Mercedes Benz (W176: 2012)

Mercedes Benz (W176: 2012)

The production version of the third generation of A-Class vehicles was based on the Concept A-Class, and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show,and later in 2012 Paris Motor Show.Mercedes A-Class Diesel range models are using Renault engines just like Mercedes B-Class.
The vehicles were available in dealerships beginning in September 2012. Early models include A 180 BlueEfficiency, A 200 BlueEfficiency, A 250 BlueEfficiency, A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency, A 200 CDI BlueEfficiency, A 220 CDI BlueEfficiency. Japan models went on sale in January 2013.

Design

The third generation A-Class is designed to be a direct competitor to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. It is intended to be more dynamic than its predecessor and is focused on younger owners. The design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class reflects the current Mercedes-Benz design strategy.

It first appeared on Concept A-Class at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, and has changed only in details such as lights, bumpers and mirrors.

Concept A-Class (2011)

It is a 3-door concept vehicle for the upcoming A-Class. It included M270 four-cylinder gasoline engine rated 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp), radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, exterior design from Mercedes-Benz F800 Style, radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver hexagons on black stems, full-LED high-performance headlamps consist of 90 optical fibers with aluminum sleeves which are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp, dashboard in shape of an aircraft wing and a translucent, stretchable fabric lining, shape of the air vents in the dashboard inspired by jet aircraft, prominent dials in the instrument cluster are in red, smartphone.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2011 New York Auto Show, followed by 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

Driving school package (2012-)

Designed for the RoadSense programme, basic driving school package includes adaptation of the cockpit to accommodate the twin sets of pedals, a control switch in the centre console for driver's footwell illumination and warning signal for the twin sets of pedals, twin rearview mirrors, adaptation of the floor covering in the driver's and front passengers' footwells for the twin sets of pedals, the Light and Sight package, the Seat Comfort package.
Overall driving school package also includes the twin sets of pedals. The package is also part of the special A-Class "toBE" model.
Delivery of A-Class "toBE" model began from January 2013.

Equipment

Drive Kit Plus for iPhone, Mercedes-Benz phone module with Bluetooth, roof box 400 with Alustyle Quickfix carrier bars, Mercedes Sport product range (a spoiler lip for the front apron, a gleaming black radiator grill, gleaming black exterior mirror casing and waistline trim strip, a roof spoiler and rear apron trims with a diffuser look), light-alloy wheels were developed for the A-Class vehicles. The A-Class in Australia comes standard with 9 airbags.
The phone module went on sale on 4th quarter 2012.
Mercedes-Benz Sport products were produced for the A-Class (W 176) vehicles.

 

 

 

Mercedes-Benz Vaneo

Mercedes-Benz Vaneo

 
The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is a 5-door compact MPV that was manufactured from 2002 to 2005. It used the automobile platform from the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Up to seven seat capacity was available, but this vehicle was not built as a van even though the name "Vaneo"
 Design 
   
The A-class Vaneo was front-wheel-drive only and limited to four-cylinder engines. The body consisted of two sliding rear doors and 'Sandwich Floor' construction giving it a van-like driving position and a higher roof line. It was suitable for U.K.'s Motability for the disabled, as well as for use as taxicabs.
Seating for five was standard, with two third-row buckets optional. With all the rear seats removed, there was up to 3,000 litres of cargo space. A 120 kg capacity slide-out boot floor was optional. Roof rails were standard on Trend and Ambiente models, while ISOfix anchorages were included on all vehicles.
The Vaneo was discontinued after three years.It was replaced in 2012 by the Citan, a version of the Renault Kangoo as part of Mercedes-Benz's broader alliance with the French maker.

Safety

The Vaneo was tested by Euro NCAP in 2002 with the following ratings:^[3]

Euro NCAP	Rating
Adult occupant:
Pedestrian:

                                                     

The Vaneo was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:

NVSR	Rating
Theft of car:
Theft from car:

Mercedes Benz SL (R231)

Mercedes Benz SL (R231)

In December 2011, Mercedes-Benz announced the all new SL-Class and was formally launched at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012. The new SL (R231) has been produced for the first time almost entirely from aluminium. The new aluminium bodyshell weighs around 110 kilograms less than it would using the steel technology from the predecessor. Although the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has more assistance systems on-board than its predecessor and therefore does actually sacrifice some of the weight saved through the aluminium bodyshell, the scales show some better figures: the SL 500 (1.785 kg) weighs around 125 kilograms less and the SL 350 (1.685 kg) is 140 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

New features include the unique FrontBass system (it uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers) and adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system MAGIC VISION CONTROL, which supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the direction of wipe. The R231 is also available with two different suspension systems: semi-active adjustable damping as standard. The optional active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) is available as an alternative. Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle and it also reduces the amount of steering required when parking and manoeuvring.
Contrasted with its predecessor, the new generation of the SL is longer and wider. Shoulder room is increased by 37 mm (1.5 in)) and elbow room 28 mm (1.1 in).

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Type	Power, torque@rpm
SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012–	3,498 cc (213 cu in) 24V V6 (M 276 DE 35)	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@6500, 370 N·m (273 lb·ft)@3500-5250
SL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012–	4,663 cc (285 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo (M 278 DE 46 AL)	435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp)@5250, 700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@1800-3500
SL 63 AMG	2012–	5,461 cc (333 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo (M 157 DE 55 AL)	537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp)@5500, 800 N·m (590 lb·ft)@2000-4500 Performance Package: 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp)@5500, 900 N·m (664 lb·ft)@2250-3750
SL 65 AMG	2012–	5,980 cc (365 cu in) 36V V12 biturbo (M 279 E 60 AL)	630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp)@4800-5400, 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft)@2300-4300