India-bound 2016 Mercedes A-Class (facelift) debuts at Frankfurt Motor Show - Report

Mild cosmetic makeover as part of mid-cycle update.

Mercedes-Benz will reveal the updated A-Class at the upcoming IAA 2015 (Frankfurt Motor Show 2015), which opens for media on 15th of September. Bookings for the new compact car will commence from the month of July in Germany, while the deliveries at dealerships will commence on 26th of September, as reported by Mercedes-Benz-passion.com.

The third-generation A-Class (W 176 series), which debuted in 2012, is receiving a mid-cycle update involving a facelift similar to the recently tweaked B-Class. Spyshots show that on the outside, the 5-door hatch gets redesigned bumpers at both ends with integrated tailpipes in the rear bumper, and new light cluster graphics at both front and rear. The bi-xenon headlight system will replaced by an optional LED setup.

On the inside, the car gains a new steering wheel, a slightly revised twin-dial instruments with 12 colour ‘mood lighting’ LED technology, an updated free-standing display and infotainment system with latest software including ‘Connect Me’ function, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, spyshots show.

Safety systems get slight revisions as well. The ‘Attention Assist’ function can now react from 60-200 km/h, ‘Active Parking Assist’ is now made to support longitudinal and perpendicular parking spaces, and the traffic signs wizard is now updated with additional traffic signs and entry restrictions, says the blog report. However, none of the above features are available in the Indian-spec A-Class.

The engine line-up for the new compact car will remain unchanged, with improved efficiency and lower emissions. The flagship A45 AMG (which is not sold in India) is expected to receive a performance boost from 360 hp to 380 hp. Mercedes sells the A Class in India with a 1.6-liter petrol and a 2.2-liter diesel units, both paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox.

Mercedes-Benz India may bring in the refreshed model to India early next year. The company launched the 2015 A Class last month, with the A 180 Sport petrol priced at INR 25.95 lakhs and the A 200 CDI at INR 26.95 lakhs (ex-Showroom, Mumbai).

2015 Mercedes A Class A200 CDI - Image Gallery (unrelated)

[Source - Mercedes-Benz-passion.com & Walko Art]