The Geneva Motor Show's second worst kept secret after the Volvo V40, the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback, was finally revealed today.
The new A-Class represents both a radical and a conservative departure from the two previous generations of Mercedes-Benz's compact model series.
To explain, conservative, in the sense that it abandons the tall sandwich platform and mini-MPV-like body of the outgoing model for a more traditional hatchback shape, but also a radical departure because of the far more sportier and sexier design inside and out.
Previewed by last year's concept model of the same name, the new five-door A-Class is based on Mercedes' new MFA (modular front architecture) platform. It measures 4,292mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,433mm tall, which makes it 32mm shorter but 15mm wider and 12mm taller than its main rival, the BMW 1-Series hatchback.
However, unlike the BMW model that uses a rear-wheel drive setup, the A-Class is driven by its front wheels, which means it should provide more ample space inside.
From launch, Mercedes-Benz will offer a broad range of gasoline and diesel engines. The petrol lineup includes three four-cylinder options: the A180 with a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit producing 121hp (122PS), the A200 that uses a 154hp (156PS) version of the 1.6-liter unit and the A250 powered by a 2.0-liter turbo delivering 208hp (211PS)
On the diesel front, we find the A180 CDI with a 1.8-liter engine churning out 108hp (109PS) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft), the A200 CDI with the same unit rated at 134hp (136PS) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft), and the A220 CDI with a 2.2-liter turbocharged four delivering 168hp (170PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft).
All engines in the new A-Class come equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard and can be combined either with a new six-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The German company is also planning to introduce a flagship AMG model that will use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine possibly delivering well over 300-horses.
Other highlights include the introduction of a raft of assistance systems such as the Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, an in-house developed app that allows users to integrate their Apple iPhone into the car's infotainment system, and an AMG Sport package with styling as well as chassis upgrades.
The new five-door Mercedes-Benz A-Class will reach European dealership in September. There are no current plans to offer the hatchback model in the States.
26 Comments:
nice
The way the exhaust tips are integrated in the bumper is very cheap, looks a very poor aftermarket tunning, could have been better..
I guess I am the only American that prefers hatchbacks.Come on Mercedes bring one over for this lone ranger.Please!!!.
Miles better than the old one, i would consider buying one of these.
If it drives as good as it looks, it's a winner!
why does the rear scream 2012 impreza 5 door?
One problem...the side panelling looks like the old beemer styling. Doesn't anyone agree?
how the rear window is shaped into the c-pillar ques thoughts of honda crv, but otherwise is like it a lot
a200 with 7speed auto please - 4wd if possible - i would buy that in a flash
Is that Citroen? - No, it's Mercedes new Citroen ripoff called A-Class....
It does look miles better than the old one though, not that it was hard to make a car looking worse than the old A-Class.
COOL! Much better looking than new 1-series, A3 or V40.
really not sure about the back.
I agree as far as the 1-Series and A3, not so sure about the V40 reference...
Volvo V40 will own this class.
Mercedes is for old people and the A class from all angles shows that they just tried too hard to make it look something that Mercedes isn't.
Oh and do they have key-rings with the the MB star the same size as the one on the tiny bonnet of this thing?
Mercedes always has great videos & this one is no exception. Well, it has to be as this car is incredibly ugly from all angles.
I'm amazed they've gone so much in the opposite direction to the previous model from overtly tall to low. And I thought European driving conditions would find a small footprint invaluable. Seems to be a case of upsizing and going going for profits and leaving the rest of the market to the bread and butter makers. That's assuming it'll be priced higher than the last model.......
You are not alone.
please name one citroen that looks like this or any other car for that matter....your reaching a little to far...to have to make up similar styling cues
because there both hatches.........
Mercedes should bring it to North America. As of right now we won't see this, the V40 or of course the VW Scirocco. The efficient/premium hatchback myth may not thrive long as fuel prices continue to go up and people look for a practical weekly car. Weekends are always there to roll out the big luxury cruisers.
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3 /DS4 much sexier
Front wheel drive??? Could be another Golf......
There are a lot of late 30's early 40's dads that drive a lot and would buy this car in the states.
I have no idea why european sensibility is lost on Americans.
It's a lot better looking than the hideous 1 series or boring A3, but you'd probably be better off with a Focus or Golf in the end....
Can't you people finally understand that up until 280hp FWD is the fastest setup? (reference: Megane 250) AND it's cheaper, lighter, and basically enables the option of rear legroom! Jesus!
Of course there is no plan to import into the U.S., because I WANT one! Happens every time...
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