Top Marque Gets A+ For Added Value
Published: 16th April 2002
Based on the popular Classic model, the A+ scores highly with a first class list of extra equipment: air conditioning; a factory fit audio 10 single CD player; special 5J x 15" six spoke alloy wheels; and two exclusive metallic paint colours – Galaxy Black and Lunar Silver – are all standard.
These options would normally cost £1640, so the A+, at just £990 more than a standard Classic, adds £650 of extra value – an attractive sum whichever way you look at it.
Another positive factor with the A+ is its affordability. Customers can own a new A+ from just £199 per month through DaimlerChrysler Services plus deposit, acceptance fee and optional monthly payment .
Available in A 140, A 160 and A 170 CDI variants, in both standard and long wheelbases, the A 140 A+ starts from £14,015 on the road. Just 1000 units will be sold between now and Christmas, ensuring the cars’ exclusivity.
The A+ also features the same comprehensive safety features and equipment list found in normal Classic models, which includes: ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist; electric front windows; electrically heated and operated door mirrors; four airbags; ESP® Electronic Stability Program; height adjustable front seat belts with force limiters; power-assisted steering with height adjustable column; remote central locking; seatbelt pretensioners on all outer seats; split-folding and removable rear seats; and three three-point rear seatbelts are all part of the standard package.
As well as its planetary-inspired paintwork and a stellar list of extra equipment, the space theme continues inside. The A-Class has a huge passenger cabin for its compact external dimensions, thanks in part to its innovative sandwich floor concept, which, as the name suggests, sandwiches the engine and mechanical components between two steel floors, meaning more of the interior can be used to transport passengers and their luggage.
In addition to improving occupant safety – the engine is pushed into the space between the floors in the event of a frontal impact – the occupants sit 20 cm higher than in an equivalent vehicle. As well as giving a more commanding seating position with excellent visibility, occupants are kept above the critical impact zone in the event of a side impact with a conventional car.
The flat interior floor, along with adjustable, folding, and removable rear seats make the A-Class a spacious family hatchback or voluminous load lugger. The extra 17 cm in the long wheelbase version gives limousine-like levels of legroom for rear passengers, or up to 1,865 litres of load space with the seats taken out.
More A-Class plus points are variable servicing intervals dependent on driving style, and a three year, unlimited mileage warranty. Added to this is 30 year mobilo life cover, guaranteeing against corrosion (from the inside out) and offering round-the-clock breakdown assistance for three decades.
Its winning formula of safety, reliability and high levels
of standard equipment led Auto Express magazine to crown the
long wheelbase A-Class as the "Most Practical New Car
in Britain" earlier this year, beating 36 other cars
from across the motoring spectrum. All these factors mean
the new special edition Mercedes-Benz A+ makes an ideal addition
to any family.
