MERCEDES-BENZ WILL launch its new, fourth-generation A-Class later this year. The latest version retains the same conventional hatchback shape as its predecessor but gets a sharper image. Its styling features entirely new bodywork and a new face that will go on to be seen in other forthcoming models.
While the car is almost the same size as before, the wheelbase grows by 30mm to the benefit of cabin space, and at the front its track width increases by 14mm. The result is a car that has more presence and better amounts of room for those in the cabin. Also growing in size is the boot, which is now 370 litres.
The design of the interior looks more futuristic than the exterior. The standout feature is undoubtedly the new dashboard, which does away with the traditional instrument dials in favour of a dual-screen setup. Depending on which model you choose, this will consist of two widescreen displays measuring either seven or 10.25 inches.
The main reason for the new displays is that Mercedes is introducing a new infotainment system called MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience. This new design handles everything from what radio station you want to listen to, to your smartphone connections and sat nav. It will also feature new voice-control software that is better at understanding requests said in a more natural tone. All you need to do is say “Hey Mercedes” followed by your instruction or question and it will do the rest.
Safety accounts for a significant part of the new onboard tech, too. Systems like the Active Lane Keeping Assist will be able to see up to 500 metres ahead thanks to new camera and radar hardware. In heavy traffic, the car will have the capability of following the car in front while keeping itself within the lane markings. The A-Class will be able to stop for up to half a minute before automatically pulling away again as the traffic in front moves.
Another useful system called Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC can combine visual data with sat nav information to understand the road ahead and can adjust the car’s speed when approaching bends or junctions.
Initially, there will be two four-cylinder petrol engines available with 1.4 and 2.0-litre capacities while a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel will complete the offering. Only the smaller petrol engine will be available with a six-speed manual whilst the rest of the range will use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive variants are expected to account for most sales, but all-wheel drive 4MATIC versions of some engines will be going on sale.
Full pricing and specification details will be confirmed in March when the car officially goes on sale.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say