Canada Will Get Merc’s New A-Class Hatch, U.S. Will Have To Make Do With The Sedan

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled the new A-Class and there’s already some news on the automaker’s smallest model. According to The Truth About Cars, the hatchback variant of the vehicle won’t be coming to the United States.

While the hatch will be offered in Canada and, of course, Europe, the U.S. will once again not be getting the a five-door version. Only this time, unlike in the past, they will get an A-Class – it will just be the upcoming Sedan.

“Our U.S. colleagues have already confirmed that they will only sell the sedan version of the A-Class,” said Brian D. Fulton, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “Both hatchback and sedan versions will be available in Canada; we will share more information about the sedan later this year.”

American buyers are head-over-heels for SUVs and pickup trucks as the moment. Sure, hatchbacks did a lot better in terms of sales last year, but the body style just doesn’t cut it in the U.S. market to justify the costs of federalizing it.

When the new A-Class was unveiled, three powertrains were announced, one of them being a 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel. So you can cross this one out, as we can’t see Merc bringing over a diesel.

The entry-level engine for Europe will be a 1.4-liter four-cylinder unit that’s good for 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox are available.

The next step up is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and it should have the same transmission options as the 1.4-liter motor. We’re not sure if the 1.4-liter engine will come to the U.S., as American’s aren’t fans of small vehicles with small engines; in fact, we bet the A-Class Sedan’s base engine will be the 2.0-liter unit paired to an auto ‘box.

An AMG 45 with close to 400 hp will be launched later on for the hatch, but What remains to be seen is whether the German company will make such a version of the A-Class Sedan, too.