w201 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 1986 small car but big legend

The public and the press were looking towards December 8, 1982 with great expectations, when the compact-class saloons Type 190 and 190 E were presented. These models did not replace previous types, but completed the traditional Mercedes-Benz passenger car program by a third main line. The new range of models was characterised by more compact measures, reduced weight and increased economy without making any compromises as to handling performance, safety and reliability. Minimised energy consumption was reached by using high-strength sheet steel and other weight- reducing materials as well as by aerodynamic optimisation. Passive safety had been the reason for providing series 126 with a forked beam in the front end. With this design principle also the compact-class vehicles fulfilled the criterion of an asymmetric head-on impact with 40 % overlapping and 55 kph. Thus the 190 models were absolutely as safe as the big S-Class saloons. #oldbenz source: AutoSL