After seven years of production and having sold around 1.1 million units, 85,000 in the UK, Mercedes-Benz is starting the next chapter in the A-Class success story by launching a new, even more attractive and more innovative model. The second-generation A-Class will appear in UK showrooms in spring 2005.

The new A-Class's model range comprises two body versions, each with its own distinctive character: in addition to the versatile five-door version, Mercedes-Benz is also, for the first time ever in this model range, launching a three-door model which will attract buyers' attention through its sporty, youthful image.

The standard equipment provided with the A-Class includes a multi-function steering wheel, speed-dependent power-assisted steering, ESP, a selective damping system, head and front-side airbags as well as adaptive front airbags and belt force limiters. The new or further-developed four-cylinder engines deliver up to 38 per cent more output whereas fuel consumption has fallen by up to 10 per cent.

The new A-Class distinguishes itself from other cars through its unique sandwich concept and striking one-box design. Newly designed headlamps, a striking radiator grille, muscular sculpted wings and a bold sweep along its side profile accentuate the compact, dynamic image of the A-Class. The larger proportions also ensure the A-Class looks more powerful too: the new compact Mercedes car is 232 mm longer and 45 mm wider than its predecessor.

The new three-door model variant provides all the safety and comfort attributes of the A-Class and then adds flowing. From the start of 2005 onwards, the three-door model will be offering an attractive entry point to the world of Mercedes-Benz.

An overview of models for the new A-Class:

- A 150 95 bhp
- A 170 115 bhp
- A 200 136 bhp
- A 160 CDI 82 bhp
- A 180 CDI 109 bhp
- A 200 CDI 140 bhp

Intelligent safety package for comprehensive passenger protection
The second generation A-Class remains true to its reputation as a technological trendsetter: ground-breaking innovations again make their premiere performances in this vehicle, further improving driving safety and drive comfort; a total of more than 200 patents are used in the new Mercedes model.

In addition to the unique sandwich concept, which delivers front and side impact advantages, the newly developed efficient belt and airbag system in the A-Class, ensures a level of passenger safety customers have come to expect from Mercedes. This includes adaptive two-stage front airbags, seat belt tensioners for front seat passengers and passengers sitting in the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters and newly developed head and front thorax-side airbags in place of the former side bags.

Premiere for new rear axle and selective damping system
The new A-Class also offers a range of new features in terms of driving safety and roadholding. The main technical chassis innovation is the parabolic rear axle that offers precision tracking and good anti-roll support when cornering. The rear axle therefore makes an important contribution to the exemplary driving safety, dynamic handling and high levels of drive comfort experienced in the new A-Class.

The chassis of the compact Mercedes car features another special innovation fitted as standard: a newly developed selective damping system, which is a world first in automotive construction. Thanks to this system, the shock absorber forces are adapted to the current driving situation.

Greater performance with improved fuel consumption
More performance, more torque, increased driving pleasure and enhanced fuel economy - these were the objectives laid down when developing the engines used in the new A-Class. The new range will also feature seven four-cylinder engines - including three newly developed CDI direct fuel injection models and one new 193 bhp turbocharged petrol engine. When compared with their predecessors, the performance of the petrol and diesel engines used in the new A-Class has increased by up to 38 per cent and torque levels have improved by up to 46 per cent. Even with these higher performance levels, the fuel consumption of the petrol models has fallen by up to 10 per cent. All engines satisfy the stringent EU-4 exhaust gas limits and a particulate filter system can be supplied on request for the diesel engines.

The three newly developed CDI diesel engines are based on second-generation common-rail technology, which operates with dual pilot fuel injection and a higher fuel injection pressure (1600 bar). This and other measures result in a considerable increase in performance and torque, a drop in exhaust gas emissions and audible improvements in noise comfort.

Fuel consumption of the CDI models in the NEDC cycle is 57.6 mpg to 52.3 mpg, thereby equalling the exemplary level achieved in the former compact Mercedes car. The A160 CDI can travel around 680 miles on one tank (54 litres).

On request, all models of the new A-Class can be supplied with the newly developed AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission. This is the first Mercedes transmission to function following the principle of a "Continuously Variable Transmission". The ratios are modified on a continuously variable basis using a pulley variator and thrust link belt. With this system, the A-Class can accelerate without interrupting traction and the engine reaches its maximum performance output faster than with a standard automatic transmission. The AUTOTRONIC also delivers higher levels of driving and noise comfort.

Premium-level spaciousness, comfort, touch, feel and ergonomics A compact car on the outside and a family car on the inside, with the space available in an MPV - the new A-Class also manages to combine these apparently mutually exclusive features by virtue of its unique sandwich concept. The new compact Mercedes car outperforms its predecessor and competitors in terms of all comfort-linked interior dimensions: the shoulder room has grown by up to 97 mm, the width provided for passengers' elbows by up to 95 mm and the space at knee height in the rear by 30 mm. The distance between the front and rear seats is 805 mm and is therefore the same as that found in a medium-size saloon.

The choice of interior materials is based on scientific investigations conducted in the laboratories of DaimlerChrysler's research department, where drivers evaluated surface materials, switches and controls in terms of how they feel to touch. These tests provided valuable data for the development of interior parts, which not only look good, but also are good to touch. This means looks and feel complement each other and make an important contribution to making car passengers feel at ease. The Mercedes formula for the best possible touch, feel and ergonomics has been developed via these scientific tests: the "TAF factor" (Touch And Feel factor).

Alongside the dimensional concept, seat design and ergonomics, the air conditioning system in the interior compartment also helps to increase the safety and well being of car passengers. In the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is offering a high-performance air conditioning system as standard or on request, will fit the compact car with a 'Luxury Climate Control' automatic air conditioning system. This operates on the basis of data recorded by sensors on temperature, position of the sun, air humidity and level of pollutants in the outside air.

Other optional extras available from the Mercedes luxury class include the latest generation innovative COMAND APS control and display system, the Audio 50 APS navigation car radio and bi-xenon headlamps.

Up to 1955 litres of luggage space thanks to EASY-VARIO-PLUS
The luggage capacity of the new A-Class exceeds that of its predecessor by up to 15 per cent. Thanks to the 60/40 rear seat split, the interior compartment can be laid out in different ways in a few simple moves to satisfy the task. Both the seat cushions and the backrests can be folded forwards individually or all together and the height-adjustable loading floor therefore produces a flat loading area.

The capacity of the luggage compartment is 1310 litres (using the VDA measuring method). If the optional EASY-VARIO-PLUS system is supplied in the five-door model, both rear seat cushions and the rear seat backrests can be taken out. This system also offers the option of folding the passenger seat backrest forwards or removing the passenger seat completely. The load area then increases to a length of 2.75 metres and the loading volume goes up to 1955 litres.

The loading volume is adjusted slightly by 40 litres for UK specification A-Class, in comparison with the home market. All A-Class in the UK will benefit from a space-saver spare tyre package, as opposed to a 'Tyrefit' emergency solution fitted in Germany. The loading volume figures quoted above are for UK specification.

Full UK pricing and specification will be announced later this year, prior to the model's 2005 launch.

Mercedes-Benz news release - 23 Jun 2004