Sleeker, more tech focused Mercedes-Benz A-class (finally) unveiled

Following the CLS in being the latest recipient of Mercedes-Benz's new styling language dubbed Sensual Purity, the A-class adopts a more sleeker appearance and as previously reported, rides on Benz's MFA2 platform that measures 4 419 mm in overall length, 1 796 mm wide, 1 440 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2 729 mm.

Coming in at 127 mm longer in wheelbase, 30 mm longer in overall length, 16 mm wider and seven millimetres taller than the W176, the W177 gains in boot space with an additional 29-litres taking total capacity to 370-litres with the rear seats up, while wheel sizes now range from 16 to 19-inches.

Previewed in November last year, the interior is perhaps the biggest departure from the previous A-class, with the same layout and design as the E-class and S-class, but with a brand new infotainment system called MBUX.

Sleeker, more tech focused Mercedes-Benz A-class (finally) unveiled-Autodealer

A first for Mercedes-Benz, the system is accessed via a choice of three displays; two seven-inch units, a seven-inch and 10.25-inch setup and a dual 10.25-inch display on higher spec models. Controlled through a haptic touchpad or the screen itself, MBUX also features a first-of-its-kind natural voice recognition system activated by the line "Hey Mercedes", and also a new Artificial Intelligence system derived from the S-class.

In addition to boasting a full-array of online connection options, a selection of material finishes depending on the trim level and between 12 to 64 ambient lighting colour options, the A-class' range of safety and driver assistance system has been sharpened-up and includes items first unveiled on the S-class.

Again depending on the model selected, notable tech, either standard or optional, includes Active Distance Assist with Active Steering, Active Lane Change Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Pre-Safe Plus and Active Parking Assist.

Sleeker, more tech focused Mercedes-Benz A-class (finally) unveiled-Autodealer

Said to be both quieter and more aerodynamically capable than the W176, the W177 is completely new underneath the bonnet with a choice of two turbo-petrol engines and single turbodiesel, co-developed with the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi.

While Mercedes-Benz has retained is traditional nomenclatures for the A-class, all point to a different displacement with the previous 1.6-litre mill in the A200 making way for a brand-new 1.3-litre producing 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque.

Up five kilowatts on the old motor with torque remaining as is, the internally designated M282 four-pot can be had with either a six-speed manual gearbox, the only A-class to offer a manual, or a newly developed seven-speed dual-clutch 'box with cylinder deactivation.

For now the top spec petrol model, the M260 unit in the A250, a development of the outgoing M270, retains its 2.0-litre displacement, but gains 10 kW for a output of 165 kW with torque again pegged at 350 Nm. Mated to solely to the DCT, the A250 can however be specified with front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive.

On the diesel side, the A180d drops the previous 1.8-litre OM 607 motor for the new 1.6-litre OM 608 that produces 85 kW, up five kilowatts, and 260 Nm of torque. Paired to the DCT, fuel consumption is rated at a mere 4.1 L/100 km and emissions at 108 g/km.

The performance A32/A36, rumoured to feature a 221 kW 2.0-litre turbo mill in conjunction with a 48-volt electric motor, as well as the rapid 298 kW AMG A45 are due to be unveiled later this year.

Set to go on sale in Germany around April, pricing for the A-class is anticipated to start at around €25 000 (R375 683). No local launch date has yet been announced.