Mercedes-Benz A-Class A170 W169 (2005-2009)

What the A Class Should Have Been On Launch – When Mercedes launched the original A class (the W168), the build quality was definitely sub-par. In these original A classes there were too many rattles, parts that went bang, and strange design decisions such as the steering wheel with a universal joint in the housing, and putting the MAF (mass air flow meter) -- an item that sometimes needs replacing - inside the ECU (Engine Computer Unit), thereby over doubling the price of the its replacement.

However, the 2005-11 A class (the W169) is build to the quality expected of a Benz. It is a far, far better car to drive.

Drive

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The drive is much better than the original A class, which we owned, and smoother. the car we bought uses a CVT (continuous variable transmission), which gives a smoother transition but at the expense of lack of take-off power. Nevertheless, if you're looking to buy a car that's quick from the lights this is not that car. This A class will run you and your family through the urban landscape with reasonable comfort and fuel economy.

I did find the speed sensitive steering a bit loose, but OK.

Interior

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The interior has been upgraded and in the 2005-08 model the centre console has the COMMAND. The A170 we bought has SATNAV, which worked well enough although not touchscreen and the buttons were unintuitive. However, a read of the manual combined with experimentation and my wife and I were happily driving along the road to home.

The rear seats are generous and could probably fit 3 adults, and the middle seat has the lap-sash. It is a hatch, so boot space is good, plus rear seats can be folded

Options

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Rain sensor, light sensor, auto dipping mirrors, run flat indicator, controls on steering wheel, climate control all standard. Not sure about cruise control, although our vehicle had it, plus front and rear park sensors. The later 2008 version, a face lift, also had assisted parking.

30 Second Summary

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Apparently Clarkson said of this car "Good. Very Good" This is what the A class SHOULD have been on launch. The W169 quality is much better than the W168 and worth the extra money. Downside is that it looks too much like many of the small hatches today, so not distinguished enough, plus second hand prices are higher than equally competitive hatches. Still, a good little car and an inexpensive way to drive the "three star car". Great City Size; Quality Interior. Standard kit, such as automatic lights and dipping mirrors excellent; Honda Jazz, which looks similar, is cheaper.

Excellent – Great improvement on the previous model. The ride on this one (A170) is very comfortable. Fuel efficiency is great too. It's rather like a Honda Jazz, though very much more solid. Very safe, fuel efficient, comfortable, swallows all kinds of things including a bike with front wheel detached Not exactly fast