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STUTTGART, Germany – Mercedes-Benz has given its A-Class - launched locally in 2013 - a facelift focusing on, the automaker says, "sporty performance and enhanced comfort".
Mercedes-Benz South Africa says the refreshed model could arrive locally in November 2015 or early 2016. In Europe, the revised A-Class will be available from July 3, with first deliveries in September 2015.
A big change to the revised A-Class is the automaker's new engine nomenclature, switching its diesel identification from CDI to "d".
MORE POWER
The automaker says it has increased the range of available engines and improved existing units. Its new efficiency champion being is the 80kW A180d SE with fuel consumption rated at a claimed 3.5 litres/100km and emissions of 89g/km.
The A220d is now 5kW more powerful to 130kW, while the A250 AMG and A250 AMG 4matic capable of 160kW from 155kW.
In combination with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, the A-Class now has launch assist and its eco display" takes a new form to assist in maintaining "an environmentally friendly style of driving".
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Also new to the range is the A220d 4Matic and, with the style of the successful Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, a special ‘Motorsport Edition’ model will appeal to racing fans.
The Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic gets the same facelift treatment with 280kW/475Nm, making its entry-level AMG-badged A-Class, Mercedes says, "the world's most powerful compact sports model".
Ola Kallenius, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Mercedes-Benz cars marketing & sales, said: "...2012 was a year of paradigm change in the compact class. The new A-Class was a radical departure from the preceding series.
"With this model facelift we are now meeting the wishes of many customers for even more comfort with no loss of dynamic performance.
"In addition, with Apple, CarPlay and MirrorLink the A-Class has taken the next step for comprehensive and intuitive smartphone integration.”
DESIGN
The form of the new, more arrow-shaped front bumper takes its lead strongly from the Concept A-Class (2011). It gains a new diamond grille, new LED high performance headlights (standard for the A45), redesigned tailights and exhausts integrated into the bumper.
Inside, the instrument cluster has a new tubular design, high-quality dial graphics, galvanised switches along with a free-standing and frameless head-unit display. The cabin gains new colours and materials, as well as new finishes for the trim in the dashboard.
MOTORSPORT EDITION
The special ‘Motorsport Edition’ has green bumpers (front and rear), and the same colour adorns the rim of the AMG alloy wheels.
Details inside include petrol green surrounds on the air vents and contrasting top-stitching in green. The sport seats upholstered in black leather have green decorative strips, as have the seat belts. The ‘Motorsport Edition’ is available from A220d/A220d 4Matic derivatives and above (except the A45).
