Mercedes is looking to attack the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series with its new and more competitive A-class, revealed ahead of it’s UK arrival in under 12 months.
The current A-class isn’t a regular hatchback, havinig been styled with a more upright almost Mini-MPV pose, but the new one is aimed directly at the small premium market leaders.
The new car is up to 180mm lower than its predecessor, and will come with a range of engines that includes a 99g/km model.
“A is for Attack: the A-Class is a clear statement of the new dynamism of the Mercedes-Benz brand”, said Mercedes boss Dr Dieter Zetsche.
“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.”
The line-up of three petrol and three diesel models ranges from the 109hp A180 CDI diesel up to the 211hp A250 petrol range topper.
Stop-start will be standard on all models, as will a radar-based collision warning system, a claimed first for the segment and a system joined by a series of other Mercedes safety technology designed to make the new A-class sector leading for occupant protection.
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