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New Mercedes-Benz A-Class breaks cover

London - All the new A-Class models are powered by new, efficient engines: Two new four-cylinder petrol engines are available at market launch. Innovations in the M 282 with a displacement of 1.4-litres and up to 120kW include cylinder shutoff (initially in conjunction with the 7G-DCT transmission) and the delta shape of the cylinder head.

The second new petrol engine is the M 260 with a displacement of 2.0 litres, 165kW and 350Nm.

New features include camtronic for the intake camshaft. Both petrol engine series have a particulate filter as standard.

Also new is the four-cylinder diesel (OM 608) with a displacement of 1.5-litres, up to 85kW and up to 260 Nm. Its highlights are a near-engine mounted emission control system with AdBlue technology, a turbocharger with optimised responsiveness and water intercooling.

A new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission is also being introduced. Further new engines will follow. The fuel tank has a capacity of 43 litres as standard, with a 51-litre tank optionally available.

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On request the new A-Class is available with the permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive system has been developed further, and now offers even more driving pleasure and efficiency.

Using the dynamic select switch, the driver is able to influence the 4Matic characteristics even more than before. 4Matic components include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear axle differential with an integrated multiplate clutch. This is no longer electro-hydraulically powered, but instead electro-mechanically.

Suspension

There is a choice of suspension systems for the A-Class, depending on engine variant and driver preference. 16-inch wheels are standard equipment. DYNAMIC SELECT is standard equipment, and at the touch of a button also provides an individual driving experience in conjunction with the suspension with active damping control (optional).

Like all its predecessors, the new A-Class has a McPherson front suspension. The more powerful versions such as the A 250 and all 4Matic models have a sophisticated four-link rear suspension. The rear axle is mounted on a subframe isolated from the bodyshell by rubber bushings so that fewer vibrations are transferred from the suspension to the body. All in all, the proportion of aluminium in the suspension components is one of the highest in any suspension system in this vehicle class. The entry-level A 200 and A 180 d models have a torsion beam rear suspension.

As standard the new A-Class is equipped with a comfort suspension with steel springs and dynamic select. The comfort suspension lowered by 15 millimetres has specially configured springs and dampers for more sporty characteristics. The suspension with active damping control enables the driver to choose the preferred damping characteristics.

The following three engine variants will be available on the launch of the A-Class, or shortly afterwards: 

A200 (120kW/250Nm; with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission combined fuel consumption 5.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 120 g/km) or six-speed manual transmission (combined fuel consumption 5.6 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 133 g/km)

A250 with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission (165kW/350Nm; combined fuel consumption 6.0 l/100km, combined CO2emissions 141g/km)

A180d with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission (85kW/260Nm; combined fuel consumption 4.1 l/100km, combined CO2 emissions 108 g/km)

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