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New Models - Mercedes-Benz A-class

Merc’s A to B to CDI

Oil-burners: A-class now joins B-class in offering turbo-diesel power.

What is green?

Facelifted A-Class gains diesel power while Benz's B-class is also titivated

9 September 2008

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed Australian details of its facelifted A-class and B-class babies.

Forget about the mildly revised nose, tail-lights, body trim and alloy wheel treatments, the upgraded in-car telematics or the optional active parking aid that ‘reads’ potential parking spots on the move and steers the car into place.

The big news is that the smaller of the front-wheel drive fraternal twins scores a diesel engine option.

Lurking behind the W169 Series II A-class’ redesigned grille, headlights and front bumper is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel delivering 80kW of power at 4200rpm, 250Nm of torque from 1600 to 2600rpm and a 5.2L/100km fuel-consumption average.

Mercedes-BenzA-class center image Left: Facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-class and B-class models.

Misleadingly badged as an A180 CDI, this 1991cc unit is available from $39,990 for the six-speed manual five-door hatch (and $41,990 for the CVT auto), making it the least expensive diesel-powered new Mercedes passenger vehicle in Australia.

The other facelifted A-Class variants remain, including the trio of three-door hatches ($35,990 85kW/155Nm A170, $45,900 100kW/185Nm A200 and $49,500 142kW/280Nm A200 Turbo), as well as the five-door A170 ($37,900) and A200 ($47,900) "saloons".

Prices rise by between $300 and $900, but this is offset by specification increases, including an upgraded audio/media system and Bluetooth connectivity.

Of course, the closely related B-class gains these too, across its existing B180 CDI, B200 and B200 Turbo models, which now range from $46,200 to $52,800 - up from $45,880 to $52,400.

Mercedes-Benz A-class pricing:

A170 Coupe $35,500

A200 Coupe $45,900

A200 Turbo Coupe $49,500

A170 Saloon $37,900

A180 CDI Saloon $39,900

A200 Saloon $47,900

Mercedes-Benz B-class pricing:

B180 CDI $46,200

B200 $46,200

B200 Turbo $52,800