Mercedes-Benz will go after the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1-Series with a new generation of their A-Class, expected to be released towards the end of 2017.
While there’s too much camouflage on the outside to tell any specific details about its design, it looks like the new A-Class hatchback will retain a similar silhouette to the current car.
Under the skin, it will use an upgraded version of the current platform, which is currently known as MFA2. This means that base cars will get front-wheel drive, with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system offered as an option or standard on more powerful versions such as the AMG high-po model.
There will be the usual crop of four-cylinder petrol and diesel options, and at least two AMG variants, an A40 AMG with about 300hp, and an A43 AMG packing somewhere around 400 horses.
Interestingly, we’ve heard reports about Mercedes-Benz adding new bodystyles to their compact series, including a four-door sedan in the likes of the BMW 1-Series Sedan for the Chinese market, an additional SUV named the GLB with a more rugged appearance and better off-road abilities than the regular GLA, and possibly, a sporty 2-door Shooting Brake model, similar to VW’s Scirocco.