2012 Mercedes A-Class Spied
2012 Mercedes A-Class
A couple of weeks ago at the Shanghai Auto Show we’ve seen the concept version of the A-Class and now, courtesy of Autocar.co.uk, we get to see the production version which will be out next year. Mercedes has put a great deal of effort into the new generation as it will have to face up some serious competition coming from the soon-to-be-released replacements for the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series.
2012 Mercedes A-Class
As opposed to the 3-door concept seen in Shanghai, this prototype features rear doors. The production version will feature the narrow glasshouse of the concept, along with the sharply ranked front windscreen as well as the A-pillars, making it a lot more attractive than the previous generations.
The current A-Class is a compact and spacious family car but this role will be handed over to the B-Class. The forthcoming A-Class will feature a lot of interior components that will be borrowed from the C-Class. The car will be based on an entirely new platform, dubbed MFA, featuring a strut front suspension and a multi-link rear axle.
2012 Mercedes A-Class
The car will be powered by the company’s current lineup of 4-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesels, borrowed from the aforementioned C-Class, which will be modified for a transverse installation.
Upon launch, the most powerful engine will probably be the 2.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 204 hp, the one we’ve seen in the concept. This unit will be linked to a dual-clutch transmission, replacing the current CVT gearbox that is used in the current A-Class and B-Class models. As far as diesels are concerned, Mercedes will opt for at least a 4-cylinder 2.2-liter engine while power will vary from 130 hp to 180 hp.
In 2013 we will most likely see the AMG version of the new A-Class, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that generates 320 hp. This model will come with a four-wheel drive configuration and will rival the Audi S3.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: 2012 mercedes a-class, Spy Shots
