The next generation Mercedes A-Class is coming. It offers a great range of diesel engines, and a three-door model. Just no jokes about elks..
No, blink again - it's not a tweaked up Peugeot 307 but the all new, soon to be all over the place Mercedes A-Class.
After seven years in production and at least one controversial moment, the Stuttgart press office has finally released details of the company's latest city car. And it has to be good to capitalize further on 1.1 million sales worldwide, with at least 85,000 shipped over to the UK.
The second generation A-Class will arrive in showrooms here next spring with a new weapon up its sleeve - just three doors! That's right, Mercedes believes it can tap in to a whole new market of youthful buyers who don't need the extra set in the rear and can afford the three-pointed star on the bonnet.
Standard equipment on this new model will include a multi-function steering wheel, electronic stability control, a selective damping system, four airbags and seatbelt force limiters.
Fine-tuning of the engine will see power increased by up to 38 per cent in some diesel versions, with fuel economy raised by ten per cent.
But while Mercedes might disagree, the new headlights, grille design and side profile do mirror that of the Peugeot 307. The good news, however, is the car is now 232mm longer and 45mm wider than the current version.
The diesel range of three models offers either 1.6, 1.8 or 200 CDI engines, from 82 to 140bhp. These direct fuel injection units serve up the biggest power and torque improvements in the line-up.
All three engines are based on second generation, common-rail technology, which operates with dual pilot fuel injection and a higher fuel injection pressure. This increases fuel economy to between 52.3-57.6mpg and allows the A160 CDI to travel 680 miles between fill-ups.
Driving safety and roadholding has improved thanks to the parabolic rear axle, which gives good anti-roll support when cornering - a feature famously missing when the first model was launched and then went on to fail the now famous 'Elk Test'.
The A-Class will also features Mercedes' first ever 'Continuously Variable Transmission' gearbox. This gives a much smoother take-up of power via a pulley system.
Optional kit for all models will include bi-zenon headlights, satellite navigation and Command APS information centre. The designers have been hard at work in the back of the car too with a system called Easy-Vario-Plus in the five-door A-Class.
This allows the rear seats backrests and seat cushions to be completely removed. Also, the front passenger seat backrest can be folded forward flat - or the whole seat completely removed.
Full UK prices and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
