The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been announced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Previewed by the A-Class concept model, the new five-door A-Class is based on Mercedes’ new MFA (modular front architecture) platform. It measures 4 292 mm long, 1 780 mm wide and 1 433 mm tall, which makes it 32 mm shorter, but 15 mm wider and 12 mm taller than its main rival, the BMW 1-Series hatchback. The overall design is relatively sporty and it helps to give the model an impressive 0.26 drag co-efficient.
The front-wheel drive A-Class will be available in three different specifications, namely: Urban, Style and AMG Sport. The AMG version is distinguished by red styling accents, a unique front axle, a revised suspension and exclusive 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, highlights include circular air vents, a free-standing COMAND display and electroplated “silver chrome” accents. A raft of assistance systems have also been introduced, such as the Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as Apple iPhone integration with the car’s infotainment system.
From launch, Mercedes-Benz will offer a broad range of petrol and diesel engines. The petrol lineup includes three 4-cylinder options: the A180 with a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit producing 85 kW, the A200 that uses a 115 kW version of the same 1.6-liter unit, as well as the A250 that’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo delivering 155 kW.
On the diesel front, we find the A180 CDI with a 1.8-litre engine churning out 80 kW and 250 Nm of torque, the A200 CDI with the same engine rated at 100 kW and 300 Nm, and the A220 CDI with a 2.2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 125 kW and 350 Nm.
All engines in the new A-Class come equipped with the engine stop/start technology and can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed 7G-DCT automatic transmission.
