autoevolution
 

Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) 1997-2001 36 Photos
MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) (1997-2001)

In 1993, Mercedes-Benz showed the “Vision A 93” concept-car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was a styling exercise for a compact vehicle, fit for five adults, and great in crowded cities.

The “Vision A 93” featured a small, 1.2-liter engine either diesel or gasoline. Both were mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The idea caught on and, four years later, at the Geneva Motor Show, the production version of the A-Class was unveiled to the public. It was a completely new philosophy for the German car-maker. From a classical layout with front engine and rear-wheel-drive to a front-engine and front-wheel-drive system. On top of that, the double sandwich floor allowed the car to pass the crash test with flying colors.

The MPV-style bodywork with the raked A-pillars built as an extension to the hood. The car featured an integrated trunk and cabin under the same roof. The overall egg-shaped vehicle was well received by the market.

Inside, there was a roomy interior, with plenty of space for five adults. Some features were similar to those from the C-Class. But all things went south in 1997 when a Swedish magazine tried the elk-avoidance stability test and the A-Class flipped over. Mercedes-Benz had to do a major recall and fix the cars.

The A-Class was offered with a wide choice of gasoline and diesel engines. They were mated either to a five-speed manual or with a CVT.

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168) 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
  7 gasoline engines
  • 140 5AT FWD (82 HP)
  • 140 5MT FWD (82 HP)
  • 160 5AT FWD (102 HP)
  • 160 5MT FWD (102 HP)
  • 190 5AT FWD (125 HP)
  • 190 5MT FWD (125 HP)
  • 210 Evolution 5MT FWD (140 HP)
  4 diesel engines
  • 160 CDI 5AT FWD (60 HP)
  • 160 CDI 5MT FWD (60 HP)
  • 170 CDI 5AT FWD (90 HP)
  • 170 CDI 5MT FWD (90 HP)

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
140 5AT FWD (82 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 140 5AT FWD (82 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1397 cm3
Power:60 KW @ 5000 RPM
82 HP @ 5000 RPM
80 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:96 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
130 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:104 mph (167 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):14.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2249 lbs (1020 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3241 lbs (1470 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:23.1 mpg US (10.2 L/100Km)
Highway:38.6 mpg US (6.1 L/100Km)
Combined:30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:182 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
140 5MT FWD (82 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 140 5MT FWD (82 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1397 cm3
Power:60 KW @ 5000 RPM
82 HP @ 5000 RPM
80 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:96 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
130 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:106 mph (171 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):12.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2249 lbs (1020 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3241 lbs (1470 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km)
Highway:42 mpg US (5.6 L/100Km)
Combined:33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:171 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
160 5AT FWD (102 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 160 5AT FWD (102 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1598 cm3
Power:75 KW @ 5250 RPM
102 HP @ 5250 RPM
101 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque:111 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
150 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:112 mph (180 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15 T
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2293 lbs (1040 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3285 lbs (1490 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:22.6 mpg US (10.4 L/100Km)
Highway:38.6 mpg US (6.1 L/100Km)
Combined:30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:183 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
160 5MT FWD (102 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 160 5MT FWD (102 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1598 cm3
Power:75 KW @ 5250 RPM
102 HP @ 5250 RPM
101 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque:111 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
150 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:112 mph (180 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15 T
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2293 lbs (1040 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3285 lbs (1490 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km)
Highway:41.3 mpg US (5.7 L/100Km)
Combined:32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:172 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
190 5AT FWD (125 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 190 5AT FWD (125 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1898 cm3
Power:92 KW @ 5500 RPM
125 HP @ 5500 RPM
123 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:133 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
180 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:120 mph (193 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.2 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R16 H
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:62.5 in (1588 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.2/57.2 in (1,504/1,453 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2326 lbs (1055 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:20.8 mpg US (11.3 L/100Km)
Highway:37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km)
Combined:28.7 mpg US (8.2 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:196 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
190 5MT FWD (125 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 190 5MT FWD (125 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1898 cm3
Power:92 KW @ 5500 RPM
125 HP @ 5500 RPM
123 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:133 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
180 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:123 mph (198 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R16 H
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:62.5 in (1588 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.2/57.2 in (1,504/1,453 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2326 lbs (1055 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km)
Highway:39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km)
Combined:30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:185 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
210 Evolution 5MT FWD (140 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 210 Evolution 5MT FWD (140 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2084 cm3
Power:103 KW @ 5500 RPM
140 HP @ 5500 RPM
138 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:151 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
205 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:126.1 mph (203 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.2 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/40 ZR17
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:62.5 in (1588 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.2/57.2 in (1,504/1,453 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2568.8 lbs (1165 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3417.8 lbs (1550 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:21.4 mpg US (11 L/100Km)
Highway:37.9 mpg US (6.2 L/100Km)
Combined:29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:190 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
160 CDI 5AT FWD (60 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 160 CDI 5AT FWD (60 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1689 cm3
Power:44 KW @ 3600 RPM
60 HP @ 3600 RPM
59 BHP @ 3600 RPM
Torque:118 lb-ft @ 1500 RPM
160 Nm @ 1500 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Common Rail
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:93 mph (150 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):18.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15 T
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2403 lbs (1090 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km)
Highway:54.7 mpg US (4.3 L/100Km)
Combined:48 mpg US (4.9 L/100Km)

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
160 CDI 5MT FWD (60 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 160 CDI 5MT FWD (60 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1689 cm3
Power:44 KW @ 3600 RPM
60 HP @ 3600 RPM
59 BHP @ 3600 RPM
Torque:118 lb-ft @ 1500 RPM
160 Nm @ 1500 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Common Rail
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:100 mph (161 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):17.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15 T
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2315 lbs (1050 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3307 lbs (1500 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:40.6 mpg US (5.8 L/100Km)
Highway:63.6 mpg US (3.7 L/100Km)
Combined:52.3 mpg US (4.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:127 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
170 CDI 5AT FWD (90 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 170 CDI 5AT FWD (90 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1689 cm3
Power:66 KW @ 4200 RPM
90 HP @ 4200 RPM
89 BHP @ 4200 RPM
Torque:133 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM
180 Nm @ 1600 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Common Rail
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:107 mph (172 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):13.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15 T
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2403 lbs (1090 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3395 lbs (1540 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km)
Highway:50 mpg US (4.7 L/100Km)
Combined:43.6 mpg US (5.4 L/100Km)

MERCEDES BENZ A-Klasse (W168)
170 CDI 5MT FWD (90 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 170 CDI 5MT FWD (90 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1689 cm3
Power:66 KW @ 4200 RPM
90 HP @ 4200 RPM
89 BHP @ 4200 RPM
Torque:133 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM
180 Nm @ 1600 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Common Rail
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:14.3 gallons (54.1 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:112 mph (180 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):12.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R15 T
DIMENSIONS
Length:140.7 in (3574 mm)
Width:67.7 in (1720 mm)
Height:63 in (1600 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.1/56.7 in (1,501/1,440 mm)
Wheelbase:95.4 in (2423 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.9 in (124 mm)
Cargo Volume:13.8 cuFT (391 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.3
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2315 lbs (1050 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3307 lbs (1500 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:37.3 mpg US (6.3 L/100Km)
Highway:57.4 mpg US (4.1 L/100Km)
Combined:48 mpg US (4.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:130 g/km
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