Mercedes seeks A marks from Facebook generation

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the pricing and details of its latest A-Class.

Arriving in showrooms in December, the all-new model is described as a car for the “Facebook generation”.

The whole new look, very different to its predecessor, is aimed at drawing younger customers away from rivals such as the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

Gone is the boxy look on the unique ‘sandwich’ chassis construction and in comes a more sculptured shape sitting on the same platform as the recently introduced B-Class.

According to British designer Mark Fetherstone the shape really was sculptured – in clay – rather than generated on a compute.

“We really were encouraged to be progressive,” Featherstone says.

“We used clay because you really couldn’t get the lines we wanted on a computer. I wouldn’t have imagined that at Mercedes we would dare to build such a car.”

According to Fetherstone he drew inspiration from many things such as landscapes – and particularly aircraft; “One of the greatest designs of all time is the Concorde – sheer aerodynamics.

“Even though it may seem like a cliché, when you see the A-Class from the front you can be reminded of a wild cat.”

Marketing chief Gerd Sailer believes the inside of the car will be just as impressive, describing it as an “iPhone on wheels.

“We are aiming at younger buyers not only with a sporty design and enhanced driving dynamics, but we also have an extensive multi-media package with full iPhone integration,” Sailer says.

“It’s really cool how you can use the voice control system to fix appointments or call up news,” he adds.

“Being able to access networked information anywhere and at any time has become a vital part of everyday life. We are offering the Facebook generation a natural home on four wheels.”

The new A-Class will go on sale at prices ranging from £18,945 to £23,445 for the top AMG spec model.

Engines range from 1.4 to 2.0 litres with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmissions. Stop/start technology is employed through the range and the 1.4-litre A180 CDI diesel returns a congestion-charge busting CO2 emissions figure of 98g/km.

Words by: Headline Auto