MECERDES BENZ A CLASS


The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has never been the most dynamic of cars but the German brand is hoping that this 2012 model will banish all memories of the tall mini-MPV design. It's lower and wider with a more muscular look as it aims to take on the likes of the  and AUDI A3 and BMW 1 SERIES
The more purposeful look isn’t all for show though. Mercedes-Benz has put considerable effort into ensuring the body is stiff. This improves cornering and agility, making for a more engaging drive. Refinements to the suspension and steering have also been made with the aim of offering an involving, fun car It’s effective – the new A-Class can be driven at speed with confidence.
While the styling may be a radical departure that doesn’t mean it's an impractical car – the boot is more than big enough for a trip away or a family shop plus the rear seats offer enough space for adults, even if headroom is a little tight. There’s plenty of technology on offer too and even basic models get a collision mitigating brakesystem designed to prevent and minimise low speed accidents.
Engines use the traditional Mercedes-Benz naming system. Six are available – A180 petrol and diesel, A200 petrol and diesel, A220 diesel and A250 petrol. The most efficient petrol engine in the range is the A180 BlueEfficiency Manual which has CO2 emissions of just 98g/km. Enthusiastic drivers will go for the A250 ‘Engineered by AMG’ model which can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds.
07-04-11: Technical highlights include a new, turbocharged four-cylinder Petrol engine a dual clutch transmission and a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.
Long bonnet, low silhouette and slim window areas. Sporty appearance.
Front-wheel drive powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine from the new M270 series designed for transverse installation. Wity direct injection and turbocharging it offers high performance potential together with minimal emissions and enhanced fuel consumption. The 'Concept A-Class' showcart at Shanghai is equipped with the two-litre variant of the new engine, developing 210 hp. This BlueEFFICIENCY unit is combined with the new Mercedes-Benz dual clutch transmission.
As a world first in the compact class, the concept car features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. This assistance system, Collision Prevention Assist, gives a visual and acoustic warning to a possibly inattentive driver, and prepares Brake Assist for an absolutely precise braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal.
In the interior of the Concept A-Class the dashboard has the shape of an aircraft wing and a translucent, stretchable textile lining. This enables the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible.
The shape of the air vents in the dashboard is reminiscent of a jet aircraft engine. The prominent displays in the instrument cluster are in red. Their appearance is inspired by the afterburner of a jet engine. The central control unit is designed as a modern flight panel, with the shift lever taking the form of a "reverse thrust control".
A smartphone is fully integrated into the operating concept of the Concept A-Class. All the applications, services and features of a digital lifestyle can therefore be operated via COMAND Online. The visual presentation of the display screen elements is unique and revolutionary. Dynamically varied glass elements are illuminated by magenta-coloured light to form three-dimensionally arranged navigation levels.
06-03-12: Mercedes-Benz premiered its all-new A-Class at the Geneva Motor Show. It's a more conventional hatch shape with its main rivals the Audi A3 and BMW series 1, with which it will compete on price.
The aggressive styling features LED running lights and tail lights and brash, angular lines. It’s layout is completely different to the outgoing model – it’s 487mm longer and 163mm lower.
There is a selection of petrol and diesel engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.2-litres, with power outputs from 109 to 211hp. Emissions start from 99g/km, and all engines get start/stop technology. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard and a dual clutch automatic is offered as an option.
AMG, Mercedes-Benz’ performance arm, has worked on the AMG Sport styling package which adds even more beefed up styling in the form of a new grille, and larger wheels.
Mercedes-Benz says that the interior is of exceptional quality, and it has made efforts to create a trim that looks to have been carved from one piece of material. A large amount of customisation is possible in the cabin, with buyers given the choice of various upholstery options.
Safety equipment is important in the new A-Class, too – hill start assist, attention assist and collision mitigating braking are fitted as standard while automatic high-beam, blind spot warning and park assist are optional, amongst other equipment.
On sale in the UK from Summer 2012.
19-05-12: 110PS/260Nm A150CDI uses 1,461cc Renault Diesel engine to get under 100g/km CO2. Mercedes own chain cam 1,796cc A180CDI delivers similar power and torque at lower revs, but 109g/km CO2, while the A200CDI is the same 1,796 engine with 135PS/300Nm and 111g/km. Top diesel engine is the A220CDI with 170PS/350Nm.
29-11-2012: Five Star Euro NCAP rating: 93% adult protection, 81% child protection, 67% pedestrian protection and 86% for safety assist.
5-4-2013: A180 SE Blue Efficiency automatic pleases with smooth shifting of new 7 speed dual clutch transmission that does not require pressing the footbrake to move the lever from N to D so does not suffer from hesitation of VAG DSGs. Owners likely to enjoy the feeling that, at £21,600 they are driving a Mercedes for the price of a Focus or Golf.