Having been on the market for a number of years, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is now due for a mid-life upgrade. The Stuttgart-based firm has given the A-Class a number of visual and mechanical enhancements too.
Exterior Design
Up front, the nip and tucked A-Class receives a refreshed radiator grille with the same star pattern design we have seen on the bigger C-Class. Flat headlamps also make their way into the revised A-Class and are available as an option in an LED variant. Four additional alloy wheel designs have been added to the existing selection of wheel designs, with the largest wheel size measuring 19-inches. Optionally available is a set of high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design, and with a high-gloss rim flange on the AMG Line model.
Changes to the rear include a new rear diffuser and refreshed standard LED taillamps. Customers may opt for either non-metallic/ metallic and MANUFAKTUR exterior paint colors.
Interior Design
Inside, drivers will be greeted by a new steering wheel finished in nappa leather as standard. The most significant revision is with the standard 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display. Optionally available are a pair of two 10.25-inch displays.
As part of the revisions for the updated A-Class, the entry level model now boasts high-quality comfort seats with three-dimensionally embossed ARTICO upholstery. Progressive trim models feature three interior colors for customers to choose from, and these include Black, Beige and a new color named Zeitgeisty Sage Grey. Also new is a dark, carbon-fibre look trim element. AMG Line models sport bright brushed aluminium trim and red contrasting topstitching in the ARTICO/ MICROCUT seats.
Engines and Power
The range of petrol engines for the A-Class now benefits from electrification thanks to mild-hybrid technology. The range of engines includes 4-cylinder units which are paired to either 7 or 8-speed DCT automatics as standard. The mild-hybrid technology includes a 48V electrical system which aids with an additional 10kW of power when starting off.
Based on the current engine line-up, this is how the updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class range of engines could look like:
| A 200 | A 250 | A 200d Sedan |
Displacement | 1 332 | 1 991 | 1 950 |
Rated kW | 120 + 10kW | 165 + 10kW | 110 |
Rated Nm | 270 | 350 | 320 |
WLTP Fuel Consumption | 6.4-5.8L/ 100km | 7.5-6.9L/ 100km | 5.4-4.8L/ 100km |
Top Speed | 230km/h | 250km/h | 227km/h |
The local arm of Mercedes-Benz will be announcing final specifications and pricing for South Africa closer to the launch date.
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