Segment:
Compact / Small Family Car
Unique Selling Proposition:
Innovative 'sandwich' floor design for enhanced safety and interior space, compact footprint with surprisingly practical interior.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Fiat Bravo, Renault Mégane.
Safety Concept:
Sandwich floor principle for improved crash performance, higher seating position.
Interior Flexibility:
Moduver system (optional) allowing for easy removal and reconfiguration of rear seats.
Engine:
Engine mechanicals (M166 series for A160 gasoline, OM668 series for A160 CDI diesel), engine management systems, fuel injection, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (Autotronic continuously variable transmission - CVT), clutch system, drive shafts, differential.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake system bleeding, parking brake.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, power windows, power locks, central locking, wipers, washers, horn.
Suspension Steering:
Front McPherson strut suspension, rear torsion beam axle, power steering system (hydraulic), steering column, wheel alignment.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hinges, latches, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, chassis and frame components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, climate control unit.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, pistons, valves), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component repair/replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork and cosmetic repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation (OBD-II if applicable), electrical circuit diagnosis, engine performance issues, transmission shifting problems, braking system anomalies.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for various systems, testing procedures for sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnosis).
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations.
A160 Gasoline Engine Code:
M166.940
A160 Gasoline Displacement:
1.6 L (1598 cc)
A160 Gasoline Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder
A160 Gasoline Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder
A160 Gasoline Power Output:
102 PS (101 hp; 75 kW) at 5500 rpm
A160 Gasoline Torque:
150 Nm (111 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
A160 Cdi Diesel Engine Code:
OM668.911
A160 Cdi Diesel Displacement:
1.7 L (1689 cc)
A160 Cdi Diesel Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection
A160 Cdi Diesel Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder
A160 Cdi Diesel Power Output:
75 PS (74 hp; 55 kW) at 4400 rpm
A160 Cdi Diesel Torque:
160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at 1800 rpm
A160 Gasoline 0 60Mph:
Approx. 11.0 - 12.0 seconds
A160 Cdi 0 60Mph:
Approx. 14.0 - 15.0 seconds
A160 Gasoline Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
A160 Cdi Fuel Delivery:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)
A160 Gasoline Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
A160 Cdi Recommended Fuel:
Diesel fuel
A160 Gasoline Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
A160 Cdi Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
A160 Gasoline Optional Transmission:
Autotronic 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT / CVT)
A160 Cdi Optional Transmission:
Autotronic 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT / CVT)
Autotronic Features:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with simulated gear steps, manual shifting mode via selector lever.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MB Approval 235.10 (SAE 75W-85 GL-4)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Approval 236.20 (CVT Fluid)
Length:
approx. 3626 mm (142.8 in)
Width:
approx. 1719 mm (67.7 in)
Height:
approx. 1593 mm (62.7 in)
Wheelbase:
approx. 2373 mm (93.4 in)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 390 liters (13.8 cu ft) with rear seats up, expandable to 1216 liters (42.9 cu ft) with seats folded.
Curb Weight A160:
Approx. 1140 - 1220 kg
Curb Weight A160 Cdi:
Approx. 1200 - 1280 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1650 - 1750 kg
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified for this model, designed primarily for passenger use.
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 Stars (1999 Test) - Adult occupant protection
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) often paired with ESP
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Side airbags and window airbags optional.
Seatbelts:
All seating positions equipped with three-point seatbelts. Pre-tensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats (rear seats).
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically every 15,000 km or 1 year, indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' on the display (depending on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km or 2 years
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km or 2 years
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (Diesel models); gasoline models typically have lifetime filters or integrated into fuel pump assembly.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (A160 gasoline)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Capacity A160:
Approx. 5.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts)
Engine Oil Specification A160:
MB Approval 229.1 or 229.3 (e.g., SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity A160 Cdi:
Approx. 5.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts)
Engine Oil Specification A160 Cdi:
MB Approval 229.1 or 229.5 (e.g., SAE 5W-40 Low SAPS recommended for CDI)
Coolant Type:
MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant, Specification 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Approved Hydraulic Fluid, Specification 343.0 (Green)
Common Faults A160 Gasoline:
Ignition coil failures, lambda sensor issues, crankshaft position sensor failures, oil leaks from valve cover gasket, premature wear of front suspension bushings.
Common Faults A160 Cdi:
Injector seal leaks, turbocharger issues (over time), glow plug failures, EGR valve clogging, wear on the Autotronic transmission clutch pack (if equipped).
General W168 Issues:
Corrosion on rear wheel arches and sills, failure of the rear door release mechanism, degradation of rubber seals and hoses.