The new Mercedes hatchback is soon to be released, and its highly impressive!
The 2018 Mercedes A-Class is set to be properly unveiled at the Geneva motor show later this week. This latest hatchback division of the Mercedes brand is set for a ‘new interpretation' of the existing design. It will compete with its main rivals the Volkswagen golf, BMW 1 series and the Audi A3. But what does the new and improved A-Class have in store?
Engine performance and economy
Right now, all the available engines that the A-Class will offer have not been released. However, the launch of the 2018 class promises three very desirable new turbo charged unit engine choices; one diesel and two petrol.
The most efficient engine at launch promising 68.9mpg is the 116bhp 1.5-litre diesel, badged A 180d which Mercedes claims can hit 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and emits 108g/km of CO2. Not a bad effort! The lower end petrol option features a four-cylinder 161bhp 1.4-litre turbo, badged A 200 which when paired with the dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, has cylinder shut-off technology that helps to give claimed fuel economy of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 120g/km. There is also a 222bhp 2.0-litre turbo, badged A 250 available.
Three trim levels will also be offered to buyers: SE, Sport and AMG. Base level kit that is offered across the line-up includes Keyless-Go starting function, air conditioning, DAB radio, leather and fabric upholstery, alloy wheels and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Additionally, there will also be three choices of suspension. Four wheel drive and a 15mm lower set up is also available which will allow for active damper control and sportier handling. The new system also takes information from the brakes, steering, the engine and transmission to adjust the suspension accordingly. An example of how this system works is that when the car is braking or accelerating, the damping is stiffened to reduce pitching or body roll. A nifty technique that has been improved by the A-Class.
Technology and interior design
The A-class has many features which are better known to be included with more luxurious models. This includes, advanced driver assistance, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience system, massaging systems and advanced heating and ventilation to name a few.
The driving system in the A-Class will go a few notches above its pay grade as it acquires some of the features from the more luxurious S-Class model; that means the new hatchback will be able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations, with the camera and radar systems able to see up to 500m ahead. Additionally, the Active Distance Assist Distronic system will maintain a set distance behind the vehicle in front and give steering assistance. It also uses map data to adjust the car's speed approaching bends or roundabouts, impressive.
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience system is a new development which has got a lot of users excited. Not only can this learn through artificial intelligence, it can be personalised and adapted to each user. That means that the two free standing instrument panels can respond and configure the system for the person who is driving the car. It will then adapt to their combination of driving information such as radio stations, driving destinations, ambient temperatures and other variables. Furthermore, one of the most interesting features is the ‘augmented reality' navigation, which superimposes navigation information on top of a live video image taken by the front camera.
Drivers can control the new A-Class infotainment system in several ways including the touchscreen, a touchpad on the centre console or touch-sensitive panels on the steering wheel and also voice control. The voice control system is said to be very advanced. It is activated either by pressing a button on the steering wheel or by simply saying "Hey Mercedes" similarly to how you would to the Siri system on an iPhone. It will also respond to more general speech such as "I'm cold" prompting a toasty heating of the car. The standard system has a pair of 7-inch screens, the one in centre of the car being a touchscreen. Buyers then have the option of upgrading, by having either a 10.25-inch touchscreen or two 10.25-inch screens. A head-up display can also be fitted as a further option.
Other variable options include the Multibeam LED headlights with 18 individually activated LEDs in each headlight which can adjust automatically to the driving situation. The car will also feature Attention Assist and Active Brake Assist as standard.
Aside from the motoring technology, the altered interior of the car will also facilitate passengers with easier access to the rear seats as well as more elbow, shoulder and headroom. The overall increase in space is a welcome addition to the A-Class which customers will love. The boot also sees an upgrade in volume; it's bigger in general and the opening is wider. More storage space in the cabin is available as a result of the back seats being set more upright. That means you can fit bulkier items in the back!
The all-new Mercedes A-Class will cost from £25,800 First UK customers will take delivery in May, with the range initially topping out at £30,240. For more information on its release and to learn about the best car deals we'll be offering on the 2018 A-Class, keep updated on our website and social media. We'll guarantee to offer the best possible deal on this beauty!
Take a look at the 2017 Mercedes A-Class on our website to get an idea of the current prices.
