More than ever, it seems, ‘thirsty for Merc’ youngsters are being wooed by Mercedes-Benz, with a revamped A-Class compact car, due Down Under early next year, high on the hit parade.
“The progressive new A-Class continues the success story of our compact car range,” says Horst von Sanden, CEO and Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific.
“Since 2013, the A-Class model range has enhanced the youthful appeal of our brand, and been one of the real highlights in our product offensive. This latest generation delivers even greater comfort and value to our customers.”
The German automobile giant has just released Australian pricing and specification levels of the wide-ranging line-up. The new A-Class opens its account with the A 180 costing as little as $37,200, plus on-roads, while the top-of-the-range AMG A 45 is priced at more than double that at a stratospheric $77,900.
The Mercedes A 180 has 17-inch wheels, Garmin Map Pilot navigation, blind spot assist, reversing camera, keyless start, Dynamic Select, which changes the vehicle’s driving characteristics at the touch of a button, and a diamond grille in black as standard.
The A 200 petrol model produces 115 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque from a 1.6-litre engine and includes 18-inch wheels, a Mirror Package and sports seats with lumber support in addition to the entry level equipment. The A 200 diesel shares the same specs with its petrol partner.
The A 250 Sport with 4Matic all-wheel-drive produces 160 kW of power running through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sits on 18-inch AMG wheels, and uses AMG Ride Control suspension. There are LED headlamps, Keyless-Go, a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting with 12 colours.
Pushing the performance envelope even further, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic can sprint from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just 4.2 seconds, and producing a maximum output of 280 kW and a peak torque of 475 Nm.
There are revised gear ratios, aerodynamic fine-tuning and the new AMG Dynamic Select driving modes to raise overall performance.
New to the A 45 is the AMG Dynamic Plus package that sharpens the vehicle’s sporting characteristics even further. One major component is the newly-developed, mechanical front axle locking differential.
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic will arrive with 19-inch AMG wheels, Performance Seats, Performance Exhaust, Dynamic Select (including Race Mode), Comand Navigation, Harman Kardon audio, Distronic Plus and heated front seats as standard.
With motor racing fans in mind Mercedes has come up with a dramatic design sort of based on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team – the Motorsport Edition model. (Petronas the Malaysian oil company is a major sponsor of the Mercedes AMG F1 racing team.)
Available on the A 250 Sport 4Matic, the Petronas special has green highlights decorating the rim flanges of the AMG wheels, AMG rear aerofoil, areas of the front and rear bumper trim, and exterior mirrors. The interior including Petronas green surrounds of the air vents and the contrasting topstitching.
The 2016 A-Class promises a new level of safety, with numerous driving assistance systems. From the drowsiness detection system Attention Assist to Distronic Plus, the A-Class provides occupants with comprehensive support and protection.
Standard safety technologies also include nine airbags, Pre-Safe, Blind Spot Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus and an Active Bonnet. The Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic also will arrive with Distronic Plus and Lane Keeping Assist (Passive) as standard.
Owners of the new-generation A-Class need not feel isolated from the outside world with compact becoming the first Mercedes-Benz model to be available (from December production) with smartphone integration.
This includes Apple CarPlay for iPhone owners in which the system supports telephoning, navigation and listening to music, receiving and sending text messages and emails, as well as Siri voice control. The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class range is now available to order from dealers.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Mercedes-Benz A 180: $37,200
Mercedes-Benz A 200: $42,800
Mercedes-Benz A 200d: $43,300
Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport 4Matic: $53,300
Mercedes-AMG A 45: $77,900
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive-away prices.
