2012 Mercedes A Class finally arrives

2012 Mercedes A Class

The 2012 Mercedes A Class has finally been revealed tonight in Geneva, looking exactly like a BMW 1 Series fighter.

The 2012 Mercedes A Class is probably one of the worst-kept secret reevals for Geneva 2012, what with endless concept shots, spy photos and spy video. We even had a leaked photo of the new A Class this morning.

But now we get the ral deal, and it’s not a disappointment. We thought earlier today that the new A Class looked every inch a Mercedes effort of taking the fight to the BMW 1 Series, rather than just more of the same rather staid A Class we’;ve had for the first two generations.

The new B Class takes over the staid entry level torch from the old A Class, and Mercedes look like they mean business – and are targeting  whole new demographic of younger, aspirational, customers – with the sporty and appealing-looking new A Class.

At 4920mm long and 1780mm wide, the new A Class is a bit shorter than the 1 Series but a bit wider, and with a FWD platform instead of the BMW’s RWD platform it should offer better interior space. How it will measure up to the 1 Series on the road, however, remains to be seen.

Mercedes are offering a range of petrol and diesel engines at launch, with the petrols a 1.6 litre with 121bhp or 154bhp and an A250 that gets a 2.0 litre turbo with 208bhp.

Diesel engines will be the A180 CDI with a 108bhp 1.8 litre, A200CDI with 134bhp and an A220CDI that gets 168bp. All the A Class range gets Stop-Start as standard and a six-speed manual ‘box, although a 7-speed DCT ‘box is now an option instead of the woeful old CVT.

As we reported a week or so ago, the new A Class gets some nice tech integrated with the use of Smartphones, lots of grown-up stuff like Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keep Assist and an AMG Sport Pack that offers the usual sporty add-ons.

The 2012 MEr4cedes=Benz A Class looks a potential winner, and will go on sale across Europe in the Summer. No prices yet.

(44 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK