Mercedes Benz lands the smashing new A-Class in Geneva

Mercedes Benz displayed the new A-Class at the Geneva Motor Show sporting a completely new design, redesigned interior and a range of new technologies. Despite all the drama, it thankfully retains its compact dimensions - length/width/height: 4292/1780/ 1433 millimetres

Design features

The new A-Class follows a two-box design and the surface is an interplay of concave and convex surfaces. The LED lights in the headlamp cluster are arranged to create a "flare" effect.

The tail lights continue the line of the muscular shoulders towards the rear. The stoplights have LED modules and they are not only an interesting design feature but also improve airflow around the car.

Customizable interiors

Customers can choose from "Urban", "Style" and "AMGSport" to tailor interiors around their lifestyle or tastes. A special app makes it possible to use the full functionality of the iPhone, and in due course also of other smartphones, in the car.

Safety and convenience features on the A-Class

• ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
• Brake HOLD function (standard)
• Hill-Start Assist (standard)
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition)
• Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
• LINGUATRONIC
• Active Parking Assist
• Reversing camera

Engine and transmission options for the new A-Class

1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol engine produce between 115 hp in the A 180, 156 hp in the A 200 through to 211 hp in the A 250. Direct injection and exhaust gas turbocharging are standard technologies. An innovation known as CAMTRONIC celebrates its world premiere in the 1.6-litre engine: it changes intake valve lift at lower RPMs to reduce fuel usage.

Coming to the diesels, the A 180 CDI presents an output of 109 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, while the A 200 CDI develops 136 hp and a higher torque of 300 Nm. The 2.2-liter engine on the A 220 CDI generates 170 hp and 350 Nm.

ECOstart/stop function is standard on all engines. They can be combined to either a new six-speed manual transmission or to the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

2013 Mercedes A-Class Image Slideshow

Can't see the slideshow above? Head over to our Flickr page to catch all the images.