 Design and dynamism are
obvious characteristics of the new A-Class even at first glance, simply
in the way it sits up to 18 centimetres closer to the road than its
predecessor. The radical new design idiom that was so enthusiastically
received upon its first appearance with the "Concept A-CLASS" has been
rigorously applied for the series-production model. With their fresh
interpretation of the classic two-box design, the Mercedes designers
have created an emotive exterior with a pronounced sporty flair.
"Applying the new dynamic style of Mercedes-Benz to the compact class
was a challenge that we thoroughly enjoyed", explains Gorden Wagener,
Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "The almost sculptural lines of the
A-Class are very typical for Mercedes. The feature lines, particularly
along the sides of the car, then give the A-Class structure and
tautness."The objective when it came to the interior design was to
complement the sporty look of the exterior. On top of this the car has
a high-quality feel about it that is unique in this segment, achieved
both through the design idiom as such and through the choice and
combinations of the high-quality materials used. As seen in the Concept
A-CLASS, there is an option allowing a smartphone to be fully
integrated into the operating and display system. A special app makes
it possible to use the full functionality of the iPhone®, and
in due course also of other smartphones, in the car. All trim surfaces
feature an electroplated finish in "silver chrome",
giving them a genuine metallic surface with "cool touch" effect. "This
is just one example of the way in which the quality of the A-Class's
interior is not defined by classic trim elements but by consistent
design and by the specific materials used", explains Hartmut Sinkwitz,
Head of Interior Design. "The motto we used when designing the interior
was 'pure sportiness, newly interpreted'." Particular visual highlights
include, for example, the air vents, which
stand out like "sparkling jewels" (Sinkwitz), so underlining the
exceptional quality of the interior.
 The sporty character of the
vehicle is further emphasised by the integral seats (optional extra) in
the front. The rear seat is similarly sporty in appearance and can
accommodate up to three passengers. As well as the basic specification,
which can be individualised with a wide range of options, there is a
choice of design and equipment lines that have been put together with
the requirements of customers in mind: "Urban", "Style" and "AMG
Sport". The world premiere of the new A-Class (length/width/height:
4292/1780/
1433 millimetres) will take place at the Geneva Motor Show (8 to 18
March 2012). It will be making its way to European dealers in September
2012.
Sporty
exclusivity: the A-Class Sport offers a fresh definition of dynamism
For the first time, the
performance specialists from AMG were involved in the development of
the compact class from a very early stage. The result is the most
dynamic version of the new model series - the A-Class Sport 'engineered
by AMG', in which the visual affinity to the Concept A-CLASS is at its
most evident - particularly in terms of the new diamond grille. The
A-Class Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a
5-spoke design with 235/40 R18 tyres all round and painted high-gloss
black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake
callipers. These give an indication of the particularly dynamic driving
qualities of the A 250 Sport and the A 220 CDI Sport, which are
differentiated, amongst other factors, by a special AMG-developed front
axle and a suspension that has been configured to match. Hints of red
on the AMG front and rear aprons also serve to emphasise
the expressive positioning of the new model. The contrast between black
trim and additional accents in red continues in the interior: the
contrasting decorative topstitching on the steering wheel and seats is
in this same bright shade, as are the seat belts. The ambient lighting
of the instruments and the highlight rings of the air vents are
similarly red.
Drive
system: new petrol and diesel-powered engines
A broad range of both petrol
and diesel engines has something to suit every performance requirement,
whilst also demonstrating the current state of the art in terms of
efficiency: for the first time, a Mercedes-Benz will produce emissions
of just 99 g of CO2 per kilometre.The bandwidth of the new generation
of petrol engines with a
displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres ranges from 90 kW (122 hp) in the A
180 and 115 kW (156 hp) in the A 200 through to 155 kW (211 hp) in the
A 250. Common to all is the combination of direct injection and exhaust
gas turbocharging, a more advanced combustion process and an extended
stratification range for lean-burn operation that uses fast-acting
injectors for the multiple injection of the fuel as well as on-demand
multi-spark ignition. CAMTRONIC is an innovation that will be
celebrating its world premiere in the 1.6-litre engine: adjusting the
valve lift on the intake side restricts the amount of fresh mixture
used in the partial load range, so reducing consumption. The diesel
engines also offer an impressively high level of efficiency
and environmental compatibility, thanks to sophisticated injection
technology and turbocharging. The A 180 CDI offers an output of 80 kW
(109 hp) and a maximum torque of up to 250 Nm, while the A 200 CDI has
a maximum output of 100 kW (136 hp) and torque that rises to 300 Nm.
The A 220 CDI has a displacement of 2.2 litres, an output of 125 kW
(170 hp) and torque of 350 Nm, delivering absolutely exceptional
performance in the A-Class. All engines in the new A-Class feature the
ECO start/stop function as
standard. The engines can be combined either with the new six-speed
manual transmission or, as an option, with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch
automatic transmission.
Further
highlights: suspension, aerodynamics, safety
 The
dynamism promised by the
design and drive system is realised by the suspension. A noticeably
lower centre of gravity and a new 4-link rear axle provide the basis
for this; and would also make the installation of 4MATIC all-wheel
drive possible. Customers can choose between various suspension
settings, among them the optional sports suspension with Direct-Steer
system. The electromechanical steering in the A-Class has been
completely redesigned, so that the electric motor for the power
assistance now sits directly on the steering gear in the form of a
compact and extremely precise Dual Pinion EPS. Its exceptional
aerodynamic performance, with a new record Cd value of
0.26, puts the A-Class at the top of its class. This is further helped
by the standard roof spoiler, which hides all the unsightly aerials on
the A-Class. The A-Class is the only vehicle in its class to feature as
standard a
radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which
lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
system gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly
distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist
for the most precise braking response possible. This is initiated as
soon as the driver steps firmly on the brake pedal. The
PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system is now
available for the first time in the A-Class. This innovation, which was
premiered in the S-Class in 2002, thus makes its very first appearance
in the compact class. Core features of PRE-SAFE® are reversible
belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in
case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric
front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for
maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is
always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral
dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain
assistance functions.
The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other
assistance systems which have been adopted into the A-Class from the
larger model series. These include:
- ATTENTION
ASSIST (standard)
- Brake HOLD function (standard)
- Hill-Start Assist (standard)
- DISTRONIC PLUS
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
- Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign
recognition)
- Active Parking Assist
- LINGUATRONIC
- Reversing
camera
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