All clear for the new top-of-the-line A 190

Mercedes-Benz A-Class: upgraded range of engines and equipment:

• Ideal combination of driving pleasure, dynamics and economy
• 92 kW/125 hp engine and new 5-speed sports gearing
• Leather trim covers for cockpit and center console
• Elegance and Avantgarde Lines with even more standard extras
• Successful start to the year 1999

Frankfurt. The A-Class model program has been enriched by further attractions: from June of this year, the new top-of-the-line A 190 model will be appearing in the showrooms of Mercedes-Benz subsidiaries and dealers. At the same time, the Stuttgart-based German marque is again making substantial improvements to the comfort and equipment of its innovative and successful subcompact car.

The A 190 comes to the starting line with a newly developed 4-cylinder engine that provides an ideal combination of two of the main development aims of the A-Class, namely driving pleasure and economy. With a power of 92 kW/125 hp, this 1.9-liter engine accelerates the A 190 from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.8 seconds and permits a top speed of 198 km/h.

Thanks to the maximum torque of 180 Newton-meters, available at only 4000 rpm, the engine provides good elasticity for intermediate sprints on expressways and highways. In other words (or figures), the A 190 takes only 13.3 seconds to accelerate in 4th gear from 60 to 120 km/h.

A new standard-fitted 5-speed manual sports transmission with narrower gear-ratio steps also contributes to the agility of the lightweight A 190, which weighs only 1080 kilograms, and emphasizes its character as a dynamic car that is fun to drive. The fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is only 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

The other standard features of the A 190 include 16-inch alloy wheels and wide tires in size 195/50 R 16, combined with disk brakes at front and rear. Like all other A-Class variants, the new A 190 is standard-fitted with powerful assist systems that provide a distinct improvement in driving safety in critical traffic situations: these systems are the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with integral Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), the Antilock Braking System (ABS) and the Brake Assist System (BAS). The A-Class is the only subcompact car in the world to be equipped with this innovative technology as standard.

The new top-of-the-line A-Class is available in the Elegance and Avantgarde design/equipment lines.