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• LEONI: Porsche Supplier of the Year

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News of  February 07, 2001
.

News about the A-Class: The trendsetter among the compact cars is even more attractive and valuable

A-class

Photo: DaimlerChrysler

• Design and technology updated from spring 2001
• New materials for higher quality looks and feel in the interior
• CDI diesel engines with up to 25 percent more power output
• ESP® now with the innovative, hydraulic Brake Assist system
• Windowbags and sensor-controlled air conditioning available on request

Stuttgart – With redesigned body details, a stylistically and ergonomically enhanced interior and further technical improvements, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class will once again set its stamp on the compact car sector and reaffirm its role as the most successful trendsetter in this market segment from the spring of 2001. The latest model year of the A-Class will be presented to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show (February 27 to March 11, 2001).

After three and a half years of A-Class production and having sold more than 550 000 units, Mercedes-Benz is updating the front and rear end design of this model series to accentuate the dynamic and progressive character of this compact car, which is one of the best-selling models in its class in Germany and many other European countries. With an attention to detail typical of the brand, Mercedes designers and engineers have also enhanced the interior to create an even higher quality environment with the characteristic Mercedes looks and feel, featuring a restyled instrument panel and a choice of highest-quality materials and tasteful colour combinations.

CDI engines: a fuel consumption of just 4.8 to 4.9 litres / 100km despite increased output

A choice of two modified direct-injection diesel engines are available for the A-Class. These feature trailblazing common rail technology and develop up to 25 percent more output than previously, yet continue to have a fuel consumption of just 4.8 to 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres and are therefore among the most economical power units.

Safety: Windowbags - an Innovation in the Compact Class

On request Mercedes-Benz will complement the exemplary safety features of this innovative compact car, which has achieved top marks during crash tests carried out by independent testing organisations, with large windowbags for even more effective occupant protection in the event of a lateral collision. A unique item in this vehicle class is the newly developed, optional air conditioning system with an additional air humidity sensor. For the first time the fourth-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) operates in conjunction with an even more efficient hydraulic Brake Assist system. This means that the A-Class now features the latest and currently most effective dynamic safety system.

New features of the A-Class: The most important facelift measures

Exterior

• Redesigned front and rear bumpers
• Radiator grille with four (previously three) fins
• Integrated rub strips standard for all models
• Light-alloy wheels for ELEGANCE and
• AVANTGARDE, and new-design wheel trims for
• CLASSIC
• Headlights with new technology and modern clear glass look
• High-brilliance rear lights in brilliant-look
• Door handles painted in vehicle colour for ELEGANCE
• and AVANTGARDE models

Interior

• Instrument panel, centre console, interior door panels and steering wheel in a new design
• New materials for a luxurious atmosphere
• Centre console with new and repositioned controls
• Decorative trim of exotic wood (ELEGANCE) or aluminium (AVANTGARDE)
• Colour range with four highlight tones: dark blue, quartz (only for ELEGANCE), chilli red and light slate grey

Technology

• CDI diesel engines with up to 25 percent more power output
• Latest-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) with hydraulic Brake Assist
• Steering wheel adjustable for height as standard
• Air conditioning (optional equipment) with innovative dewpoint sensor to measure air humidity, variable-control compressor and more efficient evaporator
• Windowbags available as optional equipment
• Rain sensor for the windscreen wipers available on request
• Automatically dimming interior mirror (optional)
• Heated windscreen washer system available optionally

(Jan. 24, 2001)

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