The first conventional hatchback model of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class series will cost from £18,945 (equal to US$29,600 and €23,800) when it goes on sale in the UK in December.
Buyers can choose from three petrol models including the A 180 BE with a 1.6-liter engine producing 121hp (122PS), the A 200 BE powered by a 1.6-liter unit with 154hp (156PS) and the range-topping A250 BE equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo delivering 208hp (211PS).
The A-Class’ diesel range includes the A 180 CDI with either a 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter engine, both rated at 108hp (109PS), and the A200 CDI BE featuring a 1.8-liter unit with 134hp (136PS).
A six-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic transfer power to the front wheels.
The base A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY petrol is equipped with Audio 20 CD/radio with a 5.8-inch colour display, MP3, aux-in socket, USB port within the centre armrest, Bluetooth and Becker Map Pilot pre-wiring, plus a host of safety features such as ESP, Active Bonnet, Adaptive Brake with HOLD function and Hill-Start Assist, and the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.
The SE models add 16-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, Nappa leather steering wheel, fabric trim parts with contrast stitching and a better audio system.
Moving up to the Sport gets you twin visible exhaust pipes, 17-inch wheels, chrome highlights on the grille, cruise control with Speedtronic, rain sensors and interior ambient lighting.
Mercedes-Benz has also introduced two AMG-inspired modes to complete the range, the AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG.
The AMG Sport includes the Dynamic Handling Package with sports suspension, perforated disc brakes and cruise control with Speedtronic, as well as an AMG styling kit, 18-inch wheels and AMG floor mats and door sill panels.
Certain models such as the A 200 CDI and A 250, also get a flat-bottomed perforated Nappa leather sports steering wheel, Alcantra trim parts with red stitching and sports seats.
The ‘Engineered by AMG’ features the unique Diamond grille with one louver borrowed directly from the Concept A-CLASS of 2010, plus an AMG sports suspension, red brake calipers, 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels shod in 235/40 R18 tyres, and changes to the ESP characteristics.
Additional features found on the Engineered by AMG model include the bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, red trim parts in the front and rear bumper, privacy glass, red seat belts and air vent rings, and wheel arch and floor mats with Sport badges.
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