2016 Mercedes A Class (facelift) revealed - IAB Report

27/06/2015 - 15:47 Mercedes A-Class, Mercedes-Benz Aravind Jayachandran

Features updated design and engine lineup.

The Mercedes-Benz A Class has undergone its first mid-cycle refresh, featuring an updated exterior and interior design, revised engine lineup and new equipment. It will make its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, and go on sale at the end of the same month.

Up front, the Mercedes A Class features optional LED headlamps with new LED DRLs flanking the familiar diamond grille. The standard A-Class gets a more arrow-shaped front bumper and re-designed set of air intakes, while the AMG Line adds a new set of larger intakes and the characteristic red slash across the lower fascia. The A45 AMG goes one step further, and features an even more aggressive front bumper and a pair of side canards.

While the side profile remains virtually unchanged, the rear gets a set of taillamps with updated LED clusters, and a dual exhaust system. The AMG Line pack models features a new set of dual exhaust tips, while the full-fledged A45 AMG comes with a large rear wing, and a new bumper with a meaner diffuser and quad exhaust tips.

Inside, the only changes seen are the new multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel designs, a re-designed instrument cluster, and a larger 8-inch free-standing COMAND infotainment display. The facelift also adds new upholstery colours and trim materials for the dashboard. The new Mercedes A Class is also the first model to offer support for Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

The 2016 Mercedes A Class comes with an engine lineup tuned for better fuel efficiency. The facelift also debuts Mercedes' new naming nomenclature for diesel engines, which drops the "CDI" branding for a simple "d". It also introduces a new fuel efficient variant called the A 180 d SE, which produces the same 109 hp and 260 Nm of torque, but returns an improved fuel economy of 28.5 km/L (NEDC cycle).

The A 220 d and A 250 AMG Line now delivers 177 hp/350 Nm and 218 hp/350 Nm of torque, respectively, which represents a 7 hp increase in both models. The A45 AMG also gets a power bump to 381 hp and 475 Nm, making it the most powerful hatchback in the world (before the VW Golf R400 comes along). This enables the A45 to hit 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds lower than the outgoing model.

Power is sent through either a 6-speed manual or a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. Models equipped with the latter gets a DYNAMIC SELECT with "Comfort", "Sport", "Eco" and "Individual" modes, while the A45 AMG adds a dynamic "Sport +" mode. A 4MATIC AWD system is optional in lower variants and standard in the A45 AMG.

Bookings in Europe for the 2016 Mercedes A Class lineup will commence from July 3. The first lot of models will arrive in showrooms at the end of September. For the Indian market, Mercedes could introduce the facelifted A Class in the first half of 2016, although it's unclear if it will continue following the CBU route or the CKD channel.