New Mercedes A Class - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MBDFahrer · #1 01-15-2005, 03:34 AM

On the way home today, I spotted 2!! Mercedes A classes, it was confusing at first, just a strange small hatchback with a mercedes logo on it and I knew the only mercedes that looks remotely like that is the A class. Turns out that its true, its the new redesigned one. Both didn't have model insignias, but one had a Kompressor badge on it.

This seems to be the only article I can find about it

The part that confuses me is that one had a older style CA license plate (blue with yellow lettering) and it only had 3 letters and other smaller letters/numbers around the sides and the other had a newer (white with blue lettering) license plate.

I managed to snap a few low res pictures with my camera phone as proof

Veloce300DT · #2 01-15-2005, 03:42 AM

I love the A-class, have seen many photos of the new generation in CAR magazine, included with roadtests they conducted. They apparently have resoloved the top heavy weight distribution that marred the last generations rep. (apparently the old A-class was prone to roll-overs.) The new design is quite handsome for what it is. Wish they would sell the A class here in the states!

Thats neat that u saw 2 of em in LA!

Cool post!

MBDFahrer · #3 01-15-2005, 03:58 AM

I had a picture of the last generation one tipping over

but can't find it at the moment, I heard that they fixed the problem of it being top heavy even before the facelift.

elau · #4 01-15-2005, 12:31 PM

I have seen a couple on occasions when I am in CA on business. I think MB is testing the water to bring the A class to the States side. I think it will not do well here as there are cheaper competitors such as Scion. I heard that MB is discontinue the C230 Sport Coupe because of poor sales. Check out their new Vision B Class. That may be a hit here.

MBDFahrer · #5 01-15-2005, 02:31 PM

I think its a double edge sword to bring a A class over here. The bad side is that there are cheaper competitors like the Scion xB (Shoebox

) and more "economical" cars like the Prius. But on the other hand, it does have diesel motor options in Europe, so if it does come over, it may possibly have the diesel option here too (most likely excluding the CARB states

.). And who knows? Would you prefer driving a Toy Prius or a diesel A class?

dolebludger · #6 01-15-2005, 05:06 PM

Just FYI, Production HAS ceased on the C class coupes and wagons. The Vision B is definitely set to be sold in the US by this spring.

Having never driven the A class or the Vision B (though I've seen the last generation A in Europe), my only concern is that they are front wheel drive. FWD is something I personally avoid like the plague. So while I wish MB good luck on its Vision B launch, I have my doubts.

Thanks,
Richard

TX76513 · #7 01-17-2005, 11:56 AM

The A Class with the 82 bhp diesel engine - that would give the TDI a run for the money

aklim · #8 01-17-2005, 02:37 PM

I think I saw one yesterday but can't remember where. Didn't care for it at all.

#9 01-17-2005, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmak124

I think its a double edge sword to bring a A class over here. The bad side is that there are cheaper competitors like the Scion xB (Shoebox

) and more "economical" cars like the Prius. But on the other hand, it does have diesel motor options in Europe, so if it does come over, it may possibly have the diesel option here too (most likely excluding the CARB states

.). And who knows? Would you prefer driving a Toy Prius or a diesel A class?

Have you driven a Prius? I have 38,000 perfectly trouble free miles on mine. I did have one recall on the battery pack, and that was it. Even my maintenance was on Toyota's dime up till now. Toyota has triggered a mad dash by the rest of the industry to build competitive products. Even DC has teamed up with GM of all companies, to design a hybrid system. Sitting in a car that idles at a traffic light is downright annoying now.