Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all new A-Class to challenge the premium compact segment. The new A-Class communicates design and dynamism at the very first glance. This radical form language, presented and enthusiastically acclaimed around the world with the Concept A-CLASS, was consistently implemented in the series production car. The appearance of the new A-Class reflects this new Mercedes-Benz design strategy. The result is what is known as a two-box design with a distinct character of its own, a sportily emotive exterior and an exceptionally high-quality feel to the interior.
The A-Class is a five-seater. The rear seats provide room for three passengers. The boot volume is 341 litres. If the rear backrests are folded down, its capacity jumps to 1157 litres. In all variants, the rear seat backrests feature a 60:40 split, can be folded down individually. The width of the luggage compartment between the wheel housings is 1050 mm. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches two new A-Class variants for the local market, namely the A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and A 250 Sport.
The 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission (for A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and A 250 Sport) with seven forward gears and one reverse gear combines comfort, sportiness and economy. The preselectable programmes, “Economy”, “Sport” and “Manual” can be set via a switch on the centre console. The programmes differ from one another in terms of shift characteristics and shift speed.
The A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY, (1.6L, turbocharged engine), has the combined elements of sporty and dark elements to create a unique design to cater for the most discerning customer. It gives a commendable performance of accelerating to 100 km/h from standstill in 8.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 224km/h. The fuel consumption of 5.4l/100 km (combined) is so low that it possibly sets a new record.
The side is highly distinguishable with its black painted exterior mirror housings and 18-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle front is accentuated with a black radiator grille featuring 2 louvres with a central star.
Inside, the front sports seats are upholstered in ARTICO/fabric and trim elements in black diamond pattern. Both front seats are electrically adjustable with memory functions. The 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel in nappa leather perforated in the grip area completes the sporty interior.
For entertainment there is the Audio 20 CD changer. It could be conveniently operated via the multifunction steering wheel and the controller in the centre console.
The sportiest variant is the new A 250 Sport (2.0L, turbocharged engine) engineered by AMG to provide special driving dynamics in the A-Class. It boasts an AMG sports suspension – featuring a specific front axle – developed by the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. The further equipment is based on the AMG Sport design and equipment line, supplemented by other exterior and interior features. These include the striking diamond radiator grille and the characteristic red trim on the AMG front and rear apron plus the red highlight rings on the headlamps. The A 250 Sport is cladded with AMG bodystyling and shod with 18-inch AMG alloy wheels which highlights not only style but substance too. With an output of 211hp, the A 250 Sport sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in 6.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240 km/h. The new A 250 Sport combines great responsiveness and exemplary power delivery with outstanding fuel efficiency of only 6.4l/100km (combined).
Inside the front sports seats (with memory functions) are upholstered in ARTICO/DINAMICA microfiber with red contrasting top stitching. The 3-spoke steering wheel is in nappa leather with red contrasting top stitching, as do the armrest in the centre console and doors. The sporty instrument cluster comes with silver-coloured dials and red needles. Other highlights include the carbon-fibre look trim, the dashboard with high gloss rotary light switch ringed in silver chrome and air vents with red marker ring and cruciform nozzles in silver chrome. The sports impression is further accentuated by the pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs. The cord floor mats with black piping, red contrasting top stitching are also part of the A 250 Sport’s standard equipment.
Both A 200 and A 250 Sport share a common range of entertainment system. Mercedes-Benz, ever conscious of reducing carbon footprints, has made ECO start/stop a standard feature in both A-Class variants.
In an innovative move in the compact segment, A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and A 250 Sport are equipped with a radar based collision warning system, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, a combination which lowers the risk of rear-end collision. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system gives a visual and audible warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise braking response possible.
The new Mercedes-Benz A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY is priced at RM198,888 while the A 250 Sport is priced at RM238,888. For more information, log on to www.mercedes-benz.com.my.
