"The A-class has now comfortably passed the moose test". This was the conclusion of the same motoring journalists from Sweden and Germany who made headlines with the ‘moose test’.

Former Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda also confirmed that the A-class has safe, agile, comfortable handling even in extreme driving situations.

On a test track near Barcelona, the test journalists Robert Collin (Teknikens Varld), Jochen Albig ("auto motor und sport"), Michael Specht ("Auto Bild"), Dirk Vincken ("Auto Zeitung"), Marianne Sterner ("Vi bilagare") and Niki Lauda put the A-class with modified suspension and Electronic Stability Program ESP through the "moose test", and performed the ISO slalom test with cones at 18 metre intervals.

Swede Robert Collin, who unleashed the debate in October following a ‘moose test’, said after the test drives: "The A-class passed the moose test comfortably. There is a marked difference compared to the previous suspension, and I also found the ride comfort impressive. I really liked the car I drove today."

This was confirmed by former Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda: "With the new suspension tuning, the safety of the A-class is absolutely foolproof. The ESP also copes with driving problems before the driver has even become aware of them. In my view this system confirms the A-class as the safest car in its class."

‘Problem Fixed’

All the journalists present confirmed that even with the car fully laden, the A-class circumvents the obstacles safely and with maximum directional stability. The modified suspension tuning ensures optimum tyre-to-road contact in every situation.

"The problem has been solved," was the unanimous conclusion 0f the three German motoring journalists. ‘Auto Bild’ editor Michael Specht said: "At the present time, the A-class is probably the only car to pass the test so comfortably. Even at higher speeds."

Jurgen Hubbert, responsible for the Passenger Car division on the Daimler-Benz Board of Management: "The preparations in Rastatt are moving forward at maximum speed. The new Mercedes-Benz A-class will be launched as announced in February 1998. It will be the first and only car in its class to be fitted as standard with this innovative safety package".

Extensive information

European customers and the public were informed in detail in full-page advertisements placed in daily newspapers about the modified A-class. In addition, a short documentary by Daimler-Benz about the latest test results will appear on European television.