Report - Mercedes A Class facelift starts testing in Europe; Launch next year

The A Class could get LED headlights.

Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the third generation Mercedes A Class proved to be a sales success thanks to its modern design and fuel efficient engines. In Europe, the hatchback got over 70,000 bookings by October 2012 (just months into its launch), and its Indian introduction saw 400 bookings recorded within 10 days.

However, the model is now going to be three years old and hence a facelift is unmissable. The first prototype of the refreshed A Class was spotted testing in Europe with its headlights, taillights and bumpers wrapped in a camouflage, to keep its design secrets away from prying eyes.

What is visible is the sort of facelift operation carried out on the B Class, which was first MFA model to undergo a mid-cycle refresh. Like the B Class, we expect the A Class to get optional LED headlights with a sharper design and more aerodynamic front and rear bumpers.

Inside, the A Class facelift could come with a larger COMAND infotainment system and selectable colors for the mood lighting along with a new 3-spoke steering wheel.

The engines would be mildly retuned for better efficiency and lower emissions, but drastic changes aren't expected. In India, the A Class is sold with a 1.6-liter petrol engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine, both matched to 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions.

Also read: Review - Mercedes A Class

The refreshed A Class will launch next year, with a possible debut expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 2015.

Competitors: BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Volvo V40
Expected Price: INR 25-30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: H2 2015 in Europe

[The spyshots can be viewed at WorldCarFans.com]