Following a long development process, the new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class is almost ready, and we could see it as early as next spring.
The first derivative of the family, which is expected to include up to eight variants, might debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show as a hatchback, reports AutoExpress.
The new A-Class will be underpinned by a revised version of Daimler’s MFA architecture, and it will slightly grow in size compared to its predecessor. It’s believed that it will adopt a sleeker design on the outside, and a more radical approach in the cabin, as the floating-style infotainment display will be replaced by a twin-screen setup, similar to the one found in the new-gen E-Class.
Subsequently to its presentation, the A-Class family will reportedly welcome the arrival of its second member, the A-Class Saloon, later next year. This was already previewed by the Concept A Sedan, and will take the battle to the four-door Audi A3.
One year later, Mercedes-Benz will debut the next-gen CLA, which is expected to be followed by a Shooting Brake version, and after that, it will focus on the next-gen GLA.
All versions of the A-Class lineup will share the same platform and engines, and the automaker will continue to offer a hot hatch version that’s believed to develop well over 400hp, from a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo’d engine.
And while the new AMG A45 will take on the Audi RS3 Sportback, Mercedes could also target the Audi S3 Sportback with a lesser variant, making some 300hp from the same engine mentioned above.
Besides the internal combustion models, the German company is also interested in offering a PHEV variant of the next-gen A-Class, under the EQ sub-brand, which will eventually be joined by an EQ A zero-emission hatch.
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