Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)

For an overview of all models, see Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz A (W176)
2014 Mercedes-Benz A 180 Urban 5-door hatchback pre-facelift (Germany)
Overview
ManufacturerDaimler AG
Production
  • July 2012[1] – May 2018[2] (Germany)
  • August 2013[3] – May 2018 (Finland)
Model years2013–2018
Assembly
DesignerMark Fetherston (2009)
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact executive car (C)[5]
Body style5-door hatchback
Layout
PlatformMFA
RelatedB-Class (W246)
CLA-Class (C117)
GLA-Class (X156)
Infiniti Q30
Infiniti QX30
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed manual
7-speed automatic 7G-DCT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,699 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,292–4,367 mm (169.0–171.9 in)
Width1,780 mm (70.1 in)
Height1,417–1,433 mm (55.8–56.4 in)
Curb weight1,295–1,555 kg (2,855–3,428 lb)[6]
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz A-Class (W169)
SuccessorMercedes-Benz A-Class (W177)

W176[7] is the internal designation for the third-generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which is a range of 5-door hatchbacks produced by Daimler AG under the Mercedes-Benz brand from July 2012 to May 2018.[1] The model was introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show officially as a subcompact executive / C-segment model for the first time after being a supermini / B-segment for fifteen years.[8] This model does not offer a 3-door model, due to the decreasing popularity of 3-door models and its larger size.[9] The W176 was available in some markets from September 2012.[10] Models in the Japanese market went on sale in January 2013.[11]

The A-Class is generally seen as a sportier and smaller alternative to the more practical and larger B-Class.[12] Additionally, the W176 is the second vehicle to use the global, front-wheel-drive MFA platform (Modular Front Architecture), after the W246 which had arrived in November 2011, and before the C117, which had arrived in January 2013.[13] Unlike the B-Class, which was available in a range of petrol, diesel, battery electric, and fuel cell, the A-Class is available only in petrol and diesel configurations. It is intended to be more dynamic than its predecessor and is focused primarily on younger owners.[14]

The design for the third generation of A-Class was based on the 2011 Concept A-Class and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[15] The facelifted model of the W176 was presented in Q3 2015. Orders for the facelifted model had started in July 2015, and mass production started in September. The facelift had added updated lights, technology, and models.[16] The model was initially built exclusively in Rastatt, however from late 2013 was built in Uusikaupunki, Finland for specific countries.[3]

Production of the W176 had ended in May 2018. It was replaced by the heavily related W177 which was presented on 2 February 2018, and was later released in May of that year.[17] The new model was available in sedan form for the first time.

  1. ^ a b Sabatini, Jeff (17 July 2012). "Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed". Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Accessories for A-Class Hatchback". accessories.mercedes-benz.com. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b Oagana, Alex (30 August 2013). "Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 Production Starts at Valmet, in Finland". Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Valmet Automotive to manufacture the new Mercedes Benz A-Class in Finland". Valmet Automotive. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
  5. ^ "2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class small family car safety rating". www.euroncap.com. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Specs for all generations of Mercedes-Benz A-class". www.auto-data.net. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  7. ^ "2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)". 4 May 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  8. ^ "Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 (3rd Generation)". InstantCars. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  9. ^ Radu, Mihnea (7 November 2012). "W176 2013 Mercedes A-Class 3-door Rendering". www.autoevolution.com. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  10. ^ Radu, Mihnea (15 June 2012). "New Mercedes A-Class Arrives in September 2012". www.autoevolution.com. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  11. ^ "Mercedes Benz A Class DBA-176042". cars.japanesecartrade.com. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  12. ^ Campbell, Matt (18 September 2015). "Mercedes-Benz small car comparison: A-Class v B-Class v CLA-Class Shooting Brake". Drive.com.au. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  13. ^ Radu, Mihnea (15 June 2012). "Mercedes-Benz MFA Platform to Underpin Non-Premium Models as Well". www.autoevolution.com. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  14. ^ Lye, Gerard (16 March 2020). "GALLERY: W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs previous-gen W176 – what's different between old and new". Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  15. ^ Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches new level of refinement for its class
  16. ^ Shah, Hafriz (27 June 2015). "W176 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift – full details!". paultan.org. Paul Tan's Automotive News. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  17. ^ "The new A-Class can do that" (in German). 2 February 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2023.