New A-Class communicates design and dynamism at 1s glance

WITH the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is opening up a new chapter in the compact segment: markedly emotive in design with powerful engines ranging from 80kW to 155kW, extremely efficient with emissions from just 98g of CO² per km and a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.27.

At the same time, the new model underlines that for Mercedes-Benz, safety is not a question of price, the standard specification includes, among other things, the radar-based collision prevention assist system, attention assist and Pre-Safe®. Standing as much as 160mm lower on the road than the preceding model, the new A-Class communicates design and dynamism at the very first glance.

The appearance of the new A-Class reflects this new Mercedes-Benz design strategy. The result is what is known as a two-box design with a distinct character of its own, a sportily emotive exterior and an exceptionally high-quality feel to the interior. Typical features of the long, sporty front are its pronounced V-shape, the separate headlamps, the radiator grille with central Mercedes star and double slats to either side of the star, as well as the additional air intakes on the sides.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators. The interior of the A-Class represents a big step forward in terms of quality, both in the materials used and in the consistency of the design. All trim elements have been given an electroplated finish, resulting in real metal surfaces with “cool touch” effect.

The instrument cluster comprises two large round instruments, each with a small dial set within it. When at rest, the dial needles stand at six o’clock. The pointer inlays are in white, although with the sportier design and equipment lines such as Urban and AMG sport they are in red. The dials on the sporty equipment lines and packages are silver with a chequered flag effect. The three-spoke steering wheel comes with 12-function buttons and an electroplated bezel. The A-Class is a five-seater model. The rears seats provide room for three passengers, despite looking like two individual seats with their sporty design. The boot volume is 341 litres. If the rear seat backrests are folded down, its capacity jumps to 1 157 litres. In all models the seat backrests feature a 60:40 split which can be folded forward individually.

With air conditioning, audio five USB, electric windows all round, headlamp assist and 12-button multifunction steering wheel, the A-Class is already fully equipped even in its base configuration. With Urban, Style and AMG sport appointment lines, three design packages, Night, Exclusive and AMG Exclusive, as well as further optional extras, the model can be customised to suit every individual taste. Further sporty details designed to appeal to the vehicle’s young target group include designo seat belts in red or silver instrument cluster with red dial pointers (part of the Urban and AMG sport lines, as well as the Exclusive and AMG Exclusive packages). The suspension of the new A-Class has a four-link rear axle, electromechanical power steering with assistance functions and ESP® with extended traction control (XTC).

When accelerating out of bends taken at speed, the tendency to understeer is reduced even further by XTC, with this function, ESP® provides support in the form of directional stability by generating a yaw moment on the front and rear wheels located on the inside of the bend.

The Pre-Safe® anticipatory occupant protection system, a standard feature in the A-Class, marks another first in this vehicle category. Pre-Safe® is always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions. This seamless integration of the iPhone® into the vehicle, in conjunction with the new revolutionary user interface design, means that Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer the Facebook generation its natural home on four wheels in the guise of the new A-Class.

To view the new A-Class, contact Mercurius Motors Polokwane at (015) 299 9500 or visit them on the corner of the N1 south and Nelson Mandela Drive.