We are at the launch of the all new @Mercedes-Benz A-Class. At launch, the A-Class is available in two models, the A200 and A200. Both are petrol and diesel models will arrive in 2019. The A200 kicks out 120 kW/250Nm whereas the A250 is good for a meaty 165 kW/350 Nm. The 0-100 km/h sprint is rated at 8.0 and 6.2 seconds respectively. Those who weren’t fans of the space configuration of the previous generation will be pleased to learn about the enhanced leg and shoulder room. The boot also grows by a whole 29 litres to a respectable 370 litres. That will come in handy for those road trips with friends or family. Pricing starts at R499,000. mercedesbenzaclass #mercedesbenz #benz #mercedesbenzfans #mercedes #thebestornothing #JustLikeYou 📸 @benjaminthecreative

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Aug 28, 2018 at 5:12am PDT

It is trite that the third generation A-Class brought this Mercedes-Benz model from obscurity, to young Mercedes-Benz, to being one of the models that is now a subject of major debate amongst its fans and foes. Lest we forget the 4 cylinder performance wars it is currently involved in with fellow German automakers. The A-Class is now big news and there were major expectations on the fourth generation. Mercedes-Benz has not disappointed and has redesigned the car from ground out. The basic formula has been retained but the car looks strikingly different from the previous shape.

Img Benjamin Chunga

Exterior

The new A-Class has a more aggressive, sporty front with a large Mercedes-Benz emblem. The diamond grille ushers sophistication not normally associated with lower models, even in luxurious stables. The side profile has floating lines. Both the back and front have newly designed LED lights. The back lights have had a lot of jokes directed at them for bearing some resemblance to a certain Korean brand which we shall not mention here. Nonetheless we feel the new look A-Class will win over most of its fans from its front looks which it shares mostly with the new CLS that was revealed last year in California.

The new A-Class has not only gotten prettier but has also grown in size. This will appeal to those who would have looked at it previously and may have been turned away by its size. The new A-Class is 120mm longer, 16mm higher and 6mm wider – but, 20kg lighter. There are also larger wheel arches for wheels – from 16 to 19 inches. Not only will passengers enjoy enhanced shoulder and headroom but there will be more space for their luggage as the boot grows by 29 litres to a decent 370 litres.

Img Benjamin Chunga

Interior

The interior is another major departure from the old model. The A-Class loses the conventional odometer that was paired with a floating infotainment screen to two tablet-like screens as seen in models such as the new E-Class and S-Class. These screens are for the odometer and infotainment screens. Quality also improves in the new A-Class with more soft touch and elegant looking materials throughout the cabin.

From a technological point of view, the A-Class gains MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the new multimedia system which we were fortunate enough to experience in Amsterdam at the international launch of the Sprinter. This system learns and adapts to suit the driver through artificial intelligence so the more the driver interacts with it, the more the new A-Class becomes just like them. In addition, MBUX offers intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension. By using the phrase “Hey Mercedes”, the can adjust the air-conditioning, send a text message, or find the quickest route around. In addition, new and improved Mercedes me connect services are being launched with MBUX. These include navigation functions like emergency braking, On-Street Prediction, Real-Time Information and Off-Street Information, which are meant to save time and reduce stress levels when searching for a parking space.

Img Benjamin Chunga

Safety

With respect to safety, the new A-Class comes with extended Active Brake Assist as standard. Depending on the circumstances, this can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slow-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles. This extended Active Brake Assist even responds to crossing pedestrians and cyclists to help prevent collisions altogether.
Engines

At launch, the A Class is available in two versions – the A 200 and the A 250 Sport. The diesel models are expected in South Africa in early 2019. Both petrol models on offer benefit from new engines. The A 200 is powered by a 1.33 litre engine which generates 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque with a 7G DCT dual-clutch transmission. The A200 does the 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.2 l/100 km. The A 250 Sport generates 165 kW and 350 Nm from its 2.0 litre engine and is available with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. The A250 does the 0-100 sprint in a brisk 6.2 seconds and provides a claimed fuel consumption of 6.2 l/100 km.