Photo: Mercedes Benz
Mercedes has finally realized that what the A-Class needs to be is a rival for the Audi A3 and its premium features. Thus, the third generation model was revealed in Geneva today as being a full-sizecd hatchback and not a mini MPV like before.
The 2012 A-Class is a good looking little road holder, based on the same MFA modular front architecture as the B-Class. The impression you get from its 1,780 mm with is of a planted vehicle with good performance, thanks in part to short overhangs and a sporty design for the body.
Mercedes has said it will debut a hot AMG in the future, but for now the most powerful version is the A 250 with 211 PS.
The range of petrol engines starts with a 1.6-liter turbo that produces 122 PS (121 hp) for the A180. NExt is a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 156 PS, followed by the aforementioned range topper, the A250 and its aggressive bodywork.
Moving on to the diesel front, this starts with a 109 PS version of the 1.8-liter in the A180 CDI, which also makes 250Nm (184 lb-ft), followed by a 136 PS version of the same unit in the A200 CDI. Last but not least, a real oil-burning powerhouse comes as the A220 CDI’s 2.2-liter 168hp (170PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft).
The iPhone on wheels as Mercedes has called, brings a host of integration features and a cool infotainment system mounted at the top of the dash. The interior obviously borrows a center stack from the B-Class, but the premium feel is definitely there. This is a compact car you’ll but for the leather and goodies for sure!
In other news, an optional AMG package can change the look of your car quite radically, with a new grille mesh that looks like the one on the Concept A, a full body kit and larger wheels. Inside, you can have carbon fiber for your dash, and those sporty seats look like they came off the SLK roadster.
Mercedes has said it will debut a hot AMG in the future, but for now the most powerful version is the A 250 with 211 PS.
The range of petrol engines starts with a 1.6-liter turbo that produces 122 PS (121 hp) for the A180. NExt is a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 156 PS, followed by the aforementioned range topper, the A250 and its aggressive bodywork.
Moving on to the diesel front, this starts with a 109 PS version of the 1.8-liter in the A180 CDI, which also makes 250Nm (184 lb-ft), followed by a 136 PS version of the same unit in the A200 CDI. Last but not least, a real oil-burning powerhouse comes as the A220 CDI’s 2.2-liter 168hp (170PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft).
The iPhone on wheels as Mercedes has called, brings a host of integration features and a cool infotainment system mounted at the top of the dash. The interior obviously borrows a center stack from the B-Class, but the premium feel is definitely there. This is a compact car you’ll but for the leather and goodies for sure!
In other news, an optional AMG package can change the look of your car quite radically, with a new grille mesh that looks like the one on the Concept A, a full body kit and larger wheels. Inside, you can have carbon fiber for your dash, and those sporty seats look like they came off the SLK roadster.
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