Mercedes A-Class scooped
Mercedes A-Class scooped 1:4-scale clay design model reveals striking look of next Mercedes A-Class.
Meet the new Mercedes A-Class! Our spies have scooped pictures of a 1:4-scale clay styling model of the new car ahead of the full-size version’s reveal later this year.
Despite its size, the design model reveals that Mercedes has toned down the current car’s innovative hatchback MPV bodystyle. The model is clearly inspired Mercedes’ BlueZero F-Cell concept (which is the full-size green-gold car hidden by a cover in our pictures).
The clay model shows that the radical LED headlights have been toned down from the concept for the new car, codenamed W176. The striking creases of the concept have been included – the top one which runs back front the top of the front wheelarch, references the new CLS, while the larger, which rises from the sills to the taillights adds interesting shadows, to make the car look more dynamic.Â
The entry-level engines will come from Mercedes’ new tie-up with Renault, with the A-Class getting 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrols and a 1.6-litre diesel from the French firm. The rest of the all-four-cylinder line-up will be sourced from Mercedes, with the 1.8-litre direct injection petrol and 2.1-litre diesel.Â
An A22 AMG is also in the pipeline, using a 270bhp unit. The A-Class will become the second Mercedes model to feature a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard, after the SLS AMG.
Three and five-door models will come first, with a small SUV to take on the BMW X1 in the pipeline too. UK A-Class models will be front-wheel-drive, with 4Matic four-wheel-drive models being offered in other markets.Â
The new A-Class has been designed to appeal to younger buyers. It’ll be cheaper to build than before, thanks to the firm ditching the expensive and complex sandwich floor for a more conventional platform.Â
The new B-Class will share the same underpinnings, but will be aimed at buyers of the VW Touran and Ford C-MAX, and offered with five or seven seats.
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