Tuesday 11th October 2005

Merc upgrades A-class

Turbo motor brings up 200bhp

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Mercedes-Benz A 200 Turbo

Mercedes-Benz has upgraded its top-end A-Class to bring it almost 200bhp.

The A 200 Turbo, available in both three and five-door variants and costing £20,695 and £21,295 respectively, uses a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine to develop 193bhp -- disappointing for the capacity -- and 206lb-ft of torque.

Performance: 0-62 mph time is 7.5 seconds with the standard six-speed manual gearbox (reduced to 7.3 seconds with optional Autotronic transmission). Top speed is 141 mph, overall fuel consumption is 34.9 mpg.

There some exterior and interior tweaks, including 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloys, a radiator grille finished in matte silver, and two stainless steel tailpipes on the nearside. The car sits on lowered sports suspension for better handling.

Inside, sports front seats are trimmed in Artico outer edges with Zandvoort fabric centre panels; the gear lever is topped with a fillet of aluminium, similar to the rest of the interior trim. The instrument cluster is backed with silver, and the three-spoke steering wheel has thicker padding and a part-perforated leather grip. The foot pedals are stainless steel with rubber studs.

There are the usual safety and convenience features too.

[Andrew D]

"193bhp -- disappointing for the capacity"

Disappointed by 97bhp per litre from a standard production unit? What were we expecting? The Golf GTi only has that. The Carrera GT only just tops it (on specific output).

I can't believe Merc are heading down the Turbo route and burning all their supercharged history. The high-power derivative of Merc's supercharged 1.8 Litre unit (badged "230 Kompressor", not the actual 2.3 Litre) from the C-Class Sport Coupe produces precisely 193bhp, and was only developed four years ago. Why go running straight down to KKK and start bolting on blowers to everything in sight when there's a more easily packaged, proven unit already available?

It was bad enough when they launched the AMG 65 models, which whilst nice cars are slightly irrelevant and seem to me to have less character than the 5.5 Kompressors.

[fwdracer]

Lets Hope the Elk is wearing a good bash hat .....

[james]

Who would want to do 140mph in a bean can like an A Class?

[FestivAli]

I'ts a fastish baby Mercedes. Congratulations to them. It looks ok in black, and seems to incorporate the bling factor to an acceptable level. Superchargers seem so old hat, I don't think a supercharger suits such a small car. A turbo to me seems a more appropriate, plus it differenciates it from the C-class range (for now), which has always been for old people and aspirational, late 40's mid 50's women.

I'd have one.

Ali.

[SpunkyM]

Well you can't deny that a turbo is more efficient and as long as the boost pressure is quite low (which I'm sure it will be with only 193bhp) I bet lag is next to non existant. Seems a sensible way to go.

Does look great IMHO, but I wonder if they have sorted out all the other problems that plagues the A class like the steering column, clutch, electrics, oh and the reports of it tipping over if you go around bends too fast. Really, if there ever was a car to challenge Mercs reputation for reliability, the A class is it.

If you want to hear some seriously worrying owners reviews have a look here.. www.parkers.co.uk

[JapsEyeDesign]

I'd have one of course, who wouldnt, but it's just a it dull isn't it? even with 200bhp. Surely it's got too higher centre of gravity to enjoy the power around corners?

Or do they have more and more electronic jiggery pokery to correct this, meaning more and more weight -power to ratio is reduced...

[alloypearltam]

We have a new A Class and I can confirm that it is far better than the previous model.

Our car has the AMG Wheels and Sports Suspension and that does make the ride a little hard (but nothing like the TVR).

We certainly have no concerns of Elk Tests or doing 140 in the car (where permitted). 3 weeks after delivery the car was T boned and had to receive 5 weeks attention in the bodyshop. We were certainly very impressed with the car's safety and if it had been written off, we would have just bought another one.

[r988]

Turbos are more efficient than superchargers, important when the standards for fuel economy and emissions are being raised. You will see a lot more turbocharged cars in the near future.

[Marki]

Andrew D said:

"193bhp -- disappointing for the capacity"

Thats what i thought 190 odd is not bad

[sneijder]

The words chocolate and teapot spring to mind, can't wait for a Brabus version ! I can think of a few other ways to get rid of the thick end of £20k.

[sneijder]

Why ?

[Marki]

sneijder said:

Why ?

Why not its different, celebrate that they make a sporty looking car for people who do not have 50k to spend

I think that looks good

[R988]

It does look ok, still wont be anywhere near my shopping list though.

[sneijder]

Sporty car, rather than a sporty looking car for people who have to have a Mercedes who don't have £50k to spend. C Class sport Edition.

[fwdracer]

Great Taxi's - Duff Sports (saloon) cars.