2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W169) 200 CVT FWD (136 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Introduced in 2004, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 marked a significant evolution from the model it replaced but also continued to be a peculiar apparition in the premium compact car segment. It was the second generation of the original A-Class, the first true ‘Baby Benz.’ While it looked somewhat familiar, it built on the foundations laid by its predecessor while introducing many safety, comfort, and technology improvements.

As with the W168, which failed the infamous ‘Elk test’ on account of its unusually tall body, the W169 generation of the A-Class had design as one of its standout features. Unlike any other car in its segment, it used a unique sandwich floor construction, as found on most modern electric vehicles. Despite the resulting tall body, this design allowed for a lower center of gravity and improved crash safety.

The engines and the transmissions were mounted at an angle that would push them underneath the passenger compartment, into the sandwich floor, in the event of a frontal impact instead of going over the feet of its front passengers. The sandwich floor also allowed for a higher driving position, giving drivers a more commanding view of the road while keeping the car’s passengers better protected from side impacts.

Keeping the same raison d’etre as the W168, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class had a somewhat robust but compact appearance, with all wheels being pushed as far as possible toward each corner. The ultra-short overhangs and wide stance gave it a slightly better impression than the model it replaced. They also increased the model’s maneuverability and stability.

Other than that, the minivan-like exterior was not everyone’s cup of tea, yet the model proved even more successful than the first generation. Despite this, the German carmaker decided to follow a more traditional design format for the subsequent generations that followed it.

Mercedes-Benz offered a range of gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines tilted under that tiny hood. The gasoline engine lineup ranged from a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter powertrain with 95 PS (94 HP) to a turbocharged 2.0-liter over twice as powerful, with 193 PS (190 HP). A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder was available on the diesel front with three power outputs, all praised for the fuel economy.

Lower-powered engines were mated to a 5-speed manual as standard, while the higher-powered ones had a six-speed manual, sending power exclusively to the front wheels. A continuously variable transmission called Autotronic was optionally available.

Surprisingly more spacious than its exterior size would suggest, the A-Class W169 interior was also a massive improvement compared to the W168, with classier materials and better build quality. Passengers could be pampered by various technological features, including an advanced infotainment system, manual or automatic climate control, a decent sound system, and even heated front seats. Standard electronic stability control and numerous airbags, including side and curtain airbags, kept things safe.

Thanks to the sandwich design, the luggage compartment had a floor that could move and thus increase the available space without intruding over the full-size spare wheel beneath. The rear seat backrests could be folded down, but the seats themselves could be folded forward, like in a minivan, creating a substantially more spacious luggage compartment.