2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

 

Mercedes'
A-Class has historically been a four-door hatchback more concerned with
environmentally friendly utilitarian duties than making a statement
about style. For the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows, Mercedes
intends to change that frumpy image with an aggressively styled concept
that looks more performance hot-hatch than green hipster-hauler, taking
the A-Class in an entirely new direction. Thought it is just a concept,
it might show the direction the front-wheel drive platform is headed-one
that will appeal to a more youthful and enthusiastic buyer.

Looking
ready to go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi A3 and Volvo C30,
the A-Class Concept is powered by a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter
direct-injection turbocharged I-4 mated to a dual-clutch transmission.
In hot-hatch tradition, this powertrain is splayed out transversely
across the front of the car.

The
design language seen on this new A-Class first appeared on another
concept, the F800 Style shown at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The body
consists of free-flowing surfaces accented with sharp creases. Mercedes
states that the styling was influenced by wind and waves and reflects
aviation engineering. This theme is reflected in the interior, with
see-through fabric stretched over a skeletal structure. The vents,
instrumentation, and shifter all reflect avionic controls, looking
minimalist and very futuristic at the same time.

The
A-Class Concept is stuffed with technology. Mercedes boasts of being
the first in the compact segment to offer a radar-based collision
avoidance system and adaptive brake technology. The system audibly and
visually warns inattentive drivers about possible collisions while
preparing the braking system for an immediate and powerful stop.
Infotainment details are handled by a fully integrated smartphone and
use a three-dimensional dash display formed of magenta-colored laser
lines. The interior seats four in separate buckets, and one long center
console is shared by both the front and rear seats.

Rumors
of Mercedes bringing the A-Class to the American market have been
brewing for years. It looks like we may be one step closer, but in an
entirely unexpected form. Instead of a smallish people-mover, it may
very well end up being an upscale performance hatchback. There is even a
possibility it may turn into multiple A-Class vehicles. We will get our
first look at the concept in New York later this month. Maybe Mercedes
will have more information about future plans then.

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class C