The Mercedes-Benz A is a subcompact class car produced with three- or five-door hatchback bodies. It is the smallest and first front-wheel drive light Mercedes-Benz. It was a very unusual car with an innovative frontal impact absorption system called a “sandwich”. In the event of a frontal impact, the car’s engine and gearbox sink under the floor, not into the passenger compartment. In 1997, this A-Class Mercedes became known for failing to pass the so-called "moose test" and had a tendency to turn. Mercedes initially denied the problem, but later recalled all cars sold until then and installed electronic stability control systems. It was the first small car to have such a standard system.
It is the smallest and first front-wheel drive light Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Benz A had an innovative frontal impact absorption system called the “sandwich”. In the event of a frontal impact, the car’s engine and gearbox sink under the floor, not into the passenger compartment.
It was the first small car to have a standard stability control system.