Business / New Cars

The A-Class: leading Mercedes' new generation compact car offensive

By Li Fangfang (China Daily) Updated: 2013-04-20 07:44

Top-notch interior

Inside, the A-Class offers top-notch quality and appointments.

Only high-quality materials are used, including fine artico leather and carbon fibre look trim with an electroplated finish that gives the metal surfaces a "cool touch" effect.

At the same time, the A-Class' athletic character is reflected in the standard sport seats, three-spoke sport steering wheel, and new round X-shaped grills air vents that recreate the feeling of a fighter plane cockpit.

The A-Class also benefits from a transfer of technology from Mercedes-Benz' other larger models including a sliding panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting.

Exciting performance

The exceptional driving dynamics of the all-new A-Class reflects the car's sporty character and mirrors the fast-paced lifestyle of a new generation of consumers.

The turbocharged direct injection engine in the all-new A-Class gives customers three power choices ranging from 90 kW to 155 kW with an impressive maximum torque of 350 Nm.

The A 180 and A 200 models are equipped with 1.6-liter engines, while the A 260 Sport's powerful 2.0-litre engine propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds.

In addition to being tremendously powerful, the all-new A-Class also has extraordinary fuel economy. Thanks to an efficient engine with an ECO start/stop function, a newly-developed 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission, and outstanding aerodynamics, the A-Class boasts an extremely low fuel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100 km.

At the same time, the all-new A-Class delivers impressive agility for a compact car. Its high-performance sports suspension integrating a four-link rear axle, electromechanical power steering, and Extended Traction Control delivers to drivers added control and a smoother, more pleasurable driving experience.

All in all, this sporty compact model from Mercedes-Benz does not disappoint. With its provocative design, premium interior and exceptional agility, the all-new A-Class is the new benchmark for the compact premium segment.