MERCEDES-BENZ

EXCLUSIVE

New '' A Class '' unveiled
Mercedes-Benz is finalizing the development of the next-generation A Class (W177) which will be unveiled to the general public at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March. The images of the new model, captured without camouflage, already circulate through the internet. The photos published by the Germans of Auto Motor und Sport show the compact in its hatchback version. The new model will be manufactured based on an evolution of the front-wheel drive platform, the MFA2, which will allow it to be around 50kg lighter. This new modular structure will also make it compact 10 mm longer (2 mm more in the wheelbase), which will allow more space in the interior, especially in the rear.

It is also expected to have a new floor and body panels, which will allow it to increase its rigidity, which shows larger rear doors for easier access to the interior, and a larger trunk compared to the current, to which it will join an independent suspension structure of the MacPherson type in the front and multibrakes in the rear axle. Thanks to the Drive Select system you can choose four driving modes, which can change direction, engine mapping, transmission software and damping.One of Mercedes-Benz's priorities is to improve the refinement of the model by betting on better materials, digital instrumentation and a Comand 5 touch-screen infotainment system. There will also be a steering wheel with tactile controls, new sports seats and new driving, with emphasis on the level 2 autonomous driving system - already available in the S Class.

The new A Class will feature new four-cylinder engines powered by diesel and gasoline, with more efficient fuel consumption than today. In terms of gasoline, the offer is based on a 2.0 engine with direct injection and supercharging. New will be the A 250 version with about 280 hp. The diesel part will be based on the OM 654 2.0 four-cylinder engine (already available in the E Class) in versions with 150 and 194 hp. A hybrid plug-in version (for the EQ sub-tank) is also planned, which could evolve from the 1.4-liter four-cylinder M282 petrol engine running in conjunction with an electric motor and combined with a nine-speed DCT automatic transmission. This version can have up to 100 km of autonomy in electric mode. 4Matic all-wheel drive options are available in the most powerful versions. For the top of the line is reserved an AMG A 45 with a 2.0 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 408 hp, running on an all-wheel drive system and 48V system. A Class contwill count later with an electric turbo.

autonews