We first saw Mercedes-Benz’s intentions for the upcoming 2012 A-Class series at both the New York and Shanghai auto show in mid-April with the unveiling of a sexy-looking, three-door concept model, but now, we can offer you a look at the production version thanks to these images from the European patent office.
The model seen here is the five-door hatchback version of the new A-Class, which, if our sources are correct, will make its world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany this September. The production A-Class appears to be closely modeled after the concept version, albeit with less dramatic body surfacing and detailing. For example, the nose has been lifted up and is less aggressively styled than on the prototype study.
Overall, the new A-Class looks to be giant design leap over the current model, while Mercedes' decision to drop the minivan style for a hatchback body should help the car better compete with the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 models. From what we know up until now, the new A-Class is based on Mercedes’ new MFA platform architecture with the standard models at least, employing a front-wheel drive layout.
The company’s new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharging and direct-injection technology that was featured on the concept should make it on the production model along with a revised lineup of diesel engines and additional gasoline options.
A three-door hatch with a similar styling to the concept will join the five-door model, while Mercedes has made word of at least one more body style, which could be a mini CLS like model to penetrate the North American market. At the New York Auto Show, Joachim Schmidt, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars, revealed that the premium automaker will bring the new A-Class to the USA.
26 Comments:
could be better. The concept was more beautiful than this.
3 door may look a bit more dramatic
I dunno, the rear reminds me strongly of something yet i cant put my finger on it.
Perhaps Citroen DS3? I'm not so sure but either way - nothing special to say the least
It's a bit of a mess - elements of Kia, Citroen, BMW 1 series (shudder). At least the old A class was a brave, if foolhardy step forward; this takes no risks in common with most of these German "premium" hatches...
So uggly, i liked the concept but this thing, no !
The back reminds me exactly of the new 2012 Subaru Impreza hatchback! Took me a while to realize it but yup..Subaru, but the car itself is nice, and yes probably be better as a 3 door.
It looks like a Cruze hatchback, and that's *not* a compliment :P.
It will look better in the metal. A big improvement on the old A class. Hopefully they will do the same sort of thing with the B class soon too. Does this prove that "normal" hatchbacks are still the way to go? The current A class is a mini MPV type effort, So was the Audi A2. But now the Audi A1, and the A class are both standard hatchbacks. Good!
It's hard for to criticize the Cadillac CTS wagon, as I have, for it's stupid head-knocking rear-door design when Mercedes does the same stupid act. Hopefully, BMW will remain true to its wagon designs.
I agree with Anon #4: So uggly, i liked the concept but this thing, no !
I have to scratch this one from my list and continue to lust for the VW Scirocco R that the US sadly will not see anytime soon.
Looks like one of them there new Chinese cars.
After that concept, this is dull as shit
BMW 1?
@ Dan, it's the rear lights, that's the DS3 reference I think...
volvo s60 headlights haha
Yeah, it looks like CLS inspired bodywork, Volvo S60 front fascia, and Audi A3 rear fascia. Not exactly original, but to me it look good, at least in greyscale.
2012 impreza, I knew that back-end looked VERY familiar.
looks great they should make the 5 door model
its ugly
bmw body and hood
volvo face
v.w polo/ds3
rear
hopfully it will never make production or is a render coz its U.G.L.Y
Sleeker new A-Class would be a serious competitor against the VW Golf.
I do hope the AMG A-Class yielding more than 350bhp commercialized,as a rival for the Audi RS3.
The concept looks cool but not this,
Bmw 1 Serie- hood, Citreon features - rear and
look nice!
It will be much better than A3 and 1-Series.Why Mercedes took years to wake up and design this hatch?
The curve profile on the rear window resembles the Nissan micra window curve profile at rear.These curves are carried over by cheap quality cars like Nissan micra and Renault Pulse.This should not spoil the image of Mercedes-Benz since Mercedes generally means quality,trust,proud to own,luxury and safety.I am very excited to see the new A-class to be launched in India probably next year,
楽しみにしていたNew Aクラスデビューでしたが、なんかインプレッサみたいですね。コンセプトA見た時は、これは絶対に「買い」と思いましたが、これではNG。 やっぱり現行Cがお安くなってから、検討ですね。
I saw one today. Didn't look much different to my Hyundai I30.
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