1:14 pm, March 6, 2012
MERCEDES-BENZ will give its important all-new A-Class its world premiere today at the Geneva Motor Show.
The new car presents a change in design direction over its predecessor, a wide range of engines, and comes as standard with Mercedes’ collision prevention assist system.
‘A is for Attack: the A-Class is a clear statement of the new dynamism of the Mercedes-Benz brand,’ said Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. ‘It is completely new, down to the last detail.
‘In automotive development, it’s not often you get the chance to start with a clean sheet of paper. Our engineers and designers have made the very most of that opportunity.’
Mercedes have stuck closely to the ‘Concept A-CLASS’ previewed last year. The most notable design trait of the new car is its lowered-stance compared to the outgoing A-Class – it’s 18cm closer to the road. Along with more overtly sporty lines, the new car also features the firm’s new ‘diamond’ grille on sport AMG versions.
Headlining the interior is the option to fully integrate a smartphone into the operating and display system. A special app makes it possible to use the full functionality of an iPhone through the dashboard’s display screen.
Customers will be able to choose from three petrols and three diesels. The petrol range begins with the 1.6-litre turbo 113bhp A180 version, followed by another 1.6-litre turbo with 154bhp dubbed A200. There will also be a 2.0-litre turbo version called A250 with 208bhp.
Diesel choices begin with a 1.8-litre developing 107bhp and emitting 99g/km of CO2. Another 1.8-litre unit with 134bhp called A200 CDI will also be available, as will the A220 CDI – a 168bhp 2.2-litre version.
There’s no pricing or delivery details, but expect it to be similar to the new Audi A3; around £19k with deliveries in September.
