The BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 hatchbacks will soon have an all-new rival in the form of the next-gen A-Class that’s already taken to the streets.
Merc’s next compact hatch will be underpinned by a re-engineered version of the MFA platform. Developed in a partnership with Renault, the architecture uses aluminum to help the car drop some weight.
Retaining its front-wheel drive setup, it will eventually underpin the next-gen CLA, B-Class, and GLA and it could also be used on an A-Class-based sedan, one that will be more practical and roomier than the four-door coupe, but just like the recently unveiled BMW 1-Series Sedan, it could also be aimed solely at China.
Besides the usual four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, the new A-Class could also adopt a plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the AMG A45 should come with around 400 HP.
Since Mercedes-Benz will be busy next year with the launch of numerous new models, including the E-Class Coupe, Cabriolet and All Terrain, the pickup truck, the AMG GT C Roadster and the facelifted S-Class, among others, chances are the fourth-generation A-Class will show its new face in 2018.