The highlight of the Mercedes stand at this year’s Joburg Motor Show is undoubtedly the Concept A-Class.

Considered by many as the defining vision paving the way for a new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars, the Concept A-Class is characterised by strong and defined edges, mixed with free-flowing details reminiscent of the design used in the F800 Style concept.

The Concept A-Class has a long bonnet matching the large radiator grille, whose centre features an enormous Mercedes tri-star logo. The headlights are full-LED high-performance units consisting of 90 optical fibres.

The interior of the Mercedes A-Class Concept is flooded with light from the large panoramic roof and many of its features were inspired by aircraft engineering. Various component groups have been reduced to a minimum, for example the dashboard and centre console are merely brushed aluminium structures. Mercedes say the result is a, “transparent, light, bionic design effect.”

A smartphone is fully integrated into the operating systems of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept. When the phone is inserted into the recess provided in the centre console, it is automatically synchronised with the COMAND multimedia system. All the functions of the smartphone, including internet radio, email and social networks such as Twitter or Facebook, are shown as applications on the 178 mm display and can be operated via the rotary/push control.

The Concept A-Class is front-wheel drive and is powered by a 2.0-litre, 155 kW, four-cylinder petrol engine, borrowed from the Mercedes M270 series. The engine is mated to a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which allows for seemless shifts and improves fuel economy, as well as the concept’s dynamic nature.