The all new Mercedes A-Class as seen in Paris this month.
One can be forgiven for mistaking the new Mercedes Benz A-Class for another model entirely. Remodelled from top to bottom, the latest compact from the German automaker made was revealed to the world back in March of this year at the Geneva Motor Show and is set to hit the streets in 2013. This time around the AMG performance specialists have gotten involved in the design process of the A-Class, resulting in the A-Class Sport’s impressive and super-sporty aesthetic. The Sport version features 18-inch alloy wheels, 235/40 R18 tyres all painted a high-gloss black, as well as red brake callipers.
By abandoning the previous generation of A-Class’ Compact Car construction and design, the 2013 A-Class won’t be the most spacious of the vehicles in its class. One gets the impression that the A-Class has been planned to be as compact as possible while still retaining a measure of practicality.
Petrol engines within the A-Class range will vary between 1.6- and 2.0-litre producing 85kW in the A180, 116kW in the A200 and 157kW in the A250. All the petrol engines will be direct-injection, turbocharged motors that produce a more effective combustion process and on-demand multi-spark ignitions. Another exciting element is the innovative CAMTRONIC system, which adjusts the lift of the valve in order to restrict the fresh mixture that is used in the partial load range and essentially reducing fuel consumption. Impressively, the new A-Class will produce a mere 99g of carbon dioxide per kilometre – a great selling point in today’s environmentally conscious climate.
The turbocharged and direct-injection technology also makes the diesel engines efficient and environmentally sensible. The CDI models in the A-Class offer 81kW and 250Nm of torque from the A180, 101kW and 300Nm of torque from the A200. The 2.2-litre A220 CDI cranks out 127kW and 350Nm of torque – making it a great performer in its class.
Engines throughout the new A-Class feature the ECO start and stop function as a standard. The A-Class engines can be bonded with a new six-speed manual transmission or the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is available as an optional ‘extra’.
Price-wise you will be looking at about R247 963 for the A180 or base model and upwards of R278 001 for the Sporty A-Class, which is available in the A180 petrol, A200 petrol and A180 CDI diesel and A200 CDI diesel models. The AMG tuned A-Class which includes sports suspension and Speedtronic will set you back around R306 862. Keep in mind though that VAT and import taxes may push the prices up a bit. South African motorists can expect to see the new A-Class on our streets next year.
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