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Sporty New Look For Merc A-Class

Mercedes has unveiled its new A-class range, which will include this surprise three-door sporting version. The company is also promising a full-on 193bhp turbocharged model and, say sources, an even more powerful AMG-fettled version.

01st July 2004

It's seven years since the A-class was launched - and then hastily withdrawn after its widely publicised failure to pass the standard Scandinavian 'elk test'. Pictures were beamed worldwide of the tiny city car rolling over onto its roof during a severe avoidance manoeuvre at a test track. Production lines were stopped while serious modifications were made to the chassis. Still, this didn't prevent Benz from shifting around 1.1 million A-classes since then.

The original model's biggest problem was the combination of a very short wheelbase and tall body. Mercedes rushed out a long- wheelbase version of the original car and the second-generation A-class also uses this longer platform. However, to ensure even better stability, the new car is slightly wider and noticeably longer than the outgoing model. The rear axle has also been redesigned, but the unusual construction remains the same: double-decker 'sandwich' floorpan with the engine mounted at a 45degree angle under the floor.

Sporting prowess will be aided by a new 'selective damping system' which sees 'shock absorber forces being adapted to the current driving situation'. It'll be fitted as standard to all models. A new continuously variable transmission (Autotronic) will also be launched on the car.

The interior also sees a step change for Mercedes away from the swooping curves of many of the current models and back to a more traditional Germanic restraint. Great claims are made for the material quality of the cabin, despite this being one of the cheapest models to wear the three-pointed star. The new A-class goes on sale next spring.