STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new which promises better comfort and sporty performance.
It comes in a dizzying array of 17 versions with the A160 at one end and the A 45 4MATIC at the other.
In combination with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, the A-Class now has “Launch Assist” for even faster acceleration from standstill.
The new-generation A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to be sold with comprehensive smartphone integration: from the beginning of 2016 the infotainment systems Apple CarPlay (for iPhone owners) and MirrorLink will become available.
A 250 Sport (AMG Line).
Striking lines, dynamically curved surfaces and coupé-like window lines characterise the exterior of the A-Class. The form of the new, more arrow-shaped front bumper takes its lead strongly from the Concept A-CLASS of 2011. With a diamond grille, new LED High Performance headlamps (optional extra; standard for A 45) and newly designed rear lights with exhaust tailpipes integrated into the bumper.
An instrument cluster of tubular design with high-quality dial graphics and galvanised switches upgrades the quality interior, as does the large, free-standing and frameless display of the head unit, which is now available as as optional 8-inch display. New colours and materials, as well as new finishes for the trim in the dashboard, add a refreshing tone to the cabin.
The equipment range for the A-Class has been expanded in numerous areas. The model is offered with optional LED High Performance headlamps and ambient lighting which can be individualised with 12 colours and five dimming levels. Also new is seat cushion depth adjustment by up to 60 mm – a standard feature in all equipment lines.
With its dramatic design in the style of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team, the special “Motorsport Edition” model will appeal to racing fans. Areas of the front and rear bumper trim are painted in petrol green, and the same colour adorns the rim flanges of the AMG light- alloy wheels.
The AMG rear aerofoil is embellished with petrol green highlights, as are the exterior mirrors (only in conjunction with A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC). Eye-catching details in the interior include the petrol green surrrounds of the air vents and the contrasting topstitching in petrol green.
The “Motorsport Edition” is available for all engine variants from the A 200/A 200 d upwards (except the A 45).
The A-Class offers a good range of power outputs to meet customer needs, with the base diesel A 160 dishing out 90hp/240Nm and the petrol A 45 4MATIC capping it at 381hp/475Nm. In between, the A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC are now a little more powerful than before, developing 218hp/350Nm.
The DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes are offered in selected versions, enabling the driver to change the vehicle characteristics in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and air conditioning. The four driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Eco” and “Individual” can be conveniently selected using the switch in the upper control array.
DYNAMIC SELECT is standard in the A 200 d 4MATIC, A 220 4MATIC, A 220 d, A 220 d 4MATIC, A 250 4MATIC, A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC. The system is also included as standard in all models with 7G-DCT, AMG Line or a lowered suspension.
The A 45 4MATIC is equipped with the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual”, which are familiar from the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car and the top-of-the-line C-Class model, the Mercedes-AMG C 63, as standard. As a new optional feature for the world’s most powerful compact sports model, the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package includes a mechanical front axle locking differential, the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive damping and the fifth DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode “Race”.
The new generation of the A-Class entered the market in September 2012.
It is made in Rastatt, Germany and production is also outsourced to Valmet Automotive of Finland.
The Mercedes-Benz brand has also undergone a noticeable rejuvenation since the introduction of the new compact models. Today, the average age of European drivers owning the new A-Class is around 13 years less than for the preceding model series. In China, the average age is 34 years.
The A-Class is scheduled for European launch at the end of September and should reach Malaysia soon after.
Keyword: Facelifted Mercedes A-Class comes blazing in