After being anticipated for quite some time now, the new generation Mercedes A-Class->ke452 is finally out. The car made its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in September 2012. Customers will be able to choose between three grades: "Urban," "Style," and "AMG Sport."

The new generation A-Class was previewed by the A-Class Concept that was unveiled in 2011 at the New York Auto Show and, as no surprise, it shares some of its design elements with the B-Class.

The new A-Class received a two-box design with a distinct character of its own, a sporty emotive exterior, and an exceptionally high-quality feel to the interior. The engine line-up will include both petrol and diesel versions, with power ranging from 109 HP to 211 HP. All engines are combined with ECO start/stop function as standard and are mated to the new six-speed manual transmission or, as an option, the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

UPDATE 06/25/12: Mercedes has unveiled a pretty cool video featuring the new generation A-Class. Enjoy!

UPDATE 09/10/12: A new commercial titled "Arrival Star" has been released by Mercedes to drum up even more promo buzz for the A-Class. Check it out by clicking on the photo above!

2013 Mercedes A-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Mercedes A-Class
  • Horsepower: 211
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new A-Class was designed by combining concave and convex planes that create an effect of play of light, particularly along the sides of the car, which contributes to its unique appearance. The car's front end has a pronounced V-shape and includes separate headlamps, the radiator grille with central Mercedes star, double slats to either side of the star, and additional air intakes on the sides. The headlamps feature LED technology and have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic "flare effect" for the daytime running lamps and indicators.

Viewed from the side, the new A-Class will be distinguished by its sensuously molded sculptural side panels and distinctive lines. At the rear, a roof spoiler will provide an extra sporty touch, while everything else is defined by the same convex-concave surfaces and edges. The tail-lamps also feature LED technology.

Interior

For the interior, Mercedes->ke187 combined high-quality materials with the same sporty feeling of the exterior. The instrument panel has been divided into two different sections and the result is that the upper section appears to be supported by a 'muscle'. This manufacturing process allows the use of special films with three-dimensional structures that make it possible to create a range of different surface finishes that permit an attractive play of light.

The instrument panel incorporates five round vents inspired by an aircraft turbine, while the display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame. The company also installed a new 3-spoke steering wheel which comes with 12 function buttons and an electroplated bezel.

The seats can be ordered in a wide range of coverings, colors, leather, fabric, Artico/fabric, and geometry. As an option, Mercedes is also offering sports seats with head restraints.

A-Class Sport

For the first time, the performance specialists from AMG were involved in the development of the compact class and the result is the A-Class Sport - the most dynamic version of the new model series.

Compared to the rest of the A-Class line-up, the new Sport model will be distinguished by exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R18 tires all round and painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake calipers. There is also a special AMG-developed front axle and a suspension that has been configured to make the car even sportier. The car's front and rear aprons feature hints of red, with the same contrast between black trim and additional accents in red continuing in the interior.

Engine

The new Mercedes A-Class will be offered with both petrol and diesel engines, all of them featuring the ECO start/stop function as standard. The petrol line-up includes 1.6 and 2.0 liters engines, with power ranging from 115 HP in the A 180, 156 HP in the A 200, and 211 HP in the A 250. Diesel versions include: the 109 HP A 180 CDI, the 136 HP A 200 CDI, and the 170 HP A 220 CDI. All of the engines can be combined with either the new six-speed manual transmission or, as an option, the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Next to this impressive engine line-up, the new A-Class also offers a noticeably lower center of gravity and a new 4-link rear axle. Customers can choose between various suspension settings, among them the optional sports suspension with Direct-Steer system. The electromechanical steering in the A-Class has been completely redesigned, so the electric motor for the power assistance now sits directly on the steering gear in the form of a compact and extremely precise Dual Pinion EPS.

Prices

Prices for the new Mercedes A-Class will be announced closer to its market launch in September 2012.

Competition

The new Mercedes A-Class is yet another competitor for models like the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series->ke313. The Audi A3 is offered with five gasoline engines and four diesel engines. Outputs range from 105 HP in the entry level 1.2 TFSI version to 265 HP in the 2.0 TFSI version. The BMW 1-Series is also offered with a new range of four-cylinder petrol engines and three radically redesigned four-cylinder diesel units, with power going up to 184 HP.

We believe that if Mercedes can keep the price low, they will have a strong chance at being a leader in this market segment.