By Staff Reporter

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has extended its local sedan offering with the addition of the all-new A-Class sedan. At launch, the A-Class hatch based sedan, is offered locally in A200 and A250 flavour with a diesel model expected in South Africa in 2020. Both models benefit from new engines.

Exterior

The stretched out design of the A-Class is underscored by distinctive two-part tail lamps. Depending on the selected equipment, this rear bumper is available with a black diffuser or with chrome trim strip and chrome tailpipe tips. Those to seeking to set themselves apart can opt for the Progressive and AMG Line. These come with additional options such as the Night package or the Leather package with exclusive colour combinations. As standard, the new A-Class is equipped with halogen headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps. Optional Multibeam Led can be added as an extra. These are said to allow extremely quick and precise, electronically controlled adjustment of the headlamps to suit the current traffic situation. Each headlamp features 18 individually actuated LEDs.

Interior

The layout of the interior design follows the A-Class hatch with the sporty turbine air-vents standing out. Two 7-inch displays (17.78 cm) are available as standard whilst two 10.25-inch displays (26.04 cm) can be ordered optionally. Mercedes-Benz User Experience system (MBUX) or “Hey Mercedes” is available on the A-Class Sedan. The artificial intelligence based system can be operated in a variety of ways: Touchpad, Touchscreen, Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel — or even through Voice Control.

In terms of space, Mercedes says the A-Class Sedan is at the top of its segment with regard to rear headroom (944 mm). The boot holds 420 litres of luggage.

Safety

The A-Class comes with a number of passive and active safety features. These include Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe® Plus which can recognise an imminent rear-end collision.

Engine

The A 200 is powered by a 1.33 litre M282 engine which generates 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque, and is paired with a 7G‑DCT dual-clutch transmission. The M260 2.0 litre engine of the A 250 Sport generates 165 kW and 350 Nm, and is available with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. Fuel consumption for the A200 is claimed to be a combined 5,4-5,2l/100km whereas the A250 is claimed to sip a combined 6.7-6.5l/100km.

Pricing

Pricing for the new A-Class sedan is as follows:

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan 200 R533,400

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan 250 Sport R604,800