Merc gets radical with its A-class 07 | 04 | 2011
MERCEDES IS poised to go head-to-head with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series when it launches its all-new sporty A-class. The next generation model will hit Scottish showrooms late 2012/early 2013.
The newcomer, which will be officially unveiled as the Concept A study at this month’s Shanghai show, is expected to boast the concept's sporty stance, as well as many of its flowing sheetmetal and distinctive detailing.
Perhaps the principal difference between the production model and the concept is the showroom model will have a slightly higher roofline and deeper windows.
Built on an all-new platform dedicated solely to Mercedes, the new A-class will borrow plastics, trim and switchgear from the C-class as the company seeks to raise the interior quality of the entry-level range.
The initial images released by Mercedes show a flowing instrument panel moulding, with a sporty steering wheel, dominant twin-dial instrument binnacle and a rotary controller for the infomatics system.
Initially power for the new A-class will come from Mercedes’ existing range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the C-class, modified for a transverse installation.
At the heart of the range will be a 2.0-litre petrol unit, previewed in the Concept A in 204bhp hot hatch form, which will be mated to a dual-clutch gearbox. The appearance of the dual-clutch signals the end of the CVT currently used in today’s A-class and B-class. Expect volume petrol models to have closer to 150bhp.
Mercedes will turn to its tried and tested 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel unit for the diesel range, with output ranging from 130 to 180bhp.
But what will get many potential owners' hearts beating just a little faster is the arrival of a four-wheel-drive, 320bhp AMG hot hatch version. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo, its due for launch in 2013 and will take on the Audi S3.
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Jim McGill