Things to look out for on the current Mercedes A-Class in advance of the new 2018 model
The A-Class has recently had somewhat of a coming of age since its first release over 20 years ago now. Today’s model is near enough unrecognizable to the original MPV-like model from 1997. Mercedes-Benz went on to release the second-generation A-Class MPV in 2004 and then brought the more conventional hatchback model we see today to market in 2012.
So with the eagerly anticipated 2018 Mercedes A-Class just around the corner, we thought we’d take you through a refresh of the features on the current A-Class whilst also giving a nod towards what’s new on the 2018 model.
With plenty of choice in the range across both old and new models, the A-Class is still a serious competitor when it comes to the premium hatchback class. Those that feel Mercedes-Benz is a premium brand above their budget may want to think differently here as the A-Class is a well-priced way of inaugurating the three-pointed badge to your driveway.
The entry level A-Class A 160 will cost you just over £20,000 and is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 101bhp. The A 180 has the same engine in it but offer 120bhp while the A 200 delivers 154bhp.
Next in the range is the A 250, this is also a four-cylinder petrol unit but this time is has 2.0-litres and 250bhp on tap. At the top of the range you have the A 45 which offers a mighty 377bhp, which makes it the most powerful four cylinder engine in production.
There are five trim level options – SE, Sport, Sport Edition, AMG Line and WhiteArt Edition – with standard specification including 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, 7-inch media display, leather seats, active brake assist, cruise control, keyless-go, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What can we expect with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
As part of the new 2018 A-Class range, Mercedes-Benz have announced a new AMG model that will sit under the A45 and also a new hybrid model which Mercedes claim can do up to 31 miles on electric only. They’ve also declared the new A-Class interior will be much more premium than the current model with a dual-screen setup to feature like the one from the E-Class.
Mercedes are calling the new AMG model the A35, which makes sense as it is the younger brother of the range-topping A45. We can expect the A35 to offer around 340bhp and be around the £32,000 - £35,000 price mark when it goes on sale in 2018.
The new A-Class hybrid has cooked up a lot of speculation and a photo released by Mercedes has seemed to confirm the fact that there will be a hybrid introduced to the A-Class range. We can expect it to offer a range of 31 miles thanks to a 122bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an 80bhp electric motor.
Mercedes have made a big deal out of the upgrades they are making to the interior of the new A-Class. Images show a far more luxurious cabin than the one in the current model and the design lies closer to the cabins of larger, more premium Mercedes such as the E-Class. At entry-level you get two digital displays on the dashboard, arranged side-by-side replacing the analog dials. Material choice throughout the cabin has also improved as you can now have unvarnished wood inserts and pick from a range of upholsteries.
Mercedes are also boasting more passenger space in the back to, with additional head, leg and shoulder room. The annoyingly narrow boot opening of the current car has been resolved in the new A-Class by using different rear lights. This also means there’s extra boot space, with the new model 29-litres up on the old – now sitting it at 370-litres of boot space.
Due for release mid-2018, entry-level prices shouldn’t rise too much from the £20,000 mark. Keep an eye out for it at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2018 for the first reveal of it’s exterior styling!
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