The Concept A showcases a sporty entry-level model range set to come in various body styles.
- Ah, the next A-class will finally be a looker...
We certainly hope so, too. And if the first official pictures of Mercedes-Benz's Concept A are anything to go by, the third-generation A-class will finally become a proper sporty hatchback to rival the Audi A3, BMW 1-series and Volkswagen Scirocco.
It appears the Stuttgart boys have ultimately decided to dump the frumpy looks of today's A- and B-class, which are sort of MPV-like five-door cars appealing to the old rather than young.
The Concept A will be shown for the first time at the Shanghai auto show later this month. Note the sleek roofline and wavy lines along the sides of the three-door showcar.
- The new A-class will also include a saloon, right?
Possibly, given that Audi has already revealed intentions of making a four-door saloon version available in the next A3 range. The Concept A3 was unveiled in Geneva last month.
Fans of Mercedes-Benz may remember the F800 concept car _ it had four doors and a very similar design language to the Concept A discussed here this week _ and it could revive the old days of the "baby Benz", aka 190E, albeit with a CLS-style profile.
Other theoretical body variations include SUV, coupe and cabriolet. And, of course, the MPV variation could be retained for today's existing customers of the B-class.
- Will it be rear-wheel-drive?
Probably not. The new A-class is most likely to still be a front-driver in the interests of packaging and reduced development costs.
Even BMW has admitted that the next 1-series may have a front-drive format; many owners of today's 1-series don't even know that their cars are rear-drive.
Because of that, the A-class will get transverse engines. The Concept A showcases a 2.0-litre petrol-turbo engine pumping out some 204hp, although volume-selling As may ditch the turbo for power peaking out at a lesser 150hp.
Naturally, diesel motors are also in the pipeline, as they are popular in Europe (but only starting to become well-accepted in Thailand). Not to be ruled out is a hot all-wheel-drive A-class AMG producing over 300hp to rival the RS3 and 1-series M.
The cabin features flashy orange-lit vents and dials.
- Will the CVT automatic 'box remain?
Unlikely this time. The Concept A showcases a new twin-clutch automatic, which makes great sense in cars that are sporty to drive.
Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) are usually suited better for restrained driving styles for the sake of refinement and economy.
But unlike today's A- and B-class, the new generation models will be geared with more driving performance in mind. Dual-clutchers are more responsive to the driver's desires rather than the lazier style of CVTs.
- I love those orange dials and vents inside ...
Concept cars always have gimmicks like these. Mercedes says the illuminated dials were inspired by the after-burning effect of jet-turbines. But hey, it would be nice if production cars would have features like these.
- When can I expect the new A-class to arrive?
Interestingly, the new A-class should come next year _ roughly the same time the next A3 and 1-series are to be unveiled, too.
But whether Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) will assemble it in the country again remains to be seen. The current A-class was a sales flop, explaining why assembly stopped several years ago.
But if Mercedes could get pricing right at below 2 million baht, the new A-class stands a much better chance of appealing to Thais _ should the sporty revolution really happen (and that baby Benz resurrection).
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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