Mercedes - A Class Euro NCAP - 5 STAR
The A Class is available in seven different engines, two body styles (3 and 5 door) and the familiar Classic, Classic SE, Elegance SE, and Avantgarde SE choice of trim. In total this compact yet roomy runabout with space for five adults is offered with a massive 46 varients to choose from.
Engines range from 1.5 to 2.0-litre petrol units, a cogent new 193bhp A200 Turbo, and three 2.0 diesels. Fuel economy figures are first class, with only the 2.0-litre petrol versions failing to achieve a combined average of 40mpg. Insurance costs are reasonable across the board, and residual values are likely to be good thanks to the A-Class's strong image.
With most cars being rated in the C to F range on the new VED Banding scale, the A160 CDI Hatchback with a fantastic B rating is at the forefront of current green motoring. This frugal engine returns superb fuel consumption figures of 49.60, 62.8 and 72.40mpg, urban, combined and extra urban respectively. Along with its ability to comfortably transport 5 adults this an ideal purchase for anyone wishing to combine stylish functionality with a desire to help preserve the planet for future generations.
The A Class is what you'd expect from Mercedes, with high-quality materials, a solid feel and fine attention to detail throughout the cabin. The boot is substantial, beating many larger cars for space. A 60/40 split rear seat adds versatility and each of these sections can be removed to provide even more luggage space.
All models have electric front windows, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, tinted glass and height adjustable driver's seat. Classic SE models get a CD player and air-conditioning. Elegance SE has alloy wheels, body coloured exterior trim and automatic
headlights and wipers, whilst the Avantgarde SE has luxury upholstery.
Mercedes Benz was the winner of the prestige Whatcar? 2007 Safety Award, so it is not surprising NCAP gave the A Class a top 5 star safety rating. A stability control system is standard on all cars, as well as anti-lock brakes and front and side airbags.
All models come with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. In addition you also get a 3 year paint and 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.
About the manufacturer
DaimlerChrysler is committed to at spectrum of pioneering technologies designed to cut fuel consumption and emissions in cars and commercial vehicles. Their 'Energy For The Future' initiative includes; Optimisation of Petrol and Diesel Technology;
Improvement in Conventional Fuels; Production Related Environmental Protection; Development of Regenerative and Synthetic Fuels; Development of alternatives such as Hybrid echnology, Smart ev (zero emissions and up to 72 mpg) and Fuel Cells (water is the only tailpipe emission).
The new Mercedes S class received the world's first environmental certificate for a car when it received certification by TUV. The new C class was the second car ever to be awarded certification.
A true leader in fuel cell transportation, DaimlerChrysler has spent more than U.S $1 billion in fuel cell vehicle research and development. As at Sept 2006, no other manufacturer had accumulated more vehicles or data or driven more zero-emission miles - 1.3 million miles (approx. 2.1 million kilometres).
The DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicle fleet is diverse - in addition to several research vehicles it includes more than 30 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses, which are in operation in Europe, United States, Western Australia, Japan, China and Singapore. As part of the world's largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles, DaimlerChrysler has more than 100 fuel cell vehicles with customers around the world.
DaimlerChrysler pioneered fuel cell vehicle technology more than a decade ago. Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a catalyst and oxygen. This clean technology operates at a high level of efficiency and is true zero-emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water vapour as exhaust. DaimlerChrysler works closely with Ballard Power Systems to develop the fuel cell stack.
Daimler is also looking into biofuels and synthetic fuels and have a project manufacturing Biodiesel made from wild Jatropha shrubs which thrive in poor soil conditions in India. Sundiesel is an advanced 2nd generation biofuel project manufacturing a high quality fuel from Biomass such as wood chippings, with no engine modifications needed.