, but the car still stands out in a car park. There are a couple of good reasons why the A-Class looks like it does and these are to do with passive safety and interior space.

In addition to all the safety equipment and technology in the A-Class, its body also contributes to the vehicle's four star rating in the crash test new car assessment program (NCAP). The high, sandwich construction floor is there to allow the engine and transmission to slide underneath in the event of a major impact (instead of into the passenger space), and it provides better protection against side intrusion.

The tall body also equates to more room for occupants and the A-Class is not only spacious relative to its compact exterior size, its interior is also impressively versatile in being able to adapt to varying requirements for occupants and luggage. The seats are fully adjustable, foldable, or can be removed altogether.

As drivers sit high off the ground, they are afforded a good view of the road ahead through the deep windscreen. Vision to the rear and sides is also good. One critical point is that the sweep of the windscreen wipers favours left hand drive, leaving a section unwiped on the right hand side.

The Avantgarde's ivory instrument dials provide a sporty touch, though the tachometer dial is rather small. Surprisingly, there's no engine temperature gauge, just a warning light.

I wasn't so impressed with the operation of the clutchless manual in the A160 we tested back in 1998, but the extra power of the A190 version makes a noticeable difference.

There's still some delay on initial start-up, but once under way, the A190 is quite lively and the acceleration times recorded during testing were all significantly quicker than those recorded for the 1.6 litre version. For example, the 0 to 100 km/h time was cut by a full three seconds.

It's still important to remember to change into a suitable gear for the speed and conditions. Any attempt to accelerate in too high a gear will result in jerky operation with the engine protesting. However, once drivers become acclimatised to the system it's easy enough to use.

The combination of a high seating position and tall vehicle doesn't exactly inspire confidence to drive the A-Class in an exuberant fashion, but in reality, it handles pretty well.

Even if switched off manually, the traction control automatically re-activates once 60 km/h is reached and it becomes fairly active if you try to corner briskly or accelerate too firmly on wet surfaces.

With its four discs and ABS, the A190 test car displayed impressive braking capabilities. Emergency braking from 80 to 0 km/h was achieved in very short distances, albeit with moderate pedal pulsation from the ABS activating. Resistance to brake fade under heavy use was excellent.

Summary

With its larger capacity, more powerful engine, the A190 is a welcome addition to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class range. The A190's extra performance provides a happier match between engine and transmission, and gives the car stronger acceleration and better hill climbing ability.

None of the A-Class range is cheap, but then high levels of technology, quality, safety and luxury rarely are. The A-Class is for buyers who appreciate innovative design and styling flair, rather than those who just seek basic A to B.

Test vehicle supplied by Mercedes-Benz Australia.